Shockingly Bad... Pro Comp ES3000 Shocks

[Tornadom]

I recently ordered a set of Pro Comp ES3000 shocks for the front my 1990 4Runner. Oh my goodness, these things are terrible. I bought the Pro Comp shocks because I wanted the slightly longer shocks to accompany my 1.5" ball joint spacers (which I will install on my next day off) and they were inexpensive. I heard a lot of good things about the ES3000 from other Toyota IFS owners, so I figured why not. Let's just say I am not impressed with them at all and am willing to eat the cost of them in order to put something better on there. The ride is very mushy and uncontrolled feeling, similar to the worn out stock shocks. Over small bumps they feel decent, but any sizable bumps cause the front end to dance around a bit more than with the worn out OEM shocks. All of my steering components and bushing are in good order, and the only change made was the front shocks.

That brings me to my question: what are the best shocks for the front end of an IFS Toyota that is lifted 2" in the front via BJ spacers and slight torsion bar adjustment? I am seeking a firm, controlled ride that is able to handle the theoretically higher spring rate of the cranked torsion bars (adding pre load to the torsion bar changes the amount of force required to further compress the suspension).

After having Sway-A-Way RaceRunner coil overs on my F150 I fear I have become spoiled in the area of good shocks.

 

[n8buddy]

Old Man Emu by ARB is the way to go

 

[Barnaby]

I have Bilsteins on all of my cars and most likely won't ever switch away from them.

 

[Tornadom]

Thanks for the replies.

I've used Bilsteins in the past (both the standard HD and 7100 series), and while the higher end models are nice, they are not application specific. I might be able to run a 7100 in the rear with out too much trouble, but I don't know how I could run them in the front with out fabricating a shock tower.

I really, really like Koni shocks when they are custom valved for my application, though I have really only run those on track-day and auto-x cars. Honestly, I'm not sure if Koni even makes shocks for the 4Runner.

I am tempted to purchase the OME torsion bars and rear lift coils for my 4Runner, as I do want slightly stiffer bars for my planned winch and bumper, but do not want to go with the bone jarring 26mm torsion bars from other manufacturers. It would seem logical that their shocks are designed to accompany the uprated springs and torsion bars sold by them, but I might be way off.

So that's one vote for Bilstein and one vote for OME. Any others to consider?

 

[T?@\7]

nope, EMU is all.

 

[Richard_]

depends on how you plan to drive it

 

[T?@\7]

drive it: ome.
re**** it: rancho, pro comp, steel piss, wonder dong etc. etc.
For most every rig here, especially ifs, OME is as good as it WILL GET. Proofs in the puddin mate...
So what do you recommend personally?

 

[fourwd1]

Pro Comp suspensions are notorious for a harsh ride.
On the other hand Old Man Emu is just the opposite, for ride and handling, they are the best.

 

[Tornadom]

Pro Comp suspensions are notorious for a harsh ride.
On the other hand Old Man Emu is just the opposite, for ride and handling, they are the best.

The only ProComp parts I have are the shocks, and they are anything but harsh. In fact, I would say they are spongy or mushy feeling. Perhaps the ES9000 shocks are harsh, but the ES3000 are under-dampened if anything.

I do agree that OME makes quality stuff; I am currently waiting to receive my OME 900 coils (1.5" lift, medium). I don't have any experience with their shocks, only their springs.

I might look into OME shocks next time around (i.e. in a few pay checks), or Bilsteins.

 

[cometobanks]

Bilsteins= sooper smooshy, great for a crawler cant imagine wanting them for the road

 

[Barnaby]

Bilsteins= sooper smooshy, great for a crawler cant imagine wanting them for the road

I have them on my 4runner now and I disagree completely, they are not "smooshy" at all. I also had them on my FJ Cruiser and they were stiffer than stock. Both are/were the 5100s.

 

[cometobanks]

OK, MINE are sooper smooshy, BUT they are almost 3 feet tall....so take it for what its worth...

 

[Tornadom]

Bilstein's HD series are not mushy at all, but their long travel (7100 series for example) tend to be softer.

 

[Tornadom]

A quick thought:

I just installed my Old Man EMU 900 lift coils... they are very nice so far and ride like stock. Perhaps their shocks are just as good? I think I'm going to give them a shot soon.