Testing Your Shocks - Scientifically!

Don't over-tighten your Bilstein nuts! ⭐ My Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/cw/MiketheBackyardMechanic Support my channel! Buy the stuff I used: 🛠️ Milwaukee Cordless 3/8" Ratchet https://amzn.to/3IDUyi5 🛠️ Jack Pad https://amzn.to/3QuwXoY 🛠️ Floor Jacks https://amzn.to/46F1PbE 🛠️ Jack Stands https://amzn.to/3tHcX9z 🛠️ Chock Blocks https://amzn.to/4mkKEoL 🛠️ PB Blaster https://amzn.to/3RrYwzy In this video, I’m walking you through a complete rear shock installation on my 2013 Toyota Tacoma (2nd Gen). We’re swapping out the tired factory units for Bilstein 5100 series shocks, and I’m answering the #1 question most people have: How much should you actually compress those shock bushings? If you’ve noticed a clunking sound after a shock install or you're worried about snapping the shock shaft, I'll show you the "visual torque" method to get it perfect every time. 🛠️ What we cover in this Tacoma DIY: Step-by-step removal of 2nd Gen Tacoma rear shocks (2005-2015 models). The Bilstein 5100 bushing sequence (Which way do the washers go?). How to keep the shock shaft from spinning using the Allen key hack. Torque specs vs. Reality: Why you shouldn't just crank the nyloc nut to the end of the threads Are you building out a 2nd Gen Tacoma? Check out my other videos on maintaining the 2.7L 2TR-FE engine and keeping these trucks on the road for 300k miles. 00:00 Changing shock on a leaf spring truck 01:44 Testing the Old Shocks 03:02 Brands of Shocks 04:45 Jacking up a Truck 05:31 Removing Shocks 06:58 Installing Shocks 09:04 Installing Shocks on the Other Side 09:54 Finishing Touches 10:44 You'rrrrrre LIKING IT! 11:25 Old Shocks vs New Shocks Comparison 12:32 Conclusion #ToyotaTacoma #Bilstein5100 #TacomaMods #ShockInstallation #2ndGenTacoma #TacomaMaintenance #DIYAuto #Bilstein #TruckSuspension Many images used from Free Pik: https://www.freepik.com I get most of my sound effects from https://pixabay.com/ Disclaimer! Mike does stuff to entertain you, not for you to try some of the stupid things he does and get you hurt. Once again... Mike the Backyard Mechanic.