Shock question?

[wolfman4]

Shock question? running 881 and 906 springs

Just got a sweat deal on new 881 and 906 springs for my 97 off of craigslist, don't do just alot of off road but, would like some shocks to handle it when I do. Thinking about "ROUGH COUNTRY" OR "BILSTEINS" 4600 OR 5100? will 4600'S WORK? -ARE 5100'S MORE STIFF?
"ROUGH CONTRY CHEAPER! -----ANY THOUGHTS AND OR EXPERENCES!

AND YES, I HAVE SEARCHED THIS FORM! AND, CAN NOT SEEM TO GET A CLEAR ANSWER!

any part numbers also would be helpful!

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOLFMAN4

 

[gamefreakgc]

It's hard to get a clear answer because it's a subjective question. One person will say Bilstein 5100's are great, others have complained they are too stiff and have removed them.

I'm about to put KYB gas-a-just shocks and struts on my rig, since they seem to be a good middle ground. Plus they are about 1/3 the price as Bilsteins. I have no experience with Rough Country though.

 

[snivilous]

My experience: Rough country sucks balls but it works if you're on a tight budget. If your budget can stretch more Bilsteins ride nice but still suck balls, I had one shock where the bottom got ripped out in the front and one rear shock go out on my 5100s and then they refused to warranty them which was retarded. And then you can spend even more and go with Kings or Foxs or some other actually good brand. All depends on your budget, I would go as fancy as you can on the shocks but that's just me.

 

[wolfman4]

Thanks, Did you replace the springs too? Seems like the "Rough Country" shocks do not last long so they are out. Now it's either the KYB's like you are running or the Bilstein. I'm just not sure which to use with these springs. Like you stated, some say to use the adjustable 5100's and others say they are using the 4600 hd's.

Cann't wait to oder something and get started you know.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Yeah it's good to replace the coils as well, especially if they are still the old tired stock ones. Both the rear coils and the coil-overs on the struts in the front. Also a good idea to get new strut mounts but if your old ones are still in good shape then you could re-use them. I'm going the whole enchilada, new coils, shocks, struts and mounts. The rear shocks in the back were leaking when I got the 4Runner and as a result it wore out the rest of the suspension real quick.

For suspension parts, I'd also stay away from any Rancho or Moog parts. They are the "cheap" versions, the coils are actually thinner in diameter and wear out way too fast.

I chose KYB's because they are within my price range and a better quality. Not as good as Bilstein and definitely not Fox, but I'm not looking for some high-performance offroading shock, since they are too stiff on roads for my taste.

Try searching around outside of these forums for more ideas as well. The Bilstein 5100's are definitely the choice of most on this board but it's not the only opinion out there, ya know?