Toyota Tacoma suspension: identify your generation, then match the part
Identify your Tacoma generation
| Generation | Model years | Engines | Rear springs | Cabs and notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 1995–2004 | 2.4L and 2.7L four-cylinder, 3.4L V6 | Leaf springs | Regular Cab and Xtracab; Double Cab from 2001. PreRunner from 1998 |
| Second | 2005–2015 | 2.7L four-cylinder, 4.0L V6 | Leaf springs | Regular, Access and Double Cab. PreRunner offered |
| Third | 2016–2023 | 2.7L four-cylinder, 3.5L V6 | Leaf springs | Access and Double Cab. 2WD and 4WD share the same ride height |
| Fourth | 2024 on | 2.4L turbo four-cylinder (i-FORCE), also as the i-FORCE MAX hybrid | Coil springs on most grades; leaf springs on SR, SR5 XtraCab and TRD PreRunner | XtraCab and Double Cab, 5 ft or 6 ft bed. TRD PreRunner returns (XtraCab, 2WD only) |
The model year is on your registration and title. Trucks are built months before their model year, so use the model year, not the build date, to pick the generation.
Why the generation and drivetrain matter
- Front: each front corner has an upper and a lower control arm and a strut (a shock absorber with a coil spring around it). Arms, ball joints and struts are different parts for each generation.
- Rear: leaf-sprung trucks use leaf springs with separate shocks. Most 2024-on grades have coil springs instead, so leaf-spring parts do not fit them, and coil parts do not fit a leaf-sprung SR, SR5 XtraCab or TRD PreRunner.
- 2WD, PreRunner and 4WD: the PreRunner is two-wheel drive but, in the first generation, shares the 4WD's taller suspension and six-lug wheels. The 2024-on TRD PreRunner has a lifted front suspension. Check whether a listing says 2WD, PreRunner or 4WD.
What the current listings say
The table reads each listing title for the model years, position and part numbers the seller states. It is rebuilt every time the listings are checked.
Many titles cover more than one generation, such as 2005–2023. Confirm the listing names your exact model year, drivetrain and cab before you buy.
Stock replacements, leveling kits and lift kits
- Stock-height parts: struts, shocks, control arms and leaf springs that keep the factory ride height.
- Leveling kits: raise the front to sit level with the rear.
- Lift kits: raise both ends by a stated height, usually given separately for front and rear. Larger front lifts are often sold with replacement upper control arms, so check whether a kit includes them or needs them.
- Complete (loaded) struts: come with the spring already fitted, so you do not need to compress a coil spring yourself.
Signs of worn suspension
- Clunks or knocks over bumps, often from ball joints, bushings or sway bar links
- Bouncing after bumps, or the nose diving under braking, from worn struts or shocks
- Wandering steering or uneven tire wear
- A sagging rear, or one corner sitting low, from tired springs
- Oil leaking down a shock or strut body
A repair shop can tell you which part has worn before you order.
Before you buy
- Model year and generation: from the table above.
- Drivetrain: 2WD, PreRunner or 4WD.
- Cab and bed: some listings are specific to the cab or bed length.
- Rear springs on a 2024-on truck: leaf or coil.
- Position: front or rear, upper or lower, driver or passenger side.
- Kits: the lift height, and exactly which parts are included.
Fitting
Support the truck on jack stands rated for its weight, never on a jack alone. A coil spring on a strut is under high tension: use a complete strut, or have a shop compress the spring. Tighten rubber bushings with the truck at ride height, using the torque figures in Toyota's repair information, and have the wheel alignment checked afterwards. If you are not sure, use a repair shop.
FAQ
Which Tacoma generation do I have?
The first generation covers the 1995–2004 model years, the second 2005–2015, the third 2016–2023 and the fourth 2024 on. Your registration or title shows the model year.
Do 2016–2023 suspension parts fit a 2024 Tacoma?
Treat them as different parts. The 2024 Tacoma is a new generation, and most grades replaced the rear leaf springs with coil springs. Only use a part on both if its part number or the listing confirms both generations.
Does a PreRunner use 2WD or 4WD suspension parts?
The PreRunner is two-wheel drive, but in the first generation it shares the 4WD's taller suspension, and the 2024-on TRD PreRunner has a lifted front suspension. Look for listings that name the PreRunner, or match the part number.
Which 2024-on Tacomas have rear leaf springs?
Toyota kept leaf springs on the SR, SR5 XtraCab and TRD PreRunner grades. Most other grades have coil rear springs.