96 Runner Shocks---- NEED ADVICE!!!

[Mchamb23]

Hello everyone,

I need some advice regarding my 96 4Runner.

I purchased this vehicle at 204K and it now has 226K (Only done oil changes and routine maintenance... can't even stress how impressed I am with these vehicles. I was concerned buying a vehicle with over 200K but I am CONFIDENT it will go at least another 100K!!! :bravo

Anyhow... I have no idea when, or if, the shock absorbers were replaced. But the ride is noticeably rough and I can feel way too much of the road.

I am a college student so I dont have much money and would like to know if someone can point me in the direction of a full set of shocks that would be a good replacement.

I would like to find a good deal but would be willing to pay extra if anyone can vouch for a *super plush ride* (GF doesn't like bumpy ride!)

Thanks in advance for any help
Matt

 

[Charlee78]

Hi, you may want to start by checking you tire pressure... It's something often overlokked when ride quality is lokked for.
As for the bumpy ride, you need to know it's possible that you'll get the same ride after you replace the shocks if the ones you have on your truck right now are good.
To answer your question, I would put bilstein shocks on mine...

 

[trd_4runnin]

I still have the stock shocks on my 4Runner but from my readings, the Bilsteins are a pretty stiff shock and that doesn't sound like its at all what you are looking for. They are a great shock, but if you don't want to feel the road as much then it's probably not for you. I think the Monroe sensatracs are more up your alley. These are considered a stock replacement and most people that have gotten them have noted a more "plush" ride over stock. Also, you should note that the 4Runner is probably a little more "truckish" than other SUVs. With that many miles there is a very good chance it could use shocks, but after a shock replacement it is still going to ride more like a truck than a car. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[2000runr]

I have Monroe sensatracs on my 2000 that are approx k miles old. I am 90% sure I'm buying a lift kit, in which case I will be replacing all 4 to go to a longer shock/strut. If I do would you be interested in the used ones? They do smooth the ride out very well as the last post said, however this is still a truck frame, don't forget that.

 

[nolo]

I"m contemplating the Tokico Trekmasters. I have 129k on my 00 4runner 4wd v6, and it bounces EVERYWHERE.

this is the cheapest i"ve found the rear ones:

http://cpwstore.carpartswholesale.c...7103+4294967106+4294967108&Nr=AND(universal:0)

I'm not sure if I should go ahead and replace the springs on the rear too?

Still looking for the front ones at a good price. Can't seem to find them though, but my google-fu is weak this AM.... Too early I guess:zoom:

 

[Mchamb23]

Thanks for the advice Everyone. I think the Monroe sensatracs might be right up my alley... I know no matter what it's still going to ride like a truck but if it could be even a little smoother ride I would be happy.

2000runr- keep me in mind if/when u get the new ones.

 

[410toy]

shocks

here are some options stay away from the monroe. I have the bilstiens and lovem no boaty feel what so ever.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BILS...ies?hash=item518bcdd176&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TOKI...ies?hash=item5d261e4d16&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BILS...ies?hash=item3a5272f174&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KYB-...ies?hash=item27a8ca8bce&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

 

[Houston]

got my tire pressure set at 44, it is a little bit ruff but I'm used to a lot worst. 268k with original shocks.

 

[Charlee78]

I might be wrong, but did toyota set the tire pressure between 29 and 32 psi?

44 seems to be very hard...

 

[nolo]

When i first bought mine, dealership said "44" was the optimum pressure... i think it rides better at 32 so that's what i put them to. 44 seemed so danged rough.

 

[bju96]

268k with original shocks.

Wow, is that normal?? I am at 88k and thinking about changing my shocks soon. My truck's road manners are much better now with the new wheels/tires I put on last week, but after a 500 mile round trip to Tahoe and back this weekend, it still shows some unpredictable behavior on what seem like very small road imperfections. Hard to tell if it's worn shock/spring related, or just the nature of the beast.