Bilstein or KYB?

4

4GLimited

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I've got 60K miles on my 07 Limited 4x4 and the struts are showing signs of wear with much softer ride and multiple rebounds over expansion joints and bridges. I'd like a firm ride. I have zero plans to lift it or do any mods in the future. I've ruined my fair share of vehicles and emptied my wallet in the past with mods and this one is staying stock.

I'd prefer a firm, but not jarring ride. Both look to be fairly close in price. Anyone have any advice with either brand compared to stock? Or is there another choice I'm missing?

Bilstein:
F4-BE5-C513-H0 & F4-BE5-C514-H0

KYB:
341340 & 344410

:thanks:
 
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It sounds to me like the Bilsteins are for you.

The KYB's are kinda the ideal OE replacement for those seeking as close to to an OE ride as possible. The Bil's are known for a good ride but more sporty (stiffer/firmer but not harsh).

Post-up what you do and what you think...
 
Bilstein's may not be a bad choice, but I wouldn't rule out the KYB's combined with some FJ Cruiser springs. The FJC springs will firm up the ride and made a world of difference on my 4runner. Even with stock shocks, it rides much, much better than before. Best part about it is the the FJ springs aren't too high, mine were free, just had to pay shipping. I'd say it's the best "mod" I've done to date.
 
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER said:
Bilstein's may not be a bad choice, but I wouldn't rule out the KYB's combined with some FJ Cruiser springs. The FJC springs will firm up the ride and made a world of difference on my 4runner. Even with stock shocks, it rides much, much better than before. Best part about it is the the FJ springs aren't too high, mine were free, just had to pay shipping. I'd say it's the best "mod" I've done to date.
Click to expand...

So what's the amount of lift running 4Runner shocks and FJ springs? If I do FJ springs, do I use the fronts only, or the entire set?
 
I'm not familiar with the Bilstein's so I really can't say much on them. However, the KYB's are very close to OEM. If you went that route, you'd want front and rear FJ springs. There is some lift, but it should be .5" or less, not enough to tell. Many members have started running FJ springs and I've not found one yet that didn't like the ride better than OEM. It's firmer, but in a good way. So, whether or not this setup is better than the Bilstein's, I'll leave that for someone else to say. The KYB/FJ setup would be more expensive, so the Bilsteins may still be something to heavily consider.
 
So I found the KYB's for $217 shipped and the lowest I can find the Bilsteins is $305 shipped.

I've had good luck with Bilsteins in the past. I took at look at the suspension last weekend doing some work and the front end is definitely bottoming out a lot as there are clean marks where the bump stops have been hitting.

Do any of the FJ springs give no lift?
 
Check Amazon.com. I just bought a set of KYB for my 03 last month for $182.00 shipped. I believe they were from "Justsuspension.com" thru Amazon.com. The same part # you listed. I am happy with it.
 
I replaced the OE shocks on my '90 2nd gen with KYB's and they really firmed up the ride to the point that about half the folks that rode with me claimed it was TOO stif. I liked it... a lot.

I replaced the OE shocks on my '00 3rd gen with Bilsteins and they firmed up the ride but not as firm as the KYBs on my 2nd gen, possibly because the 3rd gens suspension was a bit more forgiving than the 2nd gen. But it was still a great feel compared to OE.
 
Just went through this process. I actually bought a full set of FJ springs and decided not to install them. I was concerned with the ride being to stiff so I installed the Bilsteins by themselves and the ride is exactly what I was looking for.

The Bilsteins give it a bit firmer ride but very smooth and controlled. I think it really comes down to the type of ride you want and the conditions you drive in. I only drive the 4runner on the street and I wanted a nice controlled ride, Bilsteins are great for that.
 
DCT said:
Just went through this process. I actually bought a full set of FJ springs and decided not to install them. I was concerned with the ride being to stiff so I installed the Bilsteins by themselves and the ride is exactly what I was looking for.

The Bilsteins give it a bit firmer ride but very smooth and controlled. I think it really comes down to the type of ride you want and the conditions you drive in. I only drive the 4runner on the street and I wanted a nice controlled ride, Bilsteins are great for that.
Click to expand...
:iagree:


1. Bilstein + Stock Springs = Good upgrade, just a nice ride
2. Bilstein + FJ Springs = maybe doubly stiffer, good as upgrade for an expedition vehicle but might be uncomfortable during normal city driving.
3. KYB = Feedbacks says they are close to factory, again it should be a good upgrade.
(If you decided on Bilsteins, don't throw it after 5 days because they are stiffer. Drive for say, 300-500 miles....then you appreciate it :) )
 
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