Sway-a-way is the premier manufacturer of aftermarket coil-over shocks for the Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner and Tundra. The Sway-a-way Racerunner coil-over shocks feature 2" diameter and 5.5" stroke with threaded shock bodies that allow for adjustments in lift and ride height. King is another prominent manufacturer selling bolt-in replacement coil-over shocks, and the main differences are that the King shocks use 2.5" diameter bodies and use an internal nitrogen charged reservoir. The larger diameter Kings have a greater fluid capacity and the reservoir helps to prevent shock fade, but these apparent advantages are offset by the stroke of the shock, which is EXACTLY the same as stock. Parts List Swayaway shock, 2.5" x 8" emulsion, 7/8" w/spherical bearings 2.5" coil carriers, single rate 14" long x 600lb/in, 3" ID coils springs Spacer, 5/8" heim to 14mm Limiting straps from Kartek The Total Chaos shock mounts are made out of 4130 and position the Swayaway shocks up high in the upper shock mounting bucket to allow for the proper eye-to-eye length at full compression. Remove enough pressure from the Schrader valve to allow the shock to be compressed and installed on the vehicle. Use nitrogen to re-pressurize the shock to 200psi before driving it. THIS IS A CRITICAL STEP. An alternative is to pressurize the camber to 200psi with air, and then drive it to a shop that can pressurize nitrogen bottles.? There is no binding or bottoming through the suspension travel. At full compression (compression bump stops removed) there is still 1/4" of shock shaft exposed, and with 8" of stroke the shocks will never be a limiting factor on extension travel. In fact, these shocks MUST be used with some form of limiting strap to avoid damage to the CV shafts and suspension components.
Next, we will review the performance of these parts to a Total Chaos long travel kit that we will be installing on the same truck for a back-to-back comparison. The long travel kit will require installing fiberglass fenders to cover the 3.5" wider per side suspension, using new the brake lines, and replacing the CV axle shafts. We'll evaluate the pros and cons of all the extra work, parts required and additional cost. The bottom line is that the Total Chaos replacement Uni-ball upper control arm kit and Swayaway coil-over shocks are an excellent, cost effective upgrade and the perfect alternative to drop-bracket type lift kits.
Total Chaos Fabrication Swayaway Kartek Off-Road Talk about our Tacoma Project in the
Tacoma BBS |
The Total Chaos replacement upper control arms have the potential to allow more extension travel, and Swayaway shocks provide the additional suspension travel that Kings cannot. The best solution we have found is to use a pair of Swayaway 2.5" x 8" stroke shocks that have a fluid capacity similar to the Kings and way more suspension travel than any alternative. The 8" Swayaway emulsion shocks are a universal part that can be ordered using the following part numbers. They will bolt-in similar to other shocks, using Total Chaos upper shock mounts shown below and they can be installed to provide more travel and 0-3.5" of lift with stock arms or Total Chaos Uni-ball arms. The shocks can be ordered custom-valved for any application, but Swayaway techs can recommend valving for your truck based on weight and intended use.
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