Newbie w/ very basic question on shocks

[56xpresso]

Hi ya.

I own a 97 4runner limited which is mostly used by my wife for running around town on week days and by us to get away from the town on weekends.

I need to replace the stock shocks and wonder what shocks you would recommend. I'm not interested in lifting the vehicle but do want a good set of shocks.

I've also noticed the rear springs are sagging and will probably need to beef them up. Any suggestions on what to do there would be appreciated. Once again not interested in lifting just a good stable comfortable ride for my wife.

Thanks!

 

[Thai]

Hi ya.

I own a 97 4runner limited which is mostly used by my wife for running around town on week days and by us to get away from the town on weekends.

I need to replace the stock shocks and wonder what shocks you would recommend. I'm not interested in lifting the vehicle but do want a good set of shocks.

I've also noticed the rear springs are sagging and will probably need to beef them up. Any suggestions on what to do there would be appreciated. Once again not interested in lifting just a good stable comfortable ride for my wife.

Thanks!

If you want to keep the same ride quality, then stick with factory shocks and springs. If you want better handling or stiffer ride (which i do NOT recomment), then you can go aftermarket...Bilsteins, KYB, and Monroe Sensatrac are popular choices.

 

[004Gunner]

I like the Bils I have on mine but I agree with Thai: Keep it factory and it will best serve the purposes you're looking for.

 

[Nuke]

I had KYB's on my '90 and Bilsteins on my '00. Both gave a very firm ride and superb handling. HOWEVER, many passengers did not care for the stiff ride. I was willing to put up with it because I really loved the handling. My '08 with the stock suspension drives me crazy, being as soft as it is.

If you don't mind the feel of the stock ride, then stick with the stock shocks. Otherwise, an aftermarket shock with a bit less dampening than the Bilsteins.

If I recall, there may have been a TSB on sagging springs on some of the 3rd gens. But it definately WAS an issue.

 

[J-money$$$]

I had a full set of monroe sensa-tracs on my 97. I blew the back ones out, but they were old when I bought the truck. I replaced the fronts with the same sensa tracs and monroe reflex in the rear. It was comfortable but it was very soft I I would bottom out often.


I ended up lifting my runner. And getting rid of all of that. But I think the monroes are a good on-road shock and I believe they have a lifetime warranty? So check it out

 

[Ron Helmuth]

Welcome aboard

Welcome to the forum 56xpresso

Check with your dealership to see if the rear springs were replaced under warranty. A lot of us have gone to Old Man Emu springs-either for lift or just to replace the rears.

As to the shocks-the Tokicos were a stock shock. Look around as opinions vary on this topic. A lot of folks like the Tokico 'greens".

I have a set of Bilsteins in my garage for sale on this very forum-classifieds.

However, they are indeed "stiff" and some folks do not care for that ride. I thought it tightened up the ride nicely but some pothole combinations defy expert tuning.

 

[Nuke]

Adding to my previous post...

Don't let me talk you out of the Bilsteins. They are an awesome shock. I can't say enough how well my '00 handles. They have over 120,000 miles on them and are still in great shape. You need to discuss with the Miss if she (and you) can tolerate a stiff ride (no pun intended). I'm planning on a set for my '08.