My 1998 Tacoma 4x4 2.7L runs like a champ at 160K miles. My only problem is the springs. In the past three years I had to replace the short leaf on the passenger side once and driver side twice (13 months apart!).
I've never carried more than 1,000 pounds in the back. I only got close to that once, in fact. And I know how to distribute the weight, so it wasn't like I had it all piled on top of the axle.
You can be sure Toyota knows about this problem -- they got an earful from me, and I know I'm not the only one. I've seen the subject discussed here before.
My question: What can I do for, say, under $200 that will make this a non-problem? Will new shocks help, or is that unrelated?
And if I replace the shocks, what do you recommend? It's not a TRD. I seldom carry weight, and most but not all of my driving is on paved road.
Thanks!