Need help figuring out which suspension to get

[digphisher]

After tons of research, I think I am getting the OW 2.0 all around. From all of the reviews, this seems to be the best setup for our trucks right now.

My only concern from what I have read is the maintenance of the shocks--recharging. How long will it take before I have to have this done? What is the cost? Would the toytec ultimate be better in the long run since the bilsteins are maintenance free with a lifetime warranty?

 

[4Runner8]

the 2.0 is a great kit but dont forget the rear will be lifted probably around 2'' so you'll have to put the front to 3'' to keep it at least leveled. as for re charging im not too knowledgeable in that area. hopefully someone will be able to tell you though

 

[chaz]

dont know for sure, but ive heard around 2-3 years , 24-40k miles, or if/when the seals leak, or need a valveing change. if u dont offroad i bet they will last longer, but then u have to find someone or a place to take them to or send to for rebuilding, which may take a while & pay again to have it done. most likely will cost 2-3 hundred. thats 1 reason i went with the toytec, i wanted the maintenance free & lifetime warranty. ive used billies a few times over the years , including on my 4r & been more than happy with them. i also hear that the radflo 2.0 coilover uses the same eibach spring as the toytec (radflo 2.5 uses they're own) difference is the TT has a 5100 shock & the radflo uses they're own with special valving.

 

[4Runner8]

i think the reason you dont hear much about ppl doing this to their coilovers is becuase usually the ppl that have them wheel their trucks so by the time the coilover is in need of this being done, they just replace them or upgrade to better ones. if you dont plan on much offroad i would say the toytec ultimate however you will be happy with whatever you go with.

 

[chaz]

if u have only the one vec. & u go with the radflo, remember to keep ur old setup cause u will have to reinstall & use it while the shocks are being rebuilt.

 

[Doozi]

if you dont plan on much offroad i would say the toytec ultimate however you will be happy with whatever you go with.

Is the "Ultimate 3" lift" not that good for off-road? I guess we should probably specify the term "off-road", huh? I'm assuming that it would be decent for forest service roads, mild trails with occasional obstacles, camping/exploring in the mountains, etc, but maybe not too good for more hard-core stuff?

If you could clarify that would be great... I'm in about the same boat as the OP.

Thanks,
~Doozi

 

[chaz]

the ultimate uses super flex rear coils that are 10% load increase over stock & give a close to stock ride, the 5100 shocks will not be as smooth as the RF, so expect a stiffer ride. IMO, the ultimate 3 in. is just fine for offroad but wont be as comfortable.

 

[4Runner8]

what he said exactly^^ obviously bilstein 5100's will be better for offroad then stock especially when your lifting the truck 3 inches for mor flex. radflow will perform better off road however. it just depends on what you like to do. thats why most ppl start with a cheaper lift such as spacers, then figure out what they like to do as far as off road goes. then they upgrade to something that best suits their needs. so even though you make think you are going to drive mostly on the road or you think you will like desert better then technical trails you gotta try it out. basically what im saying is unless you owned a 4runner before and you bought another one and you already know what you want its almost impossible to choose the best suspension for your needs the first time.

 

[chaz]

u may feel the bumps more & the ride may not be smooth as glass like with the RF, but the 5100 series is an offroad shock & billies have been used for many years in offroad racing, Bilstein Bilstein 5100 Series Offroad Shocks ive had them on some of my 4x4 & wheeled them in different states offroad as far back as the early 70s , they never let me down. so having used bilstein shocks, & OME shocks & springs on different vec., i basicly know how each brand feels & they suit me fine, so i guess u can say im somewhat loyal to the brands. there are a few good brands of offroad shocks/setups that perform well, RADFLO, ICON, SAW, KINGS, OME, TOYTEC, CAMBURG, etc., it really comes down to cost, use needs & what kind of ride YOU prefer. if u know how much lift u want & dont mind a CO thats not adjustable, the OME complete setup is worth a look, & cost alot less.