Best replacement shocks?

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

As far as I know, my 4runner has the factory X-REAS system and is currently just a little under 130k miles. While the current ride is pretty good, I'm very concerned that I'll notice a leaking shock at any time. I'm beginning to consider options for replacements. As many of you know, the cost of replacing with OEM is extremely high and a road I'm not wanting to take. I'm looking for a more affordable alternative and dumping the X-REAS. My 4runner is a daily driver so ride quality is of the greatest importance. I'd like something that'd give me lift in the front, although I can add a spacer to any one I get if needed. I have the factory rear air suspension, so from what I've read this will require me to keep a shock that is the same length as stock on the rear. For these I'm looking at the Bilstein HD shocks, found here:
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...utoModClar=&partNum=F4.BE5.C514.H0&perfCode=P
For the front, I'm really thinking about Bilstein adjustable shocks (and possibly FJ Cruiser springs). How are these shocks, and would I see any benefit by swapping on some OEM FJ Cruiser springs along with them? Anything better you guys can come up with? I'm going to be remaining mostly stock, no heavy bumpers or anything like that. I'll be looking for a little lift in the front, none in the rear. Here are the front shocks I'm looking at:
Front Adj. Bilstein Shocks ***BACKORDERED*** - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits
Any suggestions on which shocks to run front/rear for a great ride? Any suggestions and/or comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MikesToy]

I have the same year and model as yours except i only have 92K miles. I've been thinking the same thing "what if my x-reas leaks, what should i do?". Well, (*knocking on wood) they haven't leaked so far and it still functions and it's almost 2010. When that day comes (7+ yrs) that i have to replace it, i'd get the same x-reas tho it may cost.

 

[coach]

Bilstein 5100's are the best going man! I would get the adjustable fronts and get some OME 2" lift rear springs and you have a nice suspension lift for cheap with no spacers or anything. YOu really don't need the FJ springs up front with the adjustable 5100's. They will get you about 3" of lift on the highest setting.

Brent

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Bilstein 5100's are the best going man! I would get the adjustable fronts and get some OME 2" lift rear springs and you have a nice suspension lift for cheap with no spacers or anything. YOu really don't need the FJ springs up front with the adjustable 5100's. They will get you about 3" of lift on the highest setting.

Brent

Good to hear on the 5100's. From what I've seen, the shocks allow for four settings: stock height, .85 lift, 1.75 lift and 2.5 average lift. I'd run them at 1.75. However, with the rear air suspension, I don't have coils and I'd have to completely remove the system and fab up coils if I wanted to go that route. I want to keep the rear air suspension, so anything on the rear is out of the question. There is a detailed writeup over on toyota120 explaining how to raise the normal position on the rear air to give you about an inch of lift. I may do this (suppose to be simple) and run the fronts on 2.5. Either way, the fronts allow plenty of flexibility which I really like. Any other opinions on this setup, or possibly a recommendation for another? The way it looks I can do everything for under $400, which isn't bad. I'd like to keep X-REAS, but the numbers I've seen have been easily double that and it's just not something that matters "that" much to me. Thanks!

 

[4RBob]

I recently swapped my aging, failing XREAS out for 5100's. They aren't bad, but they are a little harsher. The XREAS was a better ride in terms of ride comfort and body control. Still, the 5100's are a good HD shock. I had them on my TJ (Jeep Wrangler) too.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

A nice, simple OE replacement that some have used is the KYB GR2. It's a decent priced shock that I have used on other vehicles with good success. It's more of a premium, twin-tube OE replacement than a HD shock. Shockwarehouse.com and other online places usually have a good deal on them.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I don't mind spending the extra money if needed, as I want this to be a comfortable daily driver. I've just heard of plenty of people replacing X-REAS with a better setup for much less. How would the KYB shocks compare to the Bilstein's (as far as ride quality)? I like the adjustable for the front, but I can run a spacer up front to acheive the lift I want if I get a standard shock. Thanks!

 

[ToyTec Lifts]

I would also vote Bilstein shocks!

Good luck deciding.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I don't mind spending the extra money if needed, as I want this to be a comfortable daily driver. I've just heard of plenty of people replacing X-REAS with a better setup for much less. How would the KYB shocks compare to the Bilstein's (as far as ride quality)? I like the adjustable for the front, but I can run a spacer up front to acheive the lift I want if I get a standard shock. Thanks!

