New Shocks and Struts Suggestion

J

jkruer01

New member
I have a 2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2wd. It has 165,000 miles on it. I went to get new tires today and they said I need new shocks and struts. They wanted to charge me $717 for new shocks and struts (I don't know what brand they were).

Is this a normal price? I thought it seemed pretty expensive.

What brand shocks and struts do you recommend for good ride quality?

Also, is this something that is easy to do yourself? The only DIY work I have done is replace 02 sensors, brake pads, rotors, and change the oil.

Thanks!
Jeremy
 
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that seems very steep. Assuming they are putting run of the mill shocks on. Where you at a toyota dealership? that would explain the factory shocks with high prices. I would recommend Bilstein shocks. They will stiffen the ride slightly, but it will handle alot better on bumps. I am not sure what type of driving you do, but if you are on rough roads or dirt roads, you will love them. You should be able to get all four for under $350. Then you will have to install them. I would do it myself, but not every one is comfortable doing it. The only issue is corrosion, if you have any, then you may have to start cutting bolts. I replaced all the shocks on my 4th gen and I had to cut the top stud off of the rear shocks. You would just need a cut off wheel. Or 2 hours with a hack saw. Good luck.
 
I do mainly highway driving and no off roading. Is there a tutorial that talks you through how to do it?

No, it was not a Toyota Dealership, it was a tire store. The toyota dealership said it would be over $1,000!!! They said it was over $400 just for the labor and the parts were over $600!

Thanks,
Jeremy
 
I called Sears and they said for Monroe Struts and Shocks installed was $461.28. That is getting better price wise.

Jeremy
 
That price from sears sounds better. Since you are talking with them, get a price on Rancho 5000's or the Rancho RSX. A much better shock IMO.
 
The Sears price is pretty good. I paid about 200 for a shop to do the fronts with OEM shocks I purchased. I did the rears. I actually did this twice - once with Monroes and once with OEMS. The Monroes were fine but I wanted the OEM feel so I did it twice. Rears are either very easy or a real pain. The top nut is hard to get to and if it rusted thna a pain. There are several forum items on how to do the rears. All involve soaking with PB Blaster. I was lucky since texas doesn't use road salt. I locked the top nut with a socket and used a stilson on the body to turn it. The problem with this approach is that is is all or nothing .You either get them off or else.
 
Ghostrider said:
The Sears price is pretty good. I paid about 200 for a shop to do the fronts with OEM shocks I purchased. I did the rears. I actually did this twice - once with Monroes and once with OEMS. The Monroes were fine but I wanted the OEM feel so I did it twice.
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Since you have experience with both, what is the difference in feel between the Monroe and the OEM?

Thanks,
Jeremy
 
I didn't see much diffference. I thought the Monroes were a little stiffer (seemed to rock the truck left and right a little more) but probably couldn't tell the difference if blindfolded. I just had extra time and found the OEM's on sale so I went back. Either will be an immediate improvement over worn out shocks at 165K
 
Thanks, I appreciate it.

I just called Midas and they will replace all shocks and struts for a total of $350+tax! Plus they have a $30 off coupon on their website for any service over $300. $320+tax for new shocks and struts! Woo-Hoo!

They use the Monroe Sensa Track shocks and struts that come with the lifetime warranty.

I can't believe there is such a price difference between companies. I called about 10 different companies and they ranged in price from $320 to over $1,000 and all (except Toyota) used the Monroe Sensa Track shocks and struts.

Jeremy
 
jkruer01 said:
Thanks, I appreciate it.

I just called Midas and they will replace all shocks and struts for a total of $350+tax! Plus they have a $30 off coupon on their website for any service over $300. $320+tax for new shocks and struts! Woo-Hoo!

They use the Monroe Sensa Track shocks and struts that come with the lifetime warranty.

I can't believe there is such a price difference between companies. I called about 10 different companies and they ranged in price from $320 to over $1,000 and all (except Toyota) used the Monroe Sensa Track shocks and struts.

Jeremy
Click to expand...
Ya, everyone is trying to make a buck, or in your case a couple hundred bucks. It is definatley :bs:
 
The midas deal does seem pretty sweet pricewise. If your looking for a good shock then I recommend the Tokico Trekmasters (Green ones), There pretty much the factory shocks just a slight upgrade (factory shocks are tokico's). The come with a lifetime warranty aswell and are 200-300 for the set of 4 depending on where you get them.
 
Struts and shocks for 2012 4Runner

I had to replace front struts at only 60,000 miles. Disappointed to say the least.

I don't go rough on the vehicle. Shouldn't I expect more mileage?
 
surffishobx said:
I had to replace front struts at only 60,000 miles. Disappointed to say the least.

I don't go rough on the vehicle. Shouldn't I expect more mileage?
Click to expand...

Do you have any aftermarket items on the front half of the vehicle? Extra weight will make the struts wear out prematurely.
 
2nd Gen (Sensen 1272 Struts/Shocks)

I put in Sensen 1272 Struts/Shocks with Moog CC255 Rear Coil Springs and Daystar 1.25” Spacers. The car rides well and I am very satisfied! No butt sag!

I’ve seen multiple reviews which remain unchanged after a few years, likely, meaning that it remains functional even after a few years.

I don’t do hardcore off-roading so this may be a different case for others but for daily driving and rare dirt travel for camping, I think these will serve you well.

I know that the best recommendation is “Bilstein! KYB! TOKICO! OEM!” But for the price ($64.49), I am VERY satisfied. Just my 2 Cents!

:thumb3:
 
Sensen. Cheapest stuff you can get from China. You will notice the cheapness when you compare it to the parts you pull off. I was able to get a week of use from them before they leaked all over my driveway. Not on a 4Runner, but I wouldn't be comfortable using them on a heavier vehicle.
 
surffishobx said:
I had to replace front struts at only 60,000 miles. Disappointed to say the least.

I don't go rough on the vehicle. Shouldn't I expect more mileage?
Click to expand...

How did you know they were bad? Because a salesman said so? or a "mechanic" showed you leaking oil? (oldest trick in the book).

I would have demanded Toyota replace them as they must have been defective.

My 2002, bought new, by me, still has the original shocks/struts. 250k miles. And I drive it like I stole it.

She barely bounces when jumping up and down on her. I'm debating whether to just do shock bushings as they are shot.
 
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