Ignore if sick of shock/strut questions

[DaveInTexas]

(Haha.)

2003 4Runner 2WD V8 4.7L 2UZ-FE 4.7L VIN JTEZT 14R 5300 10830
I am pretty certain no XREAS system; I see no lines coming off the top of the rear shocks.

My wife's vehicle; we do nothing unusual with it, she does <10K mi/yr & it has 95K miles and I am told the shocks/struts need replacing. I did my Tundra last year and think I can save a buck by DIY my wife's.

Not interested in any modifications, just want to swap out the shocks/struts with something reliable and decent quality.

Which brand do you recommend? Sources?
Installation warnings/tips/encouragement?

Saw this on compressor-less strut install:
OME Install - no spring compressor - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

(found here)
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/151395-i-finally-got-scrap-x-reas.html#post1489976

Thanks!

 

[DaveInTexas]

OK, then.
Maybe I will go for:
RockAuto Parts Catalog


on the rear:

Increased Handling/Performance
MONROE Part # 911270 Reflex Light Truck One of our most popular parts
Rear; Except X-REAS Suspension System; w/o Kinetic Dynamic Suspension $36


and on the front:

Original Ride Quality

MONROE Part # 171371L Quick-Strut
Front Left; Except X-REAS Suspension System; w/o Kinetic Dynamic Suspension -103$

MONROE Part # 171371R Quick-Strut
Front Right; Except X-REAS Suspension System; w/o Kinetic Dynamic Suspension -103$

Unless there are vigorous objections!

 

[DaveInTexas]

Is it typical to need a shock absorber bushing for all 4?

 

[ihadmail]

Monroe is a name brand shock, they should be ok. My friend who owns a shop sells a lot of Monroe brand.

The bushings are cheap insurance. It's better to spend the extra couple of dollars and replace them while everything's apart.

When I put new shocks on my Tacoma to level it out, the rubber part of one of the bushings disintegrated when I took the shock off. This wasn't a problem for me because I ordered new bushings with my shocks.

Hope this helps.