The ride of the KYB will be very close to OE. Hardcore drivers might prefer the control and stiffness of a more HD shock with more control at high speeds such as the Bilstein. A spacer lift will work just as it would an OE shock.
:cheers:

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Great info, thanks! It looks like cost of the two shocks will be about the same (not enough difference for it to be the deciding factor). I like the ride right now, but I'm also riding on some very old shocks. I'm thinking even a stiffer shock should "feel" better because it will actually work as it is suppose to whereas my factory ones I'm sure are worn. I just really like the idea of the adjustable Bilstein's for the front. I need to verify that the rear KYB shocks are the same length as the OEM's, because that's the only way I can do this without messing up the rear air. Thanks a lot for the help thus far, and any further input is greatly apprecaited.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I just really like the idea of the adjustable Bilstein's for the front. I need to verify that the rear KYB shocks are the same length as the OEM's, because that's the only way I can do this without messing up the rear air. Thanks a lot for the help thus far, and any further input is greatly apprecaited.

I agree, the 5100 concept is awesome. Rancho has a similar shock for the front. I don't know much about them though...




The rear length of the KYB's should be the same as the are sold as a direct OE replacement. I am a bit confused, how would a slight difference in length mess up the air suspension?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Not real sure on the length thing, it's just what I've been told and never had anyone confirm anything different. I'm sure a slight difference would be ok but just not a real big one.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Not real sure on the length thing, it's just what I've been told and never had anyone confirm anything different. I'm sure a slight difference would be ok but just not a real big one.

I can understand how the air suspension wouldn't like a true 'extended length' shock as the air springs wouldn't tolerate over-extension very well (like when in a full articulation situation). It is the shocks job to limit the downward travel on the rear.

IMHO, something within a few mm of stock shocks should be fine.
:cheers:

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I agree. All I know is they are a little longer than stock. I don't know how much. This is the kit I want:
Bilstein Height adjustable front and matching***BACKORDERED* - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits
I just need to verify the length of the rear shock won't be an issue. It's longer, but the question is will it be long enough to cause issues? Otherwise, it looks like I'll do Bilstein adjustable fronts with the KYB rears (still open to other suggestions).

 

[ToyTec Lifts]

You may want to since the Bilsteins are 1.5 inch's longer than stock.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

You may want to since the Bilsteins are 1.5 inch's longer than stock.

OK, so looks like it'll have to be the KYB shocks on the rear. Should I do Bilstein adjustables on the front or go with matching KYB and add a spacer? The Bilsteins will come out a little cheaper by the time you add the cost of the spacer, so they are really what I'm thinking I'll go with. Any suggestions?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

OK, so looks like it'll have to be the KYB shocks on the rear. Should I do Bilstein adjustables on the front or go with matching KYB and add a spacer? The Bilsteins will come out a little cheaper by the time you add the cost of the spacer, so they are really what I'm thinking I'll go with. Any suggestions?

I'd probably KYB all the way. I'd be worried about the tuning of the shock and the end result leaving you with a rig that felt firm in the front and soft in the rear (or vice-versa, unlikely but anything is possible). Remember, the KYB is more of a direct OE replacement and the Bil is billed as a sportier, more HD shock.


Have you looked into the Rancho product? If the Rancho rear shocks are stock length that might be a good choice.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I have not looked into the Rancho one, but I will do that here in just a bit. As far as running KYB all around, you've got a very good point there. IF I did the KYB, would adding OEM FJ coils benefit me in any way? I'm trying to think about how I'd get the desired amount of lift. Thanks a lot!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

OK, I looked at the Rancho stuff. I'm seeing several different model shocks. I love the adjustable firmness of the Rancho, but I'm not too sure I want to sped nearly $200 a shock on the fronts. Right now I'm really thinking the KYB with a spacer and maybe FJ coils.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

OK, I looked at the Rancho stuff. I'm seeing several different model shocks. I love the adjustable firmness of the Rancho, but I'm not too sure I want to sped nearly $200 a shock on the fronts. Right now I'm really thinking the KYB with a spacer and maybe FJ coils.

Wow! They are proud of those:bash: I didn't realize they were that much. To keep it cheap I'd do the KYB's and some Toytec spacers...