Shock ideas for my '88 4runner

[mspa]

I've got an '88 4runner and I need new shocks. With all the work I've done and am doing, my budget is limited. I've heard KYB is a good affordable solution.

I will say that it looks like I have the original shocks. That may not be possible with 290k miles, but they are rusty and old. Surprisingly, the ride isn't too bad.

I have 31x10.5 wheels and a 3" lift (spacer, not AAL). I will probably be having a shop (a friend) doing a front end rebuild (tie rods, etc.) next week, and I'd like to either have him put the shocks in, while everything is apart up there, or do myself later. Either way, I'm looking in the $50 or less per shock range. I'm also considering a steering shock, if appropriate.

97% of my driving is to work on the highway, about 25 miles a day. A comfortable ride is my priority. Off-roading for me is going camping with the possibility of light trail riding. If I ever got to the point of strengthening the chassis and doing upgrades for serious off-road fun, I'd get new shocks. But for now, I want a firm quality ride.

I should mention I do hope to get a smaller tent trailer this summer to tow, in case that would cause anyone to suggest something a little different for the back.

Lastly, from what I've read, I don't want Rancho's.

 

[oilburner]

Look into Pro-Comp. They make pretty good shocks, and have lengths to accomodate your lift. The ES series are quality shocks, but I would upgrade to the MX-6. Well worth the money.

 

[Thai]

If you want your stock ride, then get stock shocks. If you want near stock ride but slightly firmer, then get Monroe Sensatrac. If you want a firmer ride and better off-roading durability, then get Bilsteins or Edelbrock (if avail).

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I like a smooth but controlled ride. I am not a super aggressive driver and I've always liked KYB's. They seem to offer good control for semi-aggresive driving. They offer a smooth ride when compared to most OEM shocks and they last a long time (and you get to say KY :bouncy: ) I have run Gas-a-just and GR2's, neither one was anywhere near too harsh. I really like Gas-a-justs.


What I'm too dumb to understand is the type of lift you have and if the 3" lift precludes the use of stock replacement shocks.



Check this out, you have to scroll down to the KYB's. http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=4468&selected_year=1988 Shockwarehouse is running a 4 shock special on the GR2's. The Gas-a-justs seem to be in your price range.
More info here: http://www.kyb.com/products/


As silly as it sounds I generally save one old shock from the front & rear for a few months. If there's a material defect that causes a shock to be bad or leak it shows up within 6 months usually. I used Edlebrock IAS's a few years ago and was very happy to have the old shock to put on while the exchange was occuring. The fact the old shocks were in the tool shed was luck not planning but it was good luck! Shockwarehouse was easy and fast to deal with but I did need to send them the leaking shock to get a new one. In this day and age I would hope a digital pic in an email would get a replacement shock headed your way. I did the IAS's 8-9 years ago and the e-commerce/customer service thing was as advanced as it is now.

 

[wolfgang]

I don't think stock shocks would fit with 3" lift - so suspect they were replaced somewhere down the line. Stock all seem to be Tokico (sp?). Rancho (a division Monroe) and KYB are good inexpensive shocks. I'd do the steering damper too. Ha - want comfortable ride with 31" tires and a lift -- IMHO that's kind of an oxymoron!

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I don't think stock shocks would fit with 3" lift - so suspect they were replaced somewhere down the line. Stock all seem to be Tokico (sp?). Rancho (a division Monroe) and KYB are good inexpensive shocks. I'd do the steering damper too. Ha - want comfortable ride with 31" tires and a lift -- IMHO that's kind of an oxymoron!

The lift thing threw me off. If memory serves body lifts were popular then and I don't know which type of lift he has... I agree, in all likelihood the shocks were replaced at some point.