best place to buy shocks? which ones for ride quality?

[03dfw4runner]

I just ordered my day star front leveling kit 1", & was thinking I should go ahead & replace shocks, I want a lil better shock than factory, But do not want to ruin ride quality, I was thinking bilstein? But did not know which model or where to buy?? any advice would be great.... also will be going with some 265/70/17's! 2wd v-6 here w/93k mostly highway/city driving......thanks!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

If it were me, I'd be looking at two options. First would be a full FJ Cruiser suspension swap. I'd use coils and shocks. Especially if you have the standard suspension, it'll be a big improvement. The FJ coils alone on the front did wonders for mine. Another common option is KYB GR2 shocks, they are a nice/affordable stock-like replacement, but with these I'd still suggest FJ Cruiser springs front/rear.

 

[03dfw4runner]

Thanks, I hear alot about the fj swap?? where do I buy it If I wanted to get it new? about how much? So I just need the 4 shocks & springs from a fj?? & this will be better than my stock springs with new bilstiens? does the fj do anything to raise my 4runner?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Not sure on buying new, probably partznet.com, just don't know the cost. I picked up my springs off an FJ with 5k miles, and best of all they were free. You can get great deals on nearly new FJ parts. Your right, just shocks and coils. I've not had either setup, so I can't compare quality. I do know that the FJ shocks will be at the top of my list when it comes time to replace. The shocks alone don't do anything for lift, but the coils do. I know you'll get ~.5-.75" in the front, and I *think* about the same in the rear. The ride with springs alone in the front (can't do the rear because I have the OEM rear air suspension) made a ton of difference on mine (and anyone else who has done it will tell you the same).