I've been searching through the plethora of lift threads and suspension upgrades for stock shock replacement suggestions.
I am looking for a good replacement for the stock shocks. I have zero intentions of ever lifting or doing any spring upgrades. Truck is a daily driver and intend to keep it stock and reliable as it has been.
Can anyone recommend a good replacement for the stock shocks?
I am considering the Napa Response or the Bilstein 4600's
Any experience or comments with both ( or other suggestions) appreciated.
Bilstein 4600's are a good choice. I run them on my 2000. If you're inclined to do the job yourself, the video below will help you out. You can rent spring compressors at many auto parts stores. O'Reilly for sure rents them for free.
__________________ "My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it!"
I have 5100s on my lifted 4runner and I put 4600s on my moms's DD 4runner. I know you don't really want any lift, but the Moog 80188 and 81041 springs are for a 99, which are about an inch taller. They can be had for roughly $100 for all 4 springs. If you are going through the trouble (and expense) of doing the shocks, springs wouldn't be a bad idea. Every stock spring on every single 3rd gen out there is blown, I guarantee it. The new springs will settle a bit after a couple weeks, but they will still be springier than the stock springs you have on now (if they are still original). The reason behind that is that they are a little taller and are still fresh, so they will compress further before hitting the bump stops, which is what results in a terrible ride.
The Moog springs ride well with the 4600s and it gives it a nice sporty feel and handles bumps surprisingly well. It actually rides better than my lifted 4runner on 5100 shocks. I would highly recommend going that route.
I have 5100s on my lifted 4runner and I put 4600s on my moms's DD 4runner. I know you don't really want any lift, but the Moog 80188 and 81041 springs are for a 99, which are about an inch taller. They can be had for roughly $100 for all 4 springs. If you are going through the trouble (and expense) of doing the shocks, springs wouldn't be a bad idea. Every stock spring on every single 3rd gen out there is blown, I guarantee it. The new springs will settle a bit after a couple weeks, but they will still be springier than the stock springs you have on now (if they are still original). The reason behind that is that they are a little taller and are still fresh, so they will compress further before hitting the bump stops, which is what results in a terrible ride.
The Moog springs ride well with the 4600s and it gives it a nice sporty feel and handles bumps surprisingly well. It actually rides better than my lifted 4runner on 5100 shocks. I would highly recommend going that route.
This sounds very tempting, The current springs seems fine, no sagging and the ride is fairly smooth, bit rough when hitting bumps, and the truck rolls around corners and i get vibration / steering shake at 100-110km/h that's not from wheel balance.
I did some drop tests with a jack and the truck bounces about 1.5- 2 times before coming to rest so it seems the damping is gone in these stock shocks.
Also get a gradual vibration that develops when going downhill and braking.
Its not brake related- did the TBU upgrade and zero vibration when braking on straight sections. Also get a bit more front end dive when braking.
Trying to avoid changing the ride height as I don't want to develop any CV joint issues due to the change in angle associated with any lift.
My vehicle is a 2000 Limited so will those spring part numbers work?
The 4600's are more than 2 x the cost of the Napa shocks alone so that's my toss up right now.
My vehicle is a 2000 Limited so will those spring part numbers work?
The 4600's are more than 2 x the cost of the Napa shocks alone so that's my toss up right now.
The taller Moog springs are still 'stock' height for a '99 4Runner and won't cause CV/driveline problems. I personally wouldn't really trust them though (there are reports of premature sagging). If you are happy at your current ride height and weight capacity, just keep your current springs.
As for shocks without a lift... Go OEM or Bilstein 4600. The 4600's are a bit stiffer, but I would describe it as controlled, not stiff. They won't last as long as OEM. Any other parts store shocks may work for a while, but will wear out faster - the Bilstein or OEM options will actually be cheaper in the long run. Buy once, cry once, as they say.
-Charlie
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'99 4Runner SR5 Auto - 4WD swapped
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Interesting way to do it. Spring compressors are perfectly safe if you know what you're doing. The first time I used them, I compressed the springs using a regular ratchet and socket and it was a workout. Now that I have a cordless impact, I use that. Tighten them evenly and you'll be golden.
__________________ "My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it!"
I've tried this a couple times and have never been able to get it to work for me.
What part did you get stuck on?
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtbtim
Interesting way to do it. Spring compressors are perfectly safe if you know what you're doing. The first time I used them, I compressed the springs using a regular ratchet and socket and it was a workout. Now that I have a cordless impact, I use that. Tighten them evenly and you'll be golden.
I agree completely, and also would say that they have an undeserved reputation of being unsafe. That being said, I believe the LCA method to be the more efficient and first timer-friendly alternative. I would love to hear your thoughts should you ever have a chance to try.
Store brand shocks are usually china crap. If you're desperate to save a few bucks then get KYBs. At least that's a name brand. If the coils aren't saggy then just leave them. No need for an extra 1 inch of lift from 99 coils.
The video seems like a lot more involved then just replacing the spring over shock assembly. specially for first timers. spring compressors are safe for most folks but for a first timer I would recommend watching videos and if possible have someone around to walk you through the process for the first time.Also you can have a local shop do it for a few dollars. There is potential for injury and accidents do happen to the best of us.
edit: you can't go wrong with bilstein HD 4600 all around and oem 99 springs all around. moog springs are a good quality but seem to give out sooner so lack longevity
Last edited by spartacus; 07-09-2018 at 02:42 PM.
Reason: more info
Ive got some KYBs that I only had on the rear for less than a year now that I've put my lift on. I had the same issues, it was bouncy as all get out. These rode quite well, I was impressed. You can have them for the cost of shipping them if you'd like. They truly are about new. If not, I'd still recommend them. They worked well.
This sounds very tempting, The current springs seems fine, no sagging and the ride is fairly smooth, bit rough when hitting bumps, and the truck rolls around corners and i get vibration / steering shake at 100-110km/h that's not from wheel balance.
I did some drop tests with a jack and the truck bounces about 1.5- 2 times before coming to rest so it seems the damping is gone in these stock shocks.
Also get a gradual vibration that develops when going downhill and braking.
Its not brake related- did the TBU upgrade and zero vibration when braking on straight sections. Also get a bit more front end dive when braking.
Trying to avoid changing the ride height as I don't want to develop any CV joint issues due to the change in angle associated with any lift.
My vehicle is a 2000 Limited so will those spring part numbers work?
The 4600's are more than 2 x the cost of the Napa shocks alone so that's my toss up right now.
Avoid Monroes they are horrible. KYBs are just as inexpensive as the Napa's but worlds better. If I had to guess, I would think the Napa's are Monroes.
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