Replacement Rear Shocks

LeeMajors

New member
2000 2wd Limited, 156k. Just purchased three weeks ago or so.

Noticed some bounce in the rear, very little nose dive, little rough over bumps. I'm looking to restore the ride to stock (more or less), but I really only want to do rear shocks for now. Springs don't appear to be overly compressed or weakened.

I don't do any offroading--mostly beach and daily driver.

What shocks should I buy for the rear? I am torn between buying OEMs from Camelback Toyota (47 each) or buying KYB Gas-a-Just from PepBoys for 62$ea.

Any complications replacing just the rear instead of both?

Thoughts? I don't need beastly shocks, but would like to fix the general ride.

I've searched a lot and haven't seen much that didn't involve performance parts.
 
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I recently replaced shocks/struts on my 96. Got a set of Monroe sensa trac from advance auto after coupon code rears where $33. Ea.
 
i dont mean to hijack the thread but i have the same issue with my 2001 4runner sr5 with 318k km, like the op said my rear shocks are very bouncy and dont absorb bumps very well due to previous owner using a dirt bike carrier on it, it is uncomfortable to drive now, i dont need a lift or anything heavy duty i just want it operate the way its meant to be or slightly better :) what do you guys recommend?
 
I just replaced my struts and springs on my 01' 2wd. I went with Monroe OESpectrum shocks and 99 tall springs. The shocks are a definite improvement over what was there and they still give a softer stock ride but they are somewhat soft. I'm coming off a sports car though and used to a firm ride so them seem a bit soft to me but still comfortable on the road. If I were to do it again I would get something a little more firm like blistiens since I'm more accustomed to a firm ride.

Fyi it is much easier to replace the rear shock when the coil is removed so you may want to look into Moog coils for an extra $40 since they'll be coming off to reach the shocks anyway.

I ordered my coils and they were shipped and received next day from summit racing.
 
So I guess what I didn't convey is that I've heard a lot about Monroe shocks not lasting as long as OEM or other brands.

I'm not very hard on my vehicle and I don't mind slightly stiffer ride--I just want a good product that will last awhile and improve my ride from where it is now.

Should I replace springs too? It doesn't seem to sag really.
 
Bilstein has a lifetime guarantee. Great shocks as well.

BTW the top nut is a real pain in the but to reach. Plan on cutting the piston just below the mount.
 
Bilstein has a lifetime guarantee. Great shocks as well.

BTW the top nut is a real pain in the but to reach. Plan on cutting the piston just below the mount.

A local shop charges almost nothing for labor so I'm going to let them do it.

How about the Rancho RS5000?

Any complications from doing rear-only and leaving front until I can save a little more $$?
 
Oem well give best street ride and outlast all the other aftermarket shocks

Awesome. That's kind of what I figured.

Camelback or Toyotapartszone do better?

Parts Zone allowed me to enter the VIN to get a specific parts number, but it seems to point to many different parts on Camelback or Toyota of Dallas.

Also, should I do springs along with this or would shocks alone improve the ride?
 
Awesome. That's kind of what I figured.

Camelback or Toyotapartszone do better?

Parts Zone allowed me to enter the VIN to get a specific parts number, but it seems to point to many different parts on Camelback or Toyota of Dallas.

Also, should I do springs along with this or would shocks alone improve the ride?

Springs would restore the truck's height. I just replaced the springs and raised it up 1.5 inches, that's how much the old stock coils were sagging. Just look and measure your lift, if it seems low then replace them. You don't have to go OEM for springs, but be careful since Moog springs and others are actually thinner than Toyota's and wear out quickly. I picked up Raybestos ones for cheap and so far so good.

I was also going to go OEMs until Rock Auto had clearanced their KYB's for $22 each :) You can't beat OEMs if you want that smooth, consistent ride though.
 
Just installed these, what a difference!

KYB KG54317 Gas-a-Just Monotube Shock
Amazon.com: KYB KG54317 Gas-a-Just Monotube Shock: Automotive

And cheap.

Wow, that's a pretty killer price.

I'm torn between these KYBs and the Toyota 48531-80692 from ToyotaPartsZone.

Lots of folks have posted in other threads saying the OEM shocks have an inferior lifespan compared to other aftermarket shocks. Is that true, or just perception because of the 96-98 OEM recall?
 

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