Need Recent Recommendations for Replacement Shocks and Struts

[rajat]

the 5100 are better than the kyb's & are more geared for off roading, ive read some people say they are quite a bit stiffer ride tham OEM shocks or "light duty" types like kyb or monroe. & they cost quite a bit more & require new springs to be installed, your 140k mile stock springs are probably worn out/sagging. so all in all it will be at least double the cost of buying complete kybs, thats up to you & your budget.

as for lift, i run 265/70/17 on my 08 sport 4runner & even with the worn out 140k xreas they didnt rub anywhere, with the added 1-1.5" raise over stock from the kyb's they definitely dont rub so i dont think you need 5100s for such a small tire, its barely 1" over stock height & same width, especially if you dont go with super aggressive A/T tread. i have goodyear A/Ts that are a lot beefier than all season tires & again, no rubbing.

for the light duty you mentioned & the price difference i think youd be happy with the kyb.. if you want much stiffer shocks that need new springs & hassle of installing the springs (although its not that difficult) then go with the 5100 for double or more the cost. kyb have a lifetime warranty too & are about $100ea for fronts & $50ea for rears.

thank you for the detailed recommendation. This will help in deciding.

 

[L4Time]

I recently replaced my XREAS suspension with an Eibach PRO kit. I am extremely happy with it.
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3662967-post12.html

Tire Rack had an incredible deal at the time, but even now it's only about $825 for the parts. If you use freeshipping.com, you'll get another 10% off.

https://www.tirerack.com/suspension...l=4Runner+4wd&autoYear=2009&autoModClar=Sport

Hope this helps!

 

[B.E. Coyote]

I also just did the Eibach. It isn't what I wanted but everything else was out of stock and my suspension was shot.

I'm pretty happy with it but will probably add a 1" spacer under the rear.

 

[Mr_Dobalina]

I am the OP and just noticed my post is still alive almost a year later. I went with the Bilstien 5100's. They have been great so far.

Also, for a couple of bucks, I replaced the sway bar bushings front and rear and all of the "Thunk" noise from hitting bumps has completely gone away.

 

[bht2109]

I installed a brand new suspension from a new 5th Gen 4R TRD Off-Road. It required two minor modifications. I've never been so happy with a comfortable suspension as I am with this one. My 4R has a smoother, softer ride than my friend's Lexus GX.

These suspensions are all over Craigslist around here for about $150. Taken off brand new 4Rs due to aftermarket upgrades.

This is quite a sales pitch! Would you mind detailing the modifications required for this? And just so I’m clear, I can feel safe purchasing used 5th gen OEM coilovers and installing them on my ‘09 4th gen?

Thanks in advance….

 

[MikeinNH67]

This is quite a sales pitch! Would you mind detailing the modifications required for this? And just so I’m clear, I can feel safe purchasing used 5th gen OEM coilovers and installing them on my ‘09 4th gen?

Thanks in advance….

I installed non-TRD Gen 5 strut assemblies on the front of my 03. All I had to do for mods is trim about a 1/16" or so of metal off the lower strut eyelet so it would fit. That part was easy. Getting the old top hat to release from the strut tower was not so easy. A big chisel and hammer was needed to break it free. The new assemblies were a huge ride improvement and brought the front up to where it should be.

I think the Tacoma and FJ assemblies will fit with the same trimming.

 

[wizdumb]

I would highly recommend 3rd gen tacoma front struts. I picked up a "used" but pretty much brand new set on fb marketplace for $60. (part #48510-04190). They were a direct bolt in for my 2005 v8 sr5. ride quality is great, it leveled out the front of the truck, and after 5k miles hasn't developed any sort of lean towards the drivers side.