Do I need new shocks?

[splib]

So my '02 Taco has 140k miles on it. Its off-road use has mainly been using 4 Hi on the muddy, level road I take to get to work (about 1.5 miles one way in what little 'muddy' times there are in the central valley of CA) and the few summertime jaunts to mountain lakes in the Sierra's.

The original shocks seem fine, at least when I do the jump-up-and-down on the bumpers trick. I feel the need to replace them just out of the fact of the miles on them. They don't leak. Am I just being paranoid? Should I keep them on until I notice a real problem? What does it take to change the front ones with the coil spring.

TIA, Paul.

 

[Jukelemon]

As far as shocks, usually it is a matter of taste unless they are just shot and the rear/front bounce all over the place.

I will say that new shocks will give a better ride-you are just use to old shocks.

In terms of changing them, that is very easy and simple.

You will need to rent a spring compressor for the front coils and will need jack stands/jack. The rears are very easy as well.