Need new shocks, my brain is melting

SpidermanGeek

SpidermanGeek

New member
Alright guys. I've been reading a boat load of threads for the past few months, trying to find a clear indication of what the hell shocks should I be getting with my current lift.

As far as I know, this is what is currently on my rig (installed by the previous owner:

FRONT:
OME 881 coils
Top Spacer (not sure of height)
1" Diff Drop
Tokico TrekMaster GU-3535 Shocks

REAR:
OME 890 coils
Tokico TrekMaster GE-3536 Shocks

Both passenger side shocks are leaking and are just plainly due to be replaced.
My budget will allow me to just straight up replace the shocks (not a whole new lift setup, so please don't recommend that. If that were the case, I'd actually know what to get). I'm also value minded and want to keep things simple. I was hoping I could just replace the existing Tokicos with the exact same thing, but it seems like they are becoming increasingly hard to come by.

I also have an added caveat that priority should be given to being able to get these in Canada. Shipping and exchange rate from the US is a killer for us at the moment.

From everything I've read though, my current Tokicos are OEM replacement for the 4runner. So I don't think they were meant to be installed with a lift, but I've had a hard time even confirming that. BUT, if that is true, then wghat would be the Tokico equivalent that is best suited for a lift. If it's TrekMasters for the LandCruiser, what specific model do I need. Both front and back.

I'm not opposed to getting another brand either, but again.. I'm value minded. So I would like to be able to get 4 brand new shocks for under $600CAD.

What I'm really looking for are recommendations or just a list of shocks that fit with a lift setup like mine and to have the specific part numbers so that I can look for a Canadian retailer that has a good price on the stuff.

Like when people say "Just get Tundra Bilstein 5100s". Well..Tundra's were produced for many years.. which part number (or Tundra Generation) do I actually need .

I couldn't find a thread here that has a defined list of what shocks work with 3rd gen 4Runners and with which lift coils.

My brain hurts.

Plus, a lot of older threads seem to no longer apply because in some cases, the shocks listed are no longer in production and so on.

The Lift information FAQ thread didn't have the info I was looking for, unless I totally missed it.

Can anybody give a brother a hand?
 
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SpidermanGeek said:
Alright guys. I've been reading a boat load of threads for the past few months, trying to find a clear indication of what the hell shocks should I be getting with my current lift.

As far as I know, this is what is currently on my rig (installed by the previous owner:

FRONT:
OME 881 coils
Top Spacer (not sure of height)
1" Diff Drop
Tokico TrekMaster GU-3535 Shocks

REAR:
OME 890 coils
Tokico TrekMaster GE-3536 Shocks

Both passenger side shocks are leaking and are just plainly due to be replaced.
My budget will allow me to just straight up replace the shocks (not a whole new lift setup, so please don't recommend that. If that were the case, I'd actually know what to get). I'm also value minded and want to keep things simple. I was hoping I could just replace the existing Tokicos with the exact same thing, but it seems like they are becoming increasingly hard to come by.

I also have an added caveat that priority should be given to being able to get these in Canada. Shipping and exchange rate from the US is a killer for us at the moment.

From everything I've read though, my current Tokicos are OEM replacement for the 4runner. So I don't think they were meant to be installed with a lift, but I've had a hard time even confirming that. BUT, if that is true, then wghat would be the Tokico equivalent that is best suited for a lift. If it's TrekMasters for the LandCruiser, what specific model do I need. Both front and back.

I'm not opposed to getting another brand either, but again.. I'm value minded. So I would like to be able to get 4 brand new shocks for under $600CAD.

What I'm really looking for are recommendations or just a list of shocks that fit with a lift setup like mine and to have the specific part numbers so that I can look for a Canadian retailer that has a good price on the stuff.

Like when people say "Just get Tundra Bilstein 5100s". Well..Tundra's were produced for many years.. which part number (or Tundra Generation) do I actually need .

I couldn't find a thread here that has a defined list of what shocks work with 3rd gen 4Runners and with which lift coils.

My brain hurts.

Plus, a lot of older threads seem to no longer apply because in some cases, the shocks listed are no longer in production and so on.

The Lift information FAQ thread didn't have the info I was looking for, unless I totally missed it.

Can anybody give a brother a hand?
Click to expand...



