Strut and Shock Opinions

[Ppilar]

I want to change out the front struts and rear shocks on my 04 4runner. Any opinions on which ones I should purchase and which ones I definitely shouldn't?

 

[chaz]

your answer will depend on a few things, do you have xreas? do you want to lift or level it? do you want a close to stock ride or firmer one?

 

[Ppilar]

I don't think I do have xreas. I own an SR5. I don't want to lift it as of yet because I need to address a few other issues with it first. Stock ride is pretty decent but I wouldn't mind having a few options if a firmer ride is a bit better. But something that might soften up the ride since I don't off road very often. Its more for long commutes.

 

[chaz]

something like this for stock like ride would be good, Toyota 4Runner Front Rear Shocks Strut Set Genuine OE | eBay or for a slight firmer but close to stock improvement these may work for you. KYB GR-2/Excel-G Series Shock Absorbers And Strut Assemblies - JCWhitney ive heard monroes are also close to stock & since you have an 04 these frt monroes also come with new coils. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mon-171371r/applications/year/2004/make/toyota/model/4runner or maybe these without coils- http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mon-71371st/applications/year/2004/make/toyota/model/4runner just ask about rear shocks

 

[Ppilar]

something like this for stock like ride would be good, Toyota 4Runner Front Rear Shocks Strut Set Genuine OE | eBay or for a slight firmer but close to stock improvement these may work for you. KYB GR-2/Excel-G Series Shock Absorbers And Strut Assemblies - JCWhitney ive heard monroes are also close to stock & since you have an 04 these frt monroes also come with new coils. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mon-171371r/applications/year/2004/make/toyota/model/4runner or maybe these without coils- http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mon-71371st/applications/year/2004/make/toyota/model/4runner just ask about rear shocks

How about the Bilstein 5100? Do you know if I can keep the regular sized tired if I lift the truck a little bit? I have the Nitto Crosstek on there right now.

 

[chaz]

sure. but i thought u wanted to keep the ride close to stock, the 5100, imo, give a smooth ride however u will feel the bumps in the road a bit more.

 

[Ppilar]

Well I was reading around a bit in the forum and a lot of individuals spoke highly about the 5100 and also they said that elevating the car a bit gave a smoