Recommended Shock Replacement

[Hi-Tek RedNek]

Need some suggestions for best Rear and Front Shock replacements for my 2002 4-Runner V-6 SR5 4WD that has 189,000 original miles so far. Had a Rear shock rust off at top.Not sure if Fronts are Shocks or Struts ? Need to replace ASAP. "THANKS" for any help and responses back. Hi-Tek Rednek

 

[gamefreakgc]

If you are doing it on a budget, try visiting Rockauto.com and look at the shocks and springs they offer. Note that brands like Moog, Rancho, or Monroe will not get nearly the amount of miles that OEM or brand names like Bilstein will.

If you are not looking for any lift and want to restore that soft, comfortable ride, nothing beats Toyota springs with the stock Tokico black shocks. You'll pay about $500 for all new coils & shocks/struts though.

 

[phattyduck]

The front suspension uses (coil over) shocks, but they will often be (incorrectly) called struts.

For OEM-like ride, go OEM. They will last another 15-20 years.

For slightly more controlled ride, go with Bilstein 4600. Those seem to last ~10 years (they did for me, at least).

For a mild lift, Bilstein 5100's are popular (with new lift springs in the back)... From there, the choices get complicated.

If you are happy with your current ride height, just replace the shocks (and top bushings, but most shock sets come with those). New springs and other parts are only needed if you want to change the ride height.

-Charlie

 

[gamefreakgc]

The front suspension uses (coil over) shocks, but they will often be (incorrectly) called struts.

For OEM-like ride, go OEM. They will last another 15-20 years.

For slightly more controlled ride, go with Bilstein 4600. Those seem to last ~10 years (they did for me, at least).

For a mild lift, Bilstein 5100's are popular (with new lift springs in the back)... From there, the choices get complicated.

If you are happy with your current ride height, just replace the shocks (and top bushings, but most shock sets come with those). New springs and other parts are only needed if you want to change the ride height.

-Charlie

I found that most 4Runners, especially the 01-02's, experience a lot of rear end sag around 200k miles and the coils just don't last past that. Even with new shocks the ride will still have a lot of bounce and the front end dips a lot when coming to a stop.

Even my 98 had terrible coil springs when I bought it with 190k miles. Felt like I was sitting on a waterbed when I would drive on the highway.

 

[Hi-Tek RedNek]

The front suspension uses (coil over) shocks, but they will often be (incorrectly) called struts.

For OEM-like ride, go OEM. They will last another 15-20 years.

For slightly more controlled ride, go with Bilstein 4600. Those seem to last ~10 years (they did for me, at least).

For a mild lift, Bilstein 5100's are popular (with new lift springs in the back)... From there, the choices get complicated.

If you are happy with your current ride height, just replace the shocks (and top bushings, but most shock sets come with those). New springs and other parts are only needed if you want to change the ride height.

-Charlie

"THANKS" a lot "phattyduck" for the helpful info and the quick response back. Truly APPRECIATED ! Take care, Hi Tek RedNek

 

[Hi-Tek RedNek]

If you are doing it on a budget, try visiting Rockauto.com and look at the shocks and springs they offer. Note that brands like Moog, Rancho, or Monroe will not get nearly the amount of miles that OEM or brand names like Bilstein will.

If you are not looking for any lift and want to restore that soft, comfortable ride, nothing beats Toyota springs with the stock Tokico black shocks. You'll pay about $500 for all new coils & shocks/struts though.

Hey "gamefreakgc", THANKS a lot for responding back to me as soon as you did.I'll most definitely check out Rockauto.com for sure. Again, "THANKS". Take it easy, Hi Tek RedNek

 

[robbyfargo]

From what I have heard bilstein 5100. Buddies say they are the best suspension upgrade.

 

[tx_shooter]

Fox shocks - get them from Accutune. The best suspension investment you can make for the 3rd gen.

 

[Hi-Tek RedNek]

Fox shocks - get them from Accutune. The best suspension investment you can make for the 3rd gen.

THANKS "TX Shooter". Truly appreciate the quick reply back and the helpful info.

 

[Hi-Tek RedNek]

From what I have heard bilstein 5100. Buddies say they are the best suspension upgrade.

Thanks"robbyfargo".I've been reading some great positive reviews on the Bilstein 5100's too. Appreciate the info.

 

[Smog-guy707]

I’ve tried several kinds and bilstein 5100 are the most comfy in my opinion, both on and Offroad. Even at stock height

 

[Hi-Tek RedNek]

I’ve tried several kinds and bilstein 5100 are the most comfy in my opinion, both on and Offroad. Even at stock height

Hey man,really appreciate you responding back to me. I think I am going to go with the Bilstein 5100's. Now I gotta find who has the best price on them. Take care, Hi Tek RedNek