Here you go: https://wheelersoffroad.com/product...02-4runner/suspension-437513/bilstein-158739/

Cost: ~$400 + tax with no guesswork. Call Dan at Wheeler's Off-road and he (or anyone there really) will hook you up.
 
Check out 4wheelparts http://www.4wp.com

I got my bilsteins from them, cheaper than Essex distributing. Every so often they have a "we pay the tax" event. If you wait for that, you can save even more. I paid $140ea for the fronts, and $105 for the rears.


Edit to say that the new 4runner specific shocks aren't on the website, but your cam order them by phone.
 
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CAUTION....I would seriously re-consider Bilstein 5100's or any Bilstein for that matter. This site is very "BILSTEIN" oriented so hard to find any other information. Search Bilstein warranty on here and you will see they really don't stand behind their products. I went with the 5100 after ordering the 4600's and finding out Bilstein won't warranty the 4600's with my 906 rears. Why because I had a hard time finding information and availability of other shocks and everything for me is mail order or pay twice the cost through our one parts store. Basically my brain hurt like yours. So I get the shocks, and the front do not have any bushings or washers. I called Bilstein today and the conversation was just short of simple. I was told to use the parts on the vehicle...Why the hell would I use worn out 257K rubber bushings...besides I am keeping the OEM as a unit.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...in-5100s-no-grommets-washers.html#post2609728

If you are stuck on dealing with KOOL-AID shocks here were my experiences. As far as ride goes....well I only have about 5-600 miles on them. They are stiff but not condemning the ride yet.

4 Wheel Parts... SUPER Expensive and shipping/Tax adds even more to the cost. If you get a coupon or special may be ok.
Wheelers Off Road....Decent price on 5100 but shipping was a lot and pushed it too high.
Lots of others....Shipping/Tax or combination of made the actual cost high
SD Truck Springs...I ended up here because of the 4600's I started with. Price was the best (delivered to door) and shipping was stupid fast. They were super great helping me return the 4600's. I asked for a lower price on the 5100's and I got them at my door for $400.
 
SpidermanGeek said:
Are there even any other decent shock options aside from Bilsteins and hard-to-find Tokicos?
Click to expand...

There are Old Man EMU...some complain about them being stiff...but they complain about 5100's being stiff. KYB makes quality suspension gear and people use it. Toytec sources out their shocks and I know you could find out from who. There are lots of others....I should have taken a few aspirin and fought on after the crap service from Bilstein.

I ordered a grommet kit (ADD $30 to the cost of your front Bilsteins!!!) from Wheelers and they were excellent to talk to and helpful.
 
I have the Tacoma RCD front 5100s and 4Runner rear 5100s and they ride fantastic. Almost the same setup as you except for I'm running 906s with 10mm trim packers in the rear.
 
Just posting some things for reference:

RCD = Race Car Dynamics
OME = Old Man Emu
KYB = Kayaba Industry Co.
ARB = Anthony Ronald Brown

-3rd gen 4Runner Shock Options-
FRONT:
Tokico TrekMaster GU-3535
Bilstein B8 5100 Series Height Adjustable for 0-2.3" Front Lift (24-248730)
OME 90004

REAR:
Tokico TrekMaster GE-3536
Bilstein B8 5100 Series for 0-1.5" Rear Lift (24-249966)
OME 60073 (Medium Duty)
OME 60028 (Heavy Duty)
OME 60027 (Expedition Duty)
 
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I am not running a arb bumper or warn winch (weight), however I went with 99 talls and kyb's a while back and could not be happier .
Note, I do hit forest service roads and ditches up to a 2 feet deep, but nothing like lots of you guys.
then again, I'm an old fart, but my truck is far from soccer mom status
 
reelamin said:
There are Old Man EMU...some complain about them being stiff...but they complain about 5100's being stiff. KYB makes quality suspension gear and people use it. Toytec sources out their shocks and I know you could find out from who. There are lots of others....I should have taken a few aspirin and fought on after the crap service from Bilstein.

I ordered a grommet kit (ADD $30 to the cost of your front Bilsteins!!!) from Wheelers and they were excellent to talk to and helpful.
Click to expand...

I have KYB shocks & struts, I paid about $160 for all since I was tight on cash and shopped around for a deal. Bought them on Ebay.

They are good, but not as smooth as stock. However, off-road they are pretty nice. I'm not complaining at all.
 
For the front 881 coils, bilstein height adjustable 5100 or OME 90004 seem to be commonly paired.

For the rear 890, 4th/5th gen 4runner rear lift shocks would work based on what I've read (bilstein, icon, fox, etc), OME 60073 or Toytec Boss shocks for the 3rd gen 4runner.



There are probably other shocks that will work but these are the ones I commonly read about which decreases the likelihood of unknown variables. The only shocks I have personal experience with are blistein 5100 and toytec boss which also seem to be the cheaper options out of the ones I listed. I like how they both ride and are very similar in ride quality. Blisteins do seem to be popular with toyota trucks but that may be partly due to its association with the trd trucks. I don't have experience with blisteins customer service but if bad service is something that may influence your decision, you can always call them & if you don't like what you hear from them then that can help narrow down your choices. To further narrow your choices you can go with the cheapest total cost.
 
3bears said:
I am not running a arb bumper or warn winch (weight), however I went with 99 talls and kyb's a while back and could not be happier .
Note, I do hit forest service roads and ditches up to a 2 feet deep, but nothing like lots of you guys.
then again, I'm an old fart, but my truck is far from soccer mom status
Click to expand...

Do you happen to have the specific P/N for the KYB's?
 
I haven't had any issues with my Bilstiens. Yes their warranty says they only honor it if use them for the intended application. Eg putting Tundra shocks on a Tundra, not a 4Runner. With that said they make perfectly fine shocks amd my perception based on the complaints I've seem around here is OME isn't up to par.

I ran a Bilstein and Tundra coil combo (SS 1.2) for over 5 years and there was 0 sag amd the ride stayed the same from day 1 to day 1500. Now I am running King coil overs but it isnt fair to compare them to the Bilstein setup at 1/3 cost.
 
to the OP: How much lift does your truck have up front and at the rear? There are specific Bilstein 5100 shocks for the 1996-2002 4Runner but have certain limitations with regards to the amount of lift (front and rear). There are also Bilstein 5100 shocks for the Tundra 2000-2006 that will fit the 1996-2002 4Runner for up to 3" of lift in the front and 4" in the rear. These shocks, are all available from Wheeler's Off-Road. The ones for the 2000-2006 Tundra is a bit stiffer than the ones for the 1996-2002 4Runner.
 
HiluxSurf SSR-G said:
to the OP: How much lift does your truck have up front and at the rear? There are specific Bilstein 5100 shocks for the 1996-2002 4Runner but have certain limitations with regards to the amount of lift (front and rear). There are also Bilstein 5100 shocks for the Tundra 2000-2006 that will fit the 1996-2002 4Runner for up to 3" of lift in the front and 4" in the rear. These shocks, are all available from Wheeler's Off-Road. The ones for the 2000-2006 Tundra is a bit stiffer than the ones for the 1996-2002 4Runner.
Click to expand...

I've never done the hub-center-to-fender measurement of my lift, but it's somewhere in the ballpark of 2.5" up front and 3 to 3.5" at the back. I have a slight rake (which is more pronounced on the passenger side because I also have the dreaded "driver's side lean")
 
In my opinion, here are your options when using the Bilstein shocks:

1. Front - 4Runner (1996-2002) Bilstein 5100
Rear - Bilstein 5100 for 2000-2006 Tundra rear

2. Front - Tundra (2000-2006) Bilstein 5100
Rear - Bilstein 5100 for 2000-2006 Tundra rear
Note: If you order the shocks from Wheeler's Off-Road, you need to specify that the rear Tundra shocks will be used in a 1996-2002 4Runner so they will provide the shocks with the correct bushings for the lower mount. Otherwise you'll have to buy the bushings and install them yourself.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/224714-talked-bilstein-today-new-5100-shock-info.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/222837-tundra-bilstein-5100s-upgrade-alert.html


You might like to look into the Bilstein 6112 coil-overs. However, these come with new coil springs to match the shocks and I don't know how much lift it will give:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...8624-6112-coilovers-96-02-toyota-4runner.html
 
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gamefreakgc said:
I have KYB shocks & struts, I paid about $160 for all since I was tight on cash and shopped around for a deal. Bought them on Ebay.

They are good, but not as smooth as stock. However, off-road they are pretty nice. I'm not complaining at all.
Click to expand...

You got a link to that specific seller? Good price.
 
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