Adding DV8 Rear Shock and Link Skid Plates

drktacoma · 2025-05-31T23:53:28+00:00

Recently I relocated from Utah to Nashville Tennessee one and a half weeks after buying my new 4G Tacoma. I towed a 5x8 Uhaul travel trailer with all my crap loaded to the brim and I wanted to share my experience on how the truck handled it. For starters I have a TRD Offroad iForce-MAX Premium Package (tow haul etc), DCSB. No vehicle or performance modifications. 5x8 Uhaul EMPTY trailer weight: 900 lbs Max Load: 1,800 lbs Max Load + Trailer Weight: 2,700 lbs Actual Load: 1,500 lbs Total Load + Trailer Weight: 2,400 lbs I didn't have a lot of skepticism on how the truck would handle the trailer and weight rather I had no expectations other than the fact that it would handle it better than my previous 3G. The 3 day journey was actually ENJOYABLE driving the truck with the trailer. I split up the days into two 9 hours and one 5 hour drive and it was quite relaxing. You most certainly know there is a trailer back there but it didn't gear hunt, held a constant rpm and delivered instant power when I asked for it. The trailer had no brakes so therefore I didn't utilize the trailer brake system and handled normal braking just fine! I did utilize the tow/haul mode on the selector on the lower pedestal and it held a higher RPM around 1000 more than if you weren't towing. Over the course of 3 days (1650 miles) I averaged 75 MPHS with a consistent 3000 RPM and 14.5 MPG with cruise control on 65% of the time with a dang headwind or crosswind the entire drive. I didn't utilize the backup assist features as I didn't have time to set it up before hand but the visibility from the mirrors and backup camera was suitable for manual reversing. To say I was impressed and happy would be an understatement, the truck exceeded my expectations. Would I do it again? Yea if I had to...sure the truck was super comfortable with the new seats, infotainment and climate control that it was as pleasurable an XC road trip can be through half a dozen flat states. Overall this put another stamp of approval on liking the 4G and being happy with the switch from the 3G. If you have any questions about it let me know I'm happy to answer! Overnight stop in St. Louis. Overnight stop in North Platte Nebraska.

redhead_jesss

Active Wheeler

Apr 23, 2025

Finally got around to adding my DV8 rear shock and link skid plates. The install is super easy as it only requires a 17mm and 19mm socket, a Torque wrench and utilizes the OEM bolts. You will be removing the shock mount factory bolt with the 17mm socket and only loosening the link mount bolt with the 19mm (you don't want to fully remove this one!)

**the website also provides detailed step-by-step instructions**

The only struggle I faced while doing this install was loosening the bolts initially and I ended up needing an impact wrench. The instructions call to torque the shock mount
bolt to 65 ft-lbs and the link mount bolt to 97
ft-lbs but for some reason they seemed to be on there way tighter than this as the inital impact wrench used was good for up to 500 ft-lbs and couldnt loosen the link mount bolt.

Otherwise it was a super easy addition to the truck and happy to have some added protection to the rear shock and link!

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