Newbie shocks questions.

[MM3]

Hi Guys, i've done some search on "shocks" which i found very helpful but didn't really come across the answer im looking for.

first of all let me say that i just picked up an 96 sr5 4x4 as a second vehicle. im very very happy with it. the thing has 144k but engine still runs very smoothly. I LOVE THIS THING! i drove it on the highway this weekend and the ride was a bit bumpy and rough which i expected anyways. not really a surprise to me.

my question is how long does the stock shocks last? this truck was driven by a mom which im sure has never took the truck off roadin'. by the looks of the shocks it still looks like it's the original.
it's black with blue markings.

any brand recommendations? im not going to be doin' any heavy off roadin' so im lookin' for something that's somewhat comfortable specially on highways. but by no means im expecting the truck to ride like a caddy. this thing is a truck =) i would really appreciate any suggestions. still trying to learn more about the 4runners.

also are there any links on how to DIY replace shocks for 4runner? im no mechanic but will be able to do it with examples. i've replaced my whole suspension on my m3 so i think i would be able to do this one also. =) i hope.

thanks

 

[MM3]

im leaning towards tokico trekmasters.


BTW do i need to change the coil springs also?

thnks

 

[Ill4Runner]

I've never changed shocks out on my 4Runner. When I do though, I'm going with a set of Bilstiens.

If you can't find your answer on replacing shocks here, check out www.toyotatruckworld.com . A lot of mechanics there willing to help.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I was on a budget when my ussepnsion was done so I just went with factory coils and shocks and did make sure I got the taller '99 coils that my Runner came with and shipped I spent about $380.

If I wasn't on a budget I would have ponied up for the Bilstien/PP coils setup or an OME kit from http://sleeoffroad.com/products/4runner_suspension.htm

 

[khaug]

I replaced the OE shocks on my '98 with Bilstein sport shocks at about 50K miles. This simple change transformed the handling of the truck - no more rear axle hop over bumps. If I had it to do again, I'd do exactly the same thing.

The handling improvement came at a small price - a firming up of the ride. Not to an objectionable extent, AFAIC, but others have complained that Bilsteins are too harsh. I might also add that they weren't cheap, but the best stuff usually isn't.

I did the installation myself. The rears were dead easy. The fronts required me to hunt up a special spring compressor, which I found at Auto Zone.

When I did mine, the word on the street was to avoid the Bilsteins that TRD was peddling, as they were a wimpier shock. I believe mine came from Shox.com.

Good luck.

 

[hossmaster]

bilsteins are great! get the silver ones not the TRD hd's.

 

[Elton]

im leaning towards tokico trekmasters.


BTW do i need to change the coil springs also?

thnks

if you want a little firmer ride go with some 1'' performance product springs but ive heard lots of good comments on the trekmasters

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Tokico is the brand Tyoyta uses for their OEM equivalent.

 

[MM3]

thank you all for all the useful info. i really appreciate it...