Shock suggestions/info please

[4by4th]

I have a 2004 4WD 4Runner with stock suspension (not XREAS), 140000 miles, and Nitto 265/70R17 Terra Grapplers. I have a Yakima Sidewinder roof rack for our tandem bike and cannot raise the vehicle any due to clearance issues with the rack and/or bike on the top. I don't do much if any offroading these days.

The ride has gotten very bouncy when pulling our 20 foot center console fishing boat and desperately need new shocks. I used to be very happy with the ride with and without the boat. My trusty local mechanic recommended Monroe Sensitrack struts and shocks by Monroe, $490 front and $391 rear. That seems a lot higher than I have ever paid for shocks before on other cars or trucks.

I haven't been able to figure out if I need struts or shocks, and any other suggestions will be helpful. There is a 4 Wheel Parts nearby that I'll probably call next. Also thinking about calling the stealer to get an idea on stock replacement cost, although I really would prefer aftermarket.

 

[jtanner]

Don't know much about monroe shocks, but I do know that I just put some new Bilstein 5100s on my '05 for a lot less! Bils have a great reputation & I have been extremely happy with the ride thus far! I still have my rear stock shocks, but the 2 front Bilstein's I just got ran me about $175 & then about $150 for installation.

 

[4by4th]

Bilstein 4600 struts front, Procomp ES 9000 shocks rear, installed at 4 Wheel Parts including a front end alignment which they recommended, $566 driveout. It definitely pays to shop around.

 

[cali_axela]

I would strongly recommend the Bilsteins over the Monroes if you plan to continue towing, they will be much more durable over time and a little more solid feeling with a load than Sensatracs, since Bilstein likes to use more firm rebound dampening... yet they are still very comfortable.

This is based on my experience in two other cars with Bilsteins and several other aftermarket shocks/coilovers; I've read tons of good things about the 5100's here for the 4runner, and when my OEM suspension starts going (hopefully not for awhile), I'm 99% sure that's what I will replace mine with.

 

[4by4th]

We pulled the boat with the new shocks last week and it was great. Maybe better than new but who knows. I lost that feeling a long time ago where pulling the boat was almost like it wasn't there.:fishing: