Best Shocks for comfort on road?

[shadow247]

I'm picking up a 2001 Limited 4x4 1 owner with 198k miles in a few days. It has Monroe Quick struts in the front. I'm leaning towards replacing them in the next year. This will be a 99% Road Vehicle with the occasional trip to the MX track. I'm going to put the Airlift kit in the rear to compensate for the weight of my Hitch Hauler and 2 bikes.

What front shocks are the best for overall road comfort? I will likely never wheel this vehicle beyond a dirt road at the MX track, I've got a 99 with almost 400k to beat on now! I'm leaning towards the KYB's as they are supposed to be closest to stock, but I am open to other suggestions.

 

[gamefreakgc]

KYB's Gas-A-Just are close, that's what I have on right now but nothing beats Tokico blacks that came from the factory for on-road ride quality. The rears can be had for $35 each, it's the front struts that cost a bit more.

 

[Sarki]

I replaced originals at or 4 corners last year with KYB’s and very happy. Also replaced the factory springs front & back with OEM springs. My 02 is strictly a highway driver, no off-road use.
Very comfortable ride, no regrets.

 

[Thebeastlives]

The bilsteins 5100 front and rear give your 3rd gen that on the road ride close to a modern suv especially when you replace the springs. OEM springs are a good replacement but the aftermarket can help stiffen up the ride some to reduce body roll or give u more lift in the rear to reduce the sage.

 

[WeakSauz]

Something like OEM 99 Tall springs (if you want a little height) and Tokico blacks is going to reign supreme in the comfort department.

 

[shadow247]

Something like OEM 99 Tall springs (if you want a little height) and Tokico blacks is going to reign supreme in the comfort department.

Honestly the softer and lower the better since this is a street vehicle. I guess I"ll go for the KYB's and some 2wd springs if I can find them.

 

[4Runner4Leon]

I put in KYB Gas-a-justs and am really happy with the ride. What I am NOT happy with is that they are rusting after being there for less than six months. And I'm in CA, for crying out loud, I can only imagine how they'd look in the rust belt.

It's enough to make me want to go searching for the Tokico blacks - I removed the 20 year old original shocks and they had not a hint of rust.

 

[Dieselchessy]

I see these posts and comments of hitch motor bike carriers and am amazed.

I don’t know the tongue weight rating of the 4runner receiver, but can’t imagine it’s more than 500#. And the back frame of these things isn’t much.

I don’t read of guys losing bikes on the highway, so I guess it must work.

But dang, I cringe looking at pics of motorbikes on hitch carriers behind these things.

 

[3bears]

i put on kyb's and 99 talls and was very happy with them. I did like the ride. I also did arilifts. I did say I WAS happy with them, but at 40+k miles the rears are leaking. So not happy about that. However..my truck sees more gravel roads then pavement, and when I moved to alaska last year, this rig was so so overloaded. I also see temps going down to minus 40 for a few weeks in the year....maybe that has an effect too.
Have had KYB's in the past and no issues so I might just be a fluke...due to overlaoding and temps. Im gonna go with billies next.
But if you have 20 year old springs...esp in the back...new shocks might not solve all your issues

 

[phattyduck]

Honestly the softer and lower the better since this is a street vehicle. I guess I"ll go for the KYB's and some 2wd springs if I can find them.

Lower will NOT be better for comfort. If you go too low, you will end up hitting the bump stops with those soft OEM springs and soft OEM shocks. Been there, done that (2WD springs on a 4WD converted 4Runner before suspension upgrades).

I'm not saying to lift it! Stock height is great for comfort - lower than stock height is the problem.

-Charlie

 

[shadow247]

I see these posts and comments of hitch motor bike carriers and am amazed.

I don’t know the tongue weight rating of the 4runner receiver, but can’t imagine it’s more than 500#. And the back frame of these things isn’t much.

I don’t read of guys losing bikes on the highway, so I guess it must work.

But dang, I cringe looking at pics of motorbikes on hitch carriers behind these things.

Yeah it works just fine. The hitch is rated for 500lbs tongue weight, and 5000 lbs of pulling. I won't be putting 2 full size dirtbikes on the carrier, just 1 250lb bike and a 100lb pitbike.

 

[JoeT4R]

If I were in your position, I'd do Tokico or Billie 5100's.
I've had both, loved both. I'd do either all over again.
Also currently have 5100's as of right now.
Just my .02