Bilstein vs. KYB shocks and struts, what say you?

[whipkiller]

It's time to replace shocks and struts on both my '01 4Runner SR5 and the wife's '00 Tacoma (Prerunner), both 2WD (sadly)

I'm leaning toward the KYB Monomax for both.
It looks like I can get them for about $100 less (all 4 corners)

People with KYB's, are you pleased with them?

How does the ride compare - stiffer, softer, etc,

Any reason to get the Bilstein's?

Thanks in advance.

 

[tylerbaird]

I can't speak for either, but many of the members on this forum swear by Bilstein's. I have heard nothing but positive reviews when it comes to Bilstein's, so I will definitely be buying a set when it comes time to replace mine.

 

[Maritimer]

I run the KYBs, and they are stiff as heck. I'm not sure I totally like that, but they have a lifetime warranty, so I'll never have any other shock on this particular Runner.

I have never felt out of control with these. Even on the worst broken up roads with bumps and dips all over the place, I have always had full sense of the truck and the surface. The rebound is awesome, so I never get thrown.

The first day riding them after switching from 10-year-old stock springs and shocks felt like riding a sports car rather than a careening rickety wagon.

 

[WHORERUNNER]

I just installed bilstiens hd on my 99 runner. I searched for weeks on t4r and other forums. I almost went with kyb or monroes because they were cheaper. I ended up buying the bilsteins and have no regrets. Any new shocks will feel firmer than your old ones. I dont do any offroading, just city with some highway. I just did a 120 mile trip and I love the ride. Feels firm and very controlled.

 

[Stick Figure]

I've had the KYB GR2's on a ton of cars (some even lowered) and have the Bilstein on my 4runner. I don't think you really can go wrong with either, but I would say the Bilstein are probably a bit more overbuilt than the KYB's.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I run the plain old yellow and blue Bilstein HD's on both my 4Runners. I don't really off-road it and I love them. Firm but a good feel for the road while comfortable. I've never had the KYB's so not sure about them. AJUSA.com has great Bilstein prices.

 

[RS Dude]

I had the Bilsteins and liked them a lot. They rusted out at the bottom and lost the fluid...not the fault of the manufacture, but rather me living near the beach with the salty air.

I replaced them with the KYB Monomax (red) and they are significantly stiffer. If you only drive on the streets I wouldn't recommend them. If you do a lot of 4wheeling, then I would highly recommend them.:girl:

 

[ALBPM]

Bilstein HDs for 265 Tire sizes but Bilstein 5100 series for Tire sizes 285 or larger.
5100s would be good for E weight 265s.

Oh He!!.....Just get the Bilstein 5100s for a more comfortable but still controlled ride...:thumb3:

 

[ben550]

Time to revive an old thread.

My XREAS system has reached the end of its long 163,000 mile life. Time to look for new shocks/struts/springs.

I do not have the time or desire to mess with the front struts and springs, so I am considering the KYB quick struts as a front with KYB shocks and Moog springs on the back.

More Information for KYB SR4131

I want to keep the stock height and close to stock ride feel. The only reason I am not considering bilstein 4600's is because I don't want to mess with the springs in the front, and I think the springs need to be replaced as well due to the mileage.

Thoughts? I never intend to lift this truck.