Hey guys,
I just bought a nice clean 97' Tacoma 4x4 extended cab with 120k miles on her. I'm hoping she's got plenty of life left in her.
The front shocks feel a little tired. I'd like to change these myself if I can. Anyone shed a little light on this? It looks like a strut assembly to me, but I'm not sure. Is it very involved other than spring compressors?
Any help would be appreciated.

First see if the cost of a spring/shock assembly is only a little more than just the shock by itself. Much easier, faster, safer job replacing the assembly than just the shock. Springs might be tired also.

If you replace the assembly, it is just a few nuts.

If you only replace the shock, all you need is a spring compressor. Don't tighten it more than you need to. If the spring wiggles, it's enough.

Lower nut/bolt 101 ft-lbs
Upper three nuts 47 ft-lbs
Damper rod nut 22 ft-lbs

Thanks Brian. Those torque values are a plus. Can you recommend a good source for the whole shock assembly?

Bilstein and Koni make good products. So does Toyota.

Thanks again Brian,
One more question, does the front end require re-alignment after a shock only change?

No. The shocks don't affect the suspension other than slowing down bouncing.