Replacing just shocks or more?

[VQDEK]

I apologize in advance for yet another thread related to suspension and have read through a bunch of threads but...

Here's my situation. 02 2x4 with 230k. Bought it a year or so ago for a good price but needed lots of work. Alignment was bad, tires had uneven wear so I just drove it until it needed tires. Which is now. Running 265 70 16 and plan on keeping that size. Located in Florida.

The shocks are toast and I think they were original. Get bounce. Since i have to get tires and an alignment, now is the time to replace the shocks. Rest of suspension looks to be good from my inspection (the vehicle was originally well maintained).

I wouldn't mind some small lift but don't it's not my focus. I've read that Bilstein 5100s are a popular choice. They generally seem to be paired with OME springs. I can't really tell if my springs are bad. Although at 230k, they obviously have wear. I don't off road aside from an occasional path to a camp site so this is for basically street use.

So, for you guys that know here are my questions:

1. Should I just go get stock replacements?

2. Should I go 5100s around and keep stock springs? (I thought I read that on a 2x4 I have to go with a 2.5 lift - is that true?)

3. Should I just replace all shocks and springs? If so, is the 5100/OME combo a good one for daily driving in Florida.

Thanks in advance.

 

[the_welfare_wagon]

Not sure what your budget is/What you wanna spend but if your never gonna offroad it then id personally stick with rockauto shocks like Monroe or KYB and moog springs. Keep in mind that the rear end will probably sag even after you put new springs back there. The 5100s are a good choice but like I said I don't know if you wanna spend the extra money for them.

I know ill probably catch shit for saying use the cheap rockauto shocks and springs but that's my opinion.

If you are looking to spend money then I recommend 5100s all around with OME 906 in the back and Moog 81088 up front. Id also recommend checking out the swaybar links/bushings while your down there too

 

[FD7683]

I strongly suggest either KYB or OEM for regular use. I'm not sure about off roading since i'm not in that field but KYB is almost on par with OEM equipment. I haven't heard good things about Monroe - I have the rear shocks paired with Monroe on my Civic and have to replace them again after a year and a half from use. Will be using KYB next time.

 

[3bears]

the kyb's are good and have used them on many different types of rigs. I did have warranty issuse with my last ones, leaking on rears. Lucky easy to replace. Did not have issuses with the front struts. Only had for about 40k untill I went with billies and a 3 inch lift.
But have been happy with KYB in the past,, 4runners, volvos, bmw's and this current rig might see kyb's as I wont be lifting this one more than 2 inches...or might go Dobinsons shocks/struts/springs.
Monroe for me have been junk, have been on other rigs I have bought and not impressed. Maybe ok for mall and street rigs.

 

[nissanh]

Go with OEM shocks. KYB is not the best, and could fail soon if the shock was on a shelf for a long time.
Before you inatall gas shocks, first keep it upright and compress the shock completely 2-3 times to get gas to the bottom of the shock.

 

[shadow247]

I strongly suggest either KYB or OEM for regular use. I'm not sure about off roading since i'm not in that field but KYB is almost on par with OEM equipment. I haven't heard good things about Monroe - I have the rear shocks paired with Monroe on my Civic and have to replace them again after a year and a half from use. Will be using KYB next time.

I can confirm that Monroe is Garbage. KYB is the OEM Manufacturer for several manufacturers, Monroe is STRICTLY budget garbage that no OEM would touch.

The KYB's are a great shock and work just fine for general off-roading. I have the Mono-Max in the rear with TRD PRo 5th Gen Springs, and it rides PERFECT. No bounce, nice and solid, and no excessive roll with the old saggy springs.

I have yet to get around to swapping the fronts to KYB's and replacing the Monroe's that are up there from the PO, but I know it will make a massive differene..now if only the dang city would make up there mind on fixing my alley...been parking at the neighbors driveway for over a month now waiting

 

[hdoggie24]

I'm thinking of getting some KYB shocks for my 5th springs. I only drive it on the streets as my daily. Which KYB shocks are better for daily driving. The Gas-a-just or the Mono-max?

 

[tx_shooter]

There is a lot to be said for the ride quality of custom valved shocks. ToyTec's alumaseries shocks are pretty nice but I have not heard of them being valved for the vehicle. Once I went to Kings on my 4Runner I wished I had done it years sooner. Buy once, cry once, smile every time you use it.

 

[shadow247]

There is a lot to be said for the ride quality of custom valved shocks. ToyTec's alumaseries shocks are pretty nice but I have not heard of them being valved for the vehicle. Once I went to Kings on my 4Runner I wished I had done it years sooner. Buy once, cry once, smile every time you use it.

Totally agree. Kings are sweet.

The cost of my 4 KYBs was only 250 bucks. Kings are just a bit more pricy for a vehicle that sees 90 percent pavement and 10 percent dirt road.

I will be putting Kings on my truck in a few years when I can afford the 2.5LT Kit and Extended Axles to go with it!

 

[tx_shooter]

Totally agree. Kings are sweet.

The cost of my 4 KYBs was only 250 bucks. Kings are just a bit more pricy for a vehicle that sees 90 percent pavement and 10 percent dirt road.

I will be putting Kings on my truck in a few years when I can afford the 2.5LT Kit and Extended Axles to go with it!

Funny thing is Kings improve ride and handling on both dirt and pavement. They are not a dirt only improvement.

 

[phattyduck]

Guys, he has a 2WD. If he is happy with the current ride height, he should keep the stock springs.

OEM, KYB or Bilstein 4600 will all work just fine for him. Make sure to have the appropriate stem washers (they may or may not come with the shocks).

While in there he should check for bad bushings, etc. and replace as necessary. Since it is a Florida truck, it should be rust free unless it spend time on/near the beach.

-Charlie