Thai
Elite Member
Hey all,
As you know, on my '02 4runner, i changed my factory shocks to Bilsteins about 7 months ago. Bilsteins have always been one of the most highly recommended upgrade to the 4Runner (3rd gen). Thus, i thought it would help.
Since getting Bilsteins, i have noticed a few things:
- Ride is firmer...SIGNIFICANTLY firmer.
- Less body roll...slightly less.
- Less brake dive...excellent.
- Less wind wander...excellent.
- More control over bumps...yes, but ride is sacrificed. More jerkiness.
Well, today, i switched back to the factory (OEM--Tokico twin-tube low-pressure) shocks. Let me tell you, the ride is soooo much better! Sooo much smoother. You do not feel every zit in the pavement...let's not mention broken pavement. Yeah, over big undulations, there is slight "floatiness" with factory shocks; however, with Bilsteins, the motion is more abrupt over the same undulation (jerking) and not as smoooooth. There is slightly more body sway around corners than Bilsteins. And these observations are with heavier than stock tires (same size, but BFG AT).
Now, for my off-roading needs, i think the factory shocks (with factory springs) are more than adequate. Why? Because with off-roading, i usually go slow (in LOW range). Therefore, there is little chance of factory shocks fading due to excessive heating. Also, the ride is softer, which is preferred in off-roading. Bottoming out is probably more likely with factory shocks; however, '99-up 4Runners rarely bottoms out...and the fact that most off-roading is under 15 mph, this makes bottoming out even less likely. I don't plan on joining Dakar races anytime soon.
Overall, i am really happy with switching back to factory shocks. I still have Bilsteins as my back up down the road. This just proves that Toyota engineers know best!
After this experience, I do NOT think that Toyota chose these OEM shocks because of cost-saving. My brother's old Jeep Wrangler had monotube high-pressure shocks, and that thing costs less than $25K. Indeed, in general, monotube shocks cost more than the equivalent twin-tube shocks. However, the design of the shock makes a BIG difference. In addition, Toyota can adjust the valving of it's shocks to match perfectly with the other parts of the suspension...in my opinion, NO aftermarket company can do this type of valving (despite their claims).
In fact, Toyota has DIFFERENT shocks for the 3rd gen 4Runner, depending on TIRE SIZE! Bilsteins does not. Bilstein only differentiates 2wd from 4wd models.
So, in conclusion, IF you have stock springs & shocks, then do NOT upgrade to aftermarket stuff. That combo is the perfect compromise in my opinion. If you have aftermarket springs, then my recommendation goes out the window.
My Opinion.
As you know, on my '02 4runner, i changed my factory shocks to Bilsteins about 7 months ago. Bilsteins have always been one of the most highly recommended upgrade to the 4Runner (3rd gen). Thus, i thought it would help.
Since getting Bilsteins, i have noticed a few things:
- Ride is firmer...SIGNIFICANTLY firmer.
- Less body roll...slightly less.
- Less brake dive...excellent.
- Less wind wander...excellent.
- More control over bumps...yes, but ride is sacrificed. More jerkiness.
Well, today, i switched back to the factory (OEM--Tokico twin-tube low-pressure) shocks. Let me tell you, the ride is soooo much better! Sooo much smoother. You do not feel every zit in the pavement...let's not mention broken pavement. Yeah, over big undulations, there is slight "floatiness" with factory shocks; however, with Bilsteins, the motion is more abrupt over the same undulation (jerking) and not as smoooooth. There is slightly more body sway around corners than Bilsteins. And these observations are with heavier than stock tires (same size, but BFG AT).
Now, for my off-roading needs, i think the factory shocks (with factory springs) are more than adequate. Why? Because with off-roading, i usually go slow (in LOW range). Therefore, there is little chance of factory shocks fading due to excessive heating. Also, the ride is softer, which is preferred in off-roading. Bottoming out is probably more likely with factory shocks; however, '99-up 4Runners rarely bottoms out...and the fact that most off-roading is under 15 mph, this makes bottoming out even less likely. I don't plan on joining Dakar races anytime soon.
Overall, i am really happy with switching back to factory shocks. I still have Bilsteins as my back up down the road. This just proves that Toyota engineers know best!
After this experience, I do NOT think that Toyota chose these OEM shocks because of cost-saving. My brother's old Jeep Wrangler had monotube high-pressure shocks, and that thing costs less than $25K. Indeed, in general, monotube shocks cost more than the equivalent twin-tube shocks. However, the design of the shock makes a BIG difference. In addition, Toyota can adjust the valving of it's shocks to match perfectly with the other parts of the suspension...in my opinion, NO aftermarket company can do this type of valving (despite their claims).
In fact, Toyota has DIFFERENT shocks for the 3rd gen 4Runner, depending on TIRE SIZE! Bilsteins does not. Bilstein only differentiates 2wd from 4wd models.
So, in conclusion, IF you have stock springs & shocks, then do NOT upgrade to aftermarket stuff. That combo is the perfect compromise in my opinion. If you have aftermarket springs, then my recommendation goes out the window.
My Opinion.
I'm hoping they will last 90K miles.
