Smoother ride? New shocks?

[Amirocassar]

Hey guys, I know there's countless threads but was wondering about getting a smoother ride in my 2002 4runner. It's the sports edition, so I'm not sure if the ride is just rough because it's the sports edition or because of the age. The rides really bumpy and I moved to NYC, so with the potholes it's an extremely rough ride. Since I'll be chauffeuring my aunt around, she's spoken about paying for whatever is necessary. So my question is. Which shocks would be the best? How hard is it to do? Cost roughly? And should I change anything else? Springs etc.

I don't have a jack or jack stands with me since I moved, so would it be ok to use the emergency jack and do one wheel at a time? Thanks!

 

[T4R2014]

OEM is the way to go.

 

[MONTYMTB]

I have the same goal, and have researched it quite a bit. The general consensus seems to be either OEM (Tokico) or Bilstein 4600. Learn from my mistake and stay away from Monroe - they're terrible. Not sure of price on OEM, but shopping around I've found you can get the Bilstein for a little under $300 shipped.

Another thread about it here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/142633-shocks-ride-quality-4runner.html

 

[kolelt]

Why not bilstein 5100

 

[MONTYMTB]

Why not bilstein 5100

He didn't specify so I'm just assuming from reading his post, but I think he's like me and doesn't have a lift. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the 5100 geared more toward lifted/wheeling rigs?

 

[Jbot]

He didn't specify so I'm just assuming from reading his post, but I think he's like me and doesn't have a lift. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the 5100 geared more toward lifted/wheeling rigs?

Yes, the 5100 are a great choice for a lifted rig, but if its stock, 4600 are a more direct replacement for OEM. Either with the 4600 or just replacing OEM, should do the trick, although i have heard the bilsteins are just slightly rougher until about 5-10k miles are put on them.

As for the replacement, the two in the rear are quite easy, just jack it up, and its two bolts, the fronts are harder since they are inside the coils.

 

[soldiersnake]

I just installed new 5100s with new 99 talls in my 01 with 175k miles on it. It rides much smoother overall but did not improve potholes much. big bumps and dips in the road is where I felt the biggest improvement honestly. I just dont think these trucks ever rode smooth over jarring potholes. Just my 02.

Edit: I went with the Tacoma 5100s as the Tundras are on a nation wide backorder.

 

[jgue467]

They're too lite

is the main reason for the OEM ride - so you end up bouncy when empty or with little added weight. When I load about 400-800lbs of corn in the rear seats and truck area, my ride goes limo smooth! Try it but it'll cost some gas... :banana:

 

[Hepar]

I don't have a jack or jack stands with me since I moved, so would it be ok to use the emergency jack and do one wheel at a time?

You can, but I sure wouldn't. A good set of jack stands are a super cheap investment considering what it will save if your bottle jack tips over while you're underneath it.

But you could use the bottle jack, remove the tire and then set the tire underneath the axle for some added protection. Again, I wouldn't do it, but doesn't mean it can't be done.