Any suggestions for shocks?

R

rodog21

New member
Hello to all...

Just wondering if anyone can make any suggestions as to what shocks/struts would make for a stiffer ride for my 96 4runner SR5-4x4...

I have 118k and was running stock until recently. The shop installed KYB Gas-Adjusts and they pretty much suck. On certain bumps, I feel like the shocks provide no support and I'm greeted with a large "thunk" here and there (like the shocks just gave out). I have 17" Enkei wheels on 265/70 rubber. I was told by another shop that they would have used KYB Monomax shocks. I've also seen on previous suggestions that OME (Old Man somthing?) shocks would be another choice as well.

Any input would be GREATLY appreciated...

Thanks...
 
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The common choice be Bilsteins with Performance Products progressive rate springs and will yield a nice firmer ride and a almost a 2" lift.

Here's a link to the OMEs

http://sleeoffroad.com/products/tacoma_suspension.htm#Toyota 4Runner

Both will cost about the same but alot of off roaders seem to prefer the OMEs and I'm in process of trying to decide between the two.
I think with my truck being a DD with an occasional off road trip I'm leaning toward the Bils/PP combo since I've heard the ride is a bit firmer than stock but gives your Runner a more controlled ride.
 
ive done a lot of reading, and it appears bil's are the way to go... theyre on ebay (search bilstein 4runner, then select if you want 2wd or 4wd) for a great price... $292 shipped.
 
KYB makes a good aftermarket shock too. I know because I had them on my 91' They seemed to firm up the rear and got rid of the rearend "sag" that most 2nd gen t4r's succomb too. I would/will buy them again when I need to replace my current shocks on my 99'.
 
Hello,
I was in that dillemma: Which shocks/struts should I buy to upgrade my old OEM factory shocks. I had three choices: 1) Toyota Factory OEM Replacement, 2) Monroe SensaTrac's, and 3) "Bilstein" . I went with the Monroe SensaTrac's. Currently, I still have a little bounce, but not a bad as with the old OEM shocks. I wish I went with the Bilstein's to get that firmer ride. Hopefully this helps.
Thanks,
Leroy
 
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Here's another vote for Bilsteins. I put a set of Bilstein Sport shocks on my '98 5 years ago, and it transformed the handling. In particular, the rear wheels no longer tended to chatter off the pavement on bumpy turns. The ride was a tad firmer, but well short of harsh.

When I bought my set of Bilsteins, TRD-sourced Bilsteins were reported to be smaller in diameter and wimpy compared to Sport shocks. Dunno if that is still true.

Good luck.
 
Guys. I've got a 97 4wd sr5 w/ the 265's. I have some Bilstein HD struts/shocks I'm going to sell. I've had them october 04. I can't take the bumps. I'm an old man and going to replace the Bilsteins back with Toyota OEM. Still have the receipt. Email me at [email protected] if anyone is interested.
 
Updated Shocks

ice2000 said:
Hello,
I was in that dillemma: Which shocks/struts should I buy to upgrade my old OEM factory shocks. I had three choices: 1) Toyota Factory OEM Replacement, 2) Monroe SensaTrac's, and 3) "Bilstein" . I went with the Monroe SensaTrac's. Currently, I still have a little bounce, but not a bad as with the old OEM shocks. I wish I went with the Bilstein's to get that firmer ride. Hopefully this helps.
Thanks,
Leroy
Click to expand...

I updated my rear shocks from Monroe SensaTrac's to Monroe Reflex. Wow! It made a difference in feel and stability. Now, I'm thinking to switching out my front Monroe SensaTrac's to Monroe Reflex. I just went over 100K on my 2000 4Runner.:D
Thanks,
Leroy
 
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It is my understnding that the KYB Monomax is an SUV shock. From what I have researched KYB does not suggest any of there other shocks for SUV's. Bilsteins are good from what I have heard to however I cant find a local shop to install the bilsteins.
 
97RUNNERltd said:
It is my understnding that the KYB Monomax is an SUV shock. From what I have researched KYB does not suggest any of there other shocks for SUV's. Bilsteins are good from what I have heard to however I cant find a local shop to install the bilsteins.
Click to expand...

if you bring the shocks in, they should be able to install them...

i just got bils installed, they ride nice :)
 
Hey, what's up fella's. I'm also looking into getting new shocks. I'm torn between the Bilsteins, and the Tokico Trek-Masters. They both say they change the dramatic difference in riding, handling, and stability. The Bils' are a lil more money than the Tokico's, so I guess my question is which one is better? Are the Bils' also a harder/stiffer ride? I def want to eliminate the bounce that I'm getting now when I ride over potholes or grooves. Seems like I'm about to lose control of the steering. And also, not that the rear has dropped yet, but I'm noticing that its' not as high up as it used to be, so I want to take care of that problem before it totally starts sagging, . . . I hate that look of SUV's with thier front ends raised, and their asses dropped. Will the new shocks help that out? Any info would be a great help. Thanks fellas.
 
Fellas, I've had my 97 Limited for about six months now. I love her to death but I'm getting beat up with the cooky ride I get on the bad Oklahoma rodes I have to drive on. I'm looking for a smoother ride. My lil' b*tch will hardly ever get off road unless I'm lucky. But I also want to add a brush guard on the front and I've read on Yota that you should go with a heavier duty shock on the front end if you do that....?
 

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In addition, there is a lot I want to do to this truck. I'm weary of doing mods because I don't have much experience working on cars. But I've heard and read the Air filter box mod is pretty simple and popular. I have had the fuel injection system cleaned, a brake job done, and plugs replaced...being that I bought it used with 76k, I wanted to make sure some things were up on it. Any other suggestions on what I might want to make sure to get done before too long? I've seen some guys going to all synthetics for all fluids.
 
Nice truck it really looks good. You may want to add clear signal lights in the bumber. I changed mine and it makes the front end look more updated. Run about $50 for the set at burtmanindustries.com. I have not heard about upgrading the shocks due to a brush guard.
 
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