2003 V8 SR5 shocks Bilstein

[Bkt4runner]

Hi everyone, new member. I have a 2003 4Runner V8 SR5. Completely bone stock. No modifications whatsoever. Original owner. Has 110,000 miles. Question is in regards to the shocks. I still haven't replaced the shocks yet. I just drive it normally, no offroading. Live in Los Angeles. How long do the oem shocks last? And is it time to replace them? I did some research and found several bilstein models. Can I get a review on them to see which one is the best? Here they are my options..

1. http://m.ebay.com/itm/120894154164?nav=SEARCH&sbk=1

2. Toyota 4Runner Bilstein Front Rear Shocks Strut Set Genuine OE | eBay

3. Bilstein HD B6 4600 Series Shock Set Toyota 4 Runner 2003 2009 F R | eBay

Any suggestions? My goal is obtain the smoothest ride possible. I will not be raising the car.

 

[awdjunkies]

:welcome: to T4R.ORG I am sure you will get a few members giving you the best info/advice out there. Which is why I love this site. But with that being said, IF you don't want to lift it (Some will ask why), and want the same smoothness you have had, then why not go OEM again.. Especially if you don't off-road it.

Also why are you wanting to replace them? just because you have 100k + miles? Shocks don't have an expiration date, so they can last 100k miles or 150k miles, just depends on how they have been treated.


Either way, good luck and welcome :tea:

 

[Bkt4runner]

Thanks for the quick reply. The ride isn't as smooth as it used to be. I was curious the oem shocks on my car are they made by Bilstein? I am leaning towards the Bilstein HD because they are an established and high quality brand. I'm looking for a better ride quality than stock, one that is smooth and handles better and will last longer. Car is a daily commuter.

 

[kevinpt]

i would look into prices some more. i priced a set of 5100's for under $330 not to long ago

 

[Dylan]

i would look into prices some more. i priced a set of 5100's for under $330 not to long ago

If you're looking for 5100s, downsouthmotorsports.com seems to have the best price on a set for all four shocks. They may only offer lifted options though.

 

[chaz]

op, since you have an SR5, if the shocks on there now are black, as far as i know, they should be tokico. they would retain the same ride you had before, imo, bilstein HD 4600 would be an improvement but may seem a bit firmer when hitting bumps on the street (also have less nose dive when cornering tho) since you are not wanting to level the front you dont need the 5100 http://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/images/bilstein-5100-vs-bilstein-heavy-duty.cfm some have said that kyb have also been close to oem ride & feel & are alot less $. http://www.amazon.com/KYB-FRONT-REA...&newCar=1&s=automotive&vehicleType=automotive

 

[grhcan99]

I replaced mine with Bilsteins 4600 (HD). I have had mine for a month or two now and I am regretting it. The ride is just too stiff/firm for me. Like you, I don't off-road and use the car for my daily 40km commute and just wanted a comfortable ride. The Bilstein shocks gave my car great stability but at a steep price in comfort. Small road bumps/imperfections, potholes are hell and I now find myself avoiding some less than perfect roads. I'm going to give this a couple more months and see if I could get used to it.

 

[Bkt4runner]

I replaced mine with Bilsteins 4600 (HD). I have had mine for a month or two now and I am regretting it. The ride is just too stiff/firm for me. Like you, I don't off-road and use the car for my daily 40km commute and just wanted a comfortable ride. The Bilstein shocks gave my car great stability but at a steep price in comfort. Small road bumps/imperfections, potholes are hell and I now find myself avoiding some less than perfect roads. I'm going to give this a couple more months and see if I could get used to it.

Thanks for the heads up. My oem shocks are black...so i believe someone mention that they are Tokico. I think most likely the valving on the Bilstein HD is different than the oem.

 

[Bkt4runner]

op, since you have an SR5, if the shocks on there now are black, as far as i know, they should be tokico. they would retain the same ride you had before, imo, bilstein HD 4600 would be an improvement but may seem a bit firmer when hitting bumps on the street (also have less nose dive when cornering tho) since you are not wanting to level the front you dont need the 5100 - Shockwarehouse.com some have said that kyb have also been close to oem ride & feel & are alot less $. Amazon.com: KYB KIT 4 FRONT & REAR shocks / struts 2003 - 09 TOYOTA 4-Runner: Automotive

What about option #2 on my list? Anyone have experience with that?

 

[chaz]

besides being over priced on that ad, if you notice it says for the offroad package, so if you dont offroad, as stated above they be a bit too firm on the street when hitting bumps, etc. but if you are set on bilsteins, why not try & get a cheap set of them from the FJ forum? even a full set of coils & shocks will be cheaper than 450. for that matter, a set of 5100 can be had for about 100 less & give the option of leveling the front later if you change your mind. not to sound like a jerk, but lots of shock threads on the forum, a quick search might provide the answers you need.

 

[Bkt4runner]

besides being over priced on that ad, if you notice it says for the offroad package, so if you dont offroad, as stated above they be a bit too firm on the street when hitting bumps, etc. but if you are set on bilsteins, why not try & get a cheap set of them from the FJ forum? even a full set of coils & shocks will be cheaper than 450. for that matter, a set of 5100 can be had for about 100 less & give the option of leveling the front later if you change your mind. not to sound like a jerk, but lots of shock threads on the forum, a quick search might provide the answers you need.

I got three options listed in the first post. Options 1,2,3. Which of the three options are you referring to that you said is overpriced? I do not want to go offroading. I want a smooth and luxurious ride quality.


Btw, how is the ride quality on my option #2?

 

[chaz]

as someone stated above, the 5100's can be had for 330 so all the options you listed are overpriced. again, scroll down the ad & see your option 2 listing states " offroad package" & also as someone above stated they found the HD 4600 too firm & felt every bump in the road, so any of the bilsteins may not the "luxurious" ride your looking for, but thats all a matter of taste. if you are looking for close to oem ride just get these- Toyota 4Runner Front Rear Shocks Strut Set Genuine OE | eBay or the kyb's & call it a day.

 

[Dylan]

I ran the Bilstein HDs on my '94 and thought they were a great ride. They were firm but responsive. I also had 2" suspension lift. I am in the same boat as you are right now. I'm going to get 5100s mainly because I intend to lift, but also because they offer the ride quality I desire and allow versatility on the front lift levels.

 

[Bkt4runner]

Thanks for all the great info. Didn't realize the oem shocks for my car were so affordable. I wish Koni made a set of the adjustable yellow sport shocks for my 4Runner. Been running on those on my other cars for 12 years now and they are great even though they are twin-tube design. Monotube is better.

What do you guys think about option #2 in the first post of this thread. How is the ride quality on those? Is it too firm? It's meant for off roading right? Are there any Bilstein oem or aftermarket shocks I can use to get a smooth ride or is that not an option as some of you have stated so far?

So what I concluded so far is that if I want a smooth ride I really got no other option but to buy the oem shocks. All the other bilstein shocks will be too firm right? Is that correct? Are there any other bilstein shocks from another toyota truck which is compatible with my car and will give me a smooth ride ?

 

[ebg18t]

Keep in mind ride quality is very subjective. See if you can find someone on the board close to you. That way you can see what the ride is like.