I finally chose my shocks

[NewYorkRifleMan]

Whats up. I havent posted in so long because I changed jobs so here I am.

I finally chose the shocks that I will install on my 1994 4runner: Monroe Sensa-trac . Pep Boys (an auto parts store) has them for $ 38.99 American dollars each. I chose these because of the good reviews everyone gave them and it fits the wallet (no shocks are to be installed on the truck, not in the wallet).

Overall, I don't want the firm ride as with the Bilsteins but yet I don't want OEM stock. Why not upgrade? Pep Boys also has the Reflex for 54.99 a shock but there is a Monore store (they want 50.00 for the Sensa-trac and 75.00 for the Reflex) and he told me that if I'm not doing serious off roading (unless you call the Belt Parkway to the Brooklyn Queens Expressway off roading which it is) or carrying / hauling serious weight, I don't neet the Reflex. They ride harder than the Sensa-trac but not as hard as the Bilstein. I didn't buy them yet but I'm pretty sure on my purchase.

I also plan on installing new coil springs. They're 90.00 a piece but my Toyota parts guy always hooks me up with everything so I can get it cheaper. I know guys heer use the Moog springs or the air bags, but I don't want to start mix and matching stuff. I'm not too crazy using aftermarket parts. Shocks, new radio, KN fliter, PIAA fog lights are one thing but I like to keep it all Toyota as possiable.

I think I made the right decisons. I always like feedback and input.

 

[4RunOn]

Hey there, I'm looking at new shocks as well.

In your review reading, did you read anything about Skyjacker products? How long does a set of shocks typically take a mechanic to install?

 

[Leebo]

Any progress?

Just curious if NewYorkRifleman ever got the shocks/struts swapped and if so, what do you think of them?

I bought a new set of Monroe Sensatrac struts and shocks for my '99 4Runner (85k miles) and will probably install them within a week or so when I have time. In the meantime, I've been wondering if I would prefer the Monroe Reflex instead. My goal is ride quality and stability on the highway. No off roading.

I can't seem to really determine from the threads here if the Reflex is the better way to go or not vs the Sensatrac.

 

[jrs2]

Bilsteins don't really give you a hard ride. They give you a very stable but not harsh ride. I put Bilsteins in my '90 4Runner a while back and not only do I love them, my wife thinks they feel great, and she complains about the KYBs in my MR2, which I admit, are a little stiff.

 

[Camprunner]

I have owned both (Bilsteins and the Sensatrac shocks) as a mater of fact two sets of each on a few suv's and to be honest I prefer the on road ride of the Sens- over the Bils- ....... I must say though that the Bils- will outlast the Sens- by a wide margin.

 

[Leebo]

Thanks for the input Camp. I think I'll just stick w/ the Sens. I haven't replaced them just yet (sitting in the garage), but got them at a discount plus they have a lifetime warranty... just the hassle ahead of swapping them in the event of failure.

 

[Seca]

I just put the KYB mono tubes in the rear and twin tubes in the front along with new coil springs in the rear. It rides 100% better but is a bit stiff.

 

[eightnine]

I also recently got the monroe sensa tracs on my 89 4runner. The ride is much better than stock considering all my stock shocks were rusted through and shot. Definitely a good investment in my opinion.

 

[NewYorkRifleMan]

I haven't been here in awhile so I'll update you guys.

i went compleatly the other way. I went with OEM. I know, I made this all thing about the shocks and spoke to so many people about it. I didn't want to spend the 260.00 for the shocks and then pay my guy to put them on, and there might be the possiability of me not liking the ride. OEM shocks for my 1994 SR5 were 40.00 a piece but my friend gave them to me for 25.00 a piece. I bought springs (90.00 a piece) but I paid 60.00 a piece. Then I bought a new idler arm which was 250.00 but I paid 148.00. With the exception of the torsion bars, I have a new suspension. I'm very happy with it.

I did the idler arm because when the truck was on the lift, there was play in it so I did that too. I did notice it wander alittle on the road at high speed (60-65).

I'm not knocking aftermarket but the ride in the shocks that had 85,689 miles on it were still good unless you hit a hard rough road (rememebr I work in Brooklyn NYC). So I was happy with the stock ride but they just needed to be replaced. My mechanic and toyota parts guy said I made the right decison.

I'm the second owner of the truck so I don't know what it was like new but to me and Mike The Mechanic said it feels like it new truck. The new springs in the rear got rid of the slight sag and overall, I'm happy with everything.

Then I changed the oil and used the Mobile 10W-30 high mileage oil. Auto Zone had it for 3.29 a quart. I'm happy with the cold starts and how the truck runs with this oil so I'll stick with it. And of course I got a dozen plug gaskets and OEM oil filters (my cost is 3.00 and the gaskets he gave me).

I'm very very happy with the truck and the work that was done. Next order of business is to find out why the rear defroster isen't working. We had an ice storm last week and it wasen't fun in 5:00 traffic when you can't see out back. I'll look that up here or in my shop manuals.