Shock & Strut Recommendations

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blk-betty

New member
New member with an 03 2wd 4.7L and 110K miles on original shocks and struts.

In the last 5-10K miles the ride has become harsh and figured it was time to replace shocks and struts.

I drive 95% on-road and basically looking to restore the original like new ride quality and not interested in a stiffer ride. I've read some prefer the Bilstein and claim it has a stiffer ride but they say it is "better".

Just wondering what is the best shock/strut option for my needs. OEM, Bilstein, KYB, etc.

Plan to the do the swap myself and wonder what else should be replaced at the same time and any pointers I might need.
 
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You might be able to find someone with lower mile OEM spings that switched to FJ springs. And then you could just buy KYB shocks to get a like new stock ride back. Also, if you have a Sport model then you have Xreas suspension unless it has already been removed. A dealer will want your first born child to replace that so you are better off with normal shocks anyway.
 
:iagree: u may also find a full FJ setup with either tokicos or bilsteins already put together, it would make installing them yourself a tad bit easier.
 
Ok I'm new here so help me out, I don't have a Sport or the Xreas suspension so just want the basics.

Why are the FJ components recommended and where would one go about purchasing them? From an oem standpoint, can I purchase them through Toyota, I assume they will mount up without a problem, is that correct, what model years are interchangeable, are they more expensive than the oem 4 Runner shocks and struts?

Do my oem springs need to be changed along with the front struts and rear shocks? Would just changing the shocks and struts be Ok?
 
They can be found on fjcruiser forum classifieds or the classifieds on this site sometimes. I assume they could be ordered directly from toyota but they will cost you I'm sure. The FJ springs are completely interchangeable but you will get a slight lift(1/2"?) and slightly firmer ride. It seems that everyone that has swapped has been very pleased but it may not be what you are looking for.

Only changing the shocks should be fine and I'm sure would get you back closer to the stock feel. I'm sure someone else can point you in the right direction for that. I "think" kyb are very close to stock and not too expensive.

You could post a wanted add in the classifieds looking for a low mileage OEM setup so you could get the complete system of springs and shocks. People here and at toyota120 might want to make a few bucks and help you out, most likely they would have them sitting around taking up space anyways.
 
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JCR said:
They can be found on fjcruiser forum classifieds or the classifieds on this site sometimes. I assume they could be ordered directly from toyota but they will cost you I'm sure. The FJ springs are completely interchangeable but you will get a slight lift(1/2"?) and slightly firmer ride. It seems that everyone that has swapped has been very pleased but it may not be what you are looking for. I agree and would add that most seek 4wd springs. Just as with the 4Runners there's a minor spring length difference 2wd vs 4wd. And yes, 4wd FJC or 4Runner springs will go your 2wd just fine.

Only changing the shocks should be fine and I'm sure would get you back closer to the stock feel. I'm sure someone else can point you in the right direction for that. I "think" kyb are very close to stock and not too expensive. I agree, several have used the KYB GR2's as a straight OE replacement and seem very happy. Bilsteins (adjustable height or non-adjustable) are fairly popular too and a little stiffer than stock.

You could post a wanted add in the classifieds looking for a low mileage OEM setup so you could get the complete system of springs and shocks. People here and at toyota120 might want to make a few bucks and help you out, most likely they would have them sitting around taking up space anyways.
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:cheers:
 
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Thanks for all the advice.

I did a some online research and found a complete set of front and rear KYB GR2s for $215 including shipping.

I could get the Bilstein 5100s for about $100 more and debated back and forth but since I'm really looking for a smooth ride (like OEM quality) and don't do any off-roading or heavy trailering I couldn't pass up the deal on the KYBs.
 
i think u'll be happy with em, but since u have an 03 with the originals, u still have to expect it to be a little firmer, but in a good way.
 
Just replaced all 4 on my 03 V6 with KYB. Found them on Amazon.com for $182.00 for the set. I am very satisfied with the ride. Oh, by the way, I have 162,000 milles on my 4runner. Shocks were still original.
 
fdte320 said:
Just replaced all 4 on my 03 V6 with KYB. Found them on Amazon.com for $182.00 for the set. I am very satisfied with the ride. Oh, by the way, I have 162,000 milles on my 4runner. Shocks were still original.
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Well dang, I thought I got a great deal at $215.

Did you replace anything else or just the shocks & struts?

Is their a significantly noticable improvment in the ride?
 
Yes. $ 182.00 is very cheap, so I didn't let it slip. Just replace the shocks and the rubber spacer for the front that came with it, nothing more. The front are a PITA. The rear are very easy. I can tell a significant improvement on the ride. Imagine, after 162,000 miles on the original. It's still stiff but comfortable.
 
fdte320 said:
Yes. $ 182.00 is very cheap, so I didn't let it slip. Just replace the shocks and the rubber spacer for the front that came with it, nothing more. The front are a PITA. The rear are very easy. I can tell a significant improvement on the ride. Imagine, after 162,000 miles on the original. It's still stiff but comfortable.
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Just replaced all four of mine as well with KYB GR2s. Amazon had the bet pricing and free shipping. The ride seems pretty OEM to me.

I have to agree that the fronts are a pain. I followed the Service manual procedures including removing the front sway bar. The best tip I found was in this link to use your jack handle to push down on the lower A arm which will let you remove the shock assembly with the spring. I used a spring compressor that I borrowed from a local auto parts store and did not follow the procedures in that thread. You'll read lots of dire warnings about spring compressors but I've never had an issue with them.

For the rears give up on trying to keep the shock shaft from spinning with a wrench or vice grips. Just drill a hole through the shock and jam a screw driver in there to keep the shock from spinning and then remove the nut.

I also referenced this older thread (which pointed me to the jack handle tip).

All in all it is a pretty straight forward job well within the capabilities of a weekend wrencher.
 
Asmara said:
Just replaced all four of mine as well with KYB GR2s. Amazon had the bet pricing and free shipping. The ride seems pretty OEM to me.

I have to agree that the fronts are a pain. I followed the Service manual procedures including removing the front sway bar. The best tip I found was in this link to use your jack handle to push down on the lower A arm which will let you remove the shock assembly with the spring. I used a spring compressor that I borrowed from a local auto parts store and did not follow the procedures in that thread. You'll read lots of dire warnings about spring compressors but I've never had an issue with them.

For the rears give up on trying to keep the shock shaft from spinning with a wrench or vice grips. Just drill a hole through the shock and jam a screw driver in there to keep the shock from spinning and then remove the nut.

I also referenced this older thread (which pointed me to the jack handle tip).

All in all it is a pretty straight forward job well within the capabilities of a weekend wrencher.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tips and especially the link above with the pictures.

Got the KYBs and did the fronts this afternoon...took me 4 hours but I didn't know what I was doing. Think I could cut my time down almost in half if I had to do it again.

Will do the rears in the am and expect they won't take near as much time.
 
Rears are done - took 1 hour total for rears and 4 hours for fronts.

Rides much better, glad I did it and thanks for the help!
 
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