Need Recent Recommendations for Replacement Shocks and Struts
 

I used the search function but the posts were all very old. I have a 2007 4Runner that needs font struts and rear shocks replaced. Does anyone have a good recommendation on what and where to order from?

Daily driver, seldom off road use, and don't want to lift it.

What are your thoughts on the complete strut assembly? Lat time I used a spring compressor to replace struts I felt like I was holding a land mine in my hands the whole entire time.

This seems like a good deal but there are no reviews:

2007 Toyota 4Runner (without X-REAS Suspension System) Front & Rear Complete Shock Assembly & Shock Absorber Kit 8 Piece Set

I would be grateful for any suggestions.

Thanks!

If you don’t want a lift and it’s your daily driver and seldom off-road, the suspension you’re looking at should be fine.

Getting the struts pre-assembled makes it a lot easier to replace the front suspension.

My bet is that you will see no difference with the old shocks you have now versus the new set that you're looking at. In other words, the cheap new ones probably are not better than very used OEM shocks.

You don't need to use a spring compressor to remove the springs from the struts. You can do it on the vehicle very easily and safely.

OME Install - no spring compressor - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

Leave the sway bar connected and you won't need to support the hub as he does in the link.

I installed a brand new suspension from a new 5th Gen 4R TRD Off-Road. It required two minor modifications. I've never been so happy with a comfortable suspension as I am with this one. My 4R has a smoother, softer ride than my friend's Lexus GX.

These suspensions are all over Craigslist around here for about $150. Taken off brand new 4Rs due to aftermarket upgrades.

Well, looking at an upgraded package - Bilsteins - but sold out....

Bilstein Height adjustable front and matching 5100 Rear shocks

I did the same on my rig, the set came off a 2019 4R I think with hardly any miles on them. Maybe $100 on E-bay just gotta watch. Like night and day and the front is a decent height now.

I'd put the 5100 shocks in the "cheap new ones" category, but not nearly as cheap as the ones that you were looking at. Since you don't want a lift, maybe just go with KYB or Bilstein 4600. Look at what Rockauto has to offer. I have 5100s on my 3rd Gen and I wouldn't buy them again.

Invest some time cruising the local classifieds. Find somebody that's selling their take offs. Easy to find low mileage units. With a little shopping maybe you can snag up a trd pro takeoff(that's not ridiculously overpriced).

Then you've satisfied your needs, kept budget low and retained OEM reli/durability.

Thanks! - I just ordered the 4600's.

I have 5100s so this may not apply to you, but check to make sure you actually have enough stud from the rear shock. Mine had barely enough stud left to get the nut started without some effort.

I put that set on my 03 4wd Limited about a month ago.
Don’t think I was replacing the originals (had Gabriel’s on it), but the springs looked like the OEM springs.
Mine is mainly a daily commuter on paved roads, mix of country roads, freeway, and city streets.
And I wanted something inexpensive.

No leaks on the old ones, but I was bouncing excessively over bumps/holes and lots of body roll.

These springs are definitely firmer (more coils) than what I took off, but still plenty comfortable for my tastes.
But the ride and handling is way more controlled than with the old ones, and a lot less continual bounce over bumps.
Have one big bump/dip on my commute that I used to bounce all over the place if I hit it going fast. Now it is a single bump and then flattens right out at similar speeds.

And I drive it hard when I hit some curves, and noticeably less body roll and easier to track on my line when really committed and pushing hard in a curve.

Obviously can’t speak to longevity though, will have to see how long they last and if they were worth the lower price.

Probably not as good as some of the name brand options, but was a definite improvement over the old/worn ones.

there are qute a few recent threads on replacing shocks, even though you wnet with the 4600's teh KYB are excellent replacements & are far better than any worn out 13 year old used shocks. they great great reviews & are priced right & come with new springs installed.

also i know this is a nit pick but 4runners do not have struts, they just are a coil over shock.

What does it do to the X-REAS?
 

does any of these replacement shocks/struts disable X-REAS?

is it okay if XREAS is disabled.
my dealer said one of the front struts (and therefore the crossed rear) need replacement, so the accumulator line also does. quoted ~$2500 for that alone.

if any one can help:
I want new shocks all around, light duty only. preferably with some lift as I'm getting new.
have 2006 4WD sport edition limited with ~140k miles.

get rid of the xreas... not worth $2500. using standard shock will "disable" the xreas since all the xreas shocks & parts are replaced.

for light duty road use or even light duty off road the best value option IMO are the KYB, there are lots of recent threads on here about replacing xreas & its not a difficult job to do, you just undo the lines at the check valves about 10" away from the shock & install new shocks, the lines & blocks can be left alone or easily removed.

the kyb front coil over shocks come fully assembled with new coil springs so its an easy bolt in replacement. & due to the ~10% stiffer springs they do provide a little lift over stock, not fully level but definitely raises the front closer to the rear. order correct 4WD shocks for your vehicle & be sure to note the fronts are left & right side specific.

Thank you for the advice. Will bilstein 5100 be as good? I also want to add enough lift to accomodate 265/70/R17 tires (standard size 265/65/R17)

the 5100 are better than the kyb's & are more geared for off roading, ive read some people say they are quite a bit stiffer ride tham OEM shocks or "light duty" types like kyb or monroe. & they cost quite a bit more & require new springs to be installed, your 140k mile stock springs are probably worn out/sagging. so all in all it will be at least double the cost of buying complete kybs, thats up to you & your budget.

as for lift, i run 265/70/17 on my 08 sport 4runner & even with the worn out 140k xreas they didnt rub anywhere, with the added 1-1.5" raise over stock from the kyb's they definitely dont rub so i dont think you need 5100s for such a small tire, its barely 1" over stock height & same width, especially if you dont go with super aggressive A/T tread. i have goodyear A/Ts that are a lot beefier than all season tires & again, no rubbing.

for the light duty you mentioned & the price difference i think youd be happy with the kyb.. if you want much stiffer shocks that need new springs & hassle of installing the springs (although its not that difficult) then go with the 5100 for double or more the cost. kyb have a lifetime warranty too & are about $100ea for fronts & $50ea for rears.

newparts.com part number NP-3054271-KIT Monroe front struts and rear shocks included, free shipping $327.95 plus tax, Plus 2 year warranty, They ship very fast.

03-09 4Runner 4WD Bilstein 5100 Adjustable Leveling Shock Kit

Where i just ordered mine from. Quick shipping too. Says they're out of stock but they aren't.

would stay away from the monores, heard lots of bad reviews on them & that they are very soft feeling, softer than OEM... & only 2 yr warranty.

KYB are lifetime & have 10% stiffer valving & spring rate than stock per KYB.

thank you for the detailed recommendation. This will help in deciding.

I recently replaced my XREAS suspension with an Eibach PRO kit. I am extremely happy with it.
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3662967-post12.html

Tire Rack had an incredible deal at the time, but even now it's only about $825 for the parts. If you use freeshipping.com, you'll get another 10% off.

https://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...oModClar=Sport

Hope this helps!

I also just did the Eibach. It isn't what I wanted but everything else was out of stock and my suspension was shot.

I'm pretty happy with it but will probably add a 1" spacer under the rear.

I am the OP and just noticed my post is still alive almost a year later. I went with the Bilstien 5100's. They have been great so far.

Also, for a couple of bucks, I replaced the sway bar bushings front and rear and all of the "Thunk" noise from hitting bumps has completely gone away.

This is quite a sales pitch! Would you mind detailing the modifications required for this? And just so I’m clear, I can feel safe purchasing used 5th gen OEM coilovers and installing them on my ‘09 4th gen?

Thanks in advance….

I installed non-TRD Gen 5 strut assemblies on the front of my 03. All I had to do for mods is trim about a 1/16" or so of metal off the lower strut eyelet so it would fit. That part was easy. Getting the old top hat to release from the strut tower was not so easy. A big chisel and hammer was needed to break it free. The new assemblies were a huge ride improvement and brought the front up to where it should be.

I think the Tacoma and FJ assemblies will fit with the same trimming.

I would highly recommend 3rd gen tacoma front struts. I picked up a "used" but pretty much brand new set on fb marketplace for $60. (part #48510-04190). They were a direct bolt in for my 2005 v8 sr5. ride quality is great, it leveled out the front of the truck, and after 5k miles hasn't developed any sort of lean towards the drivers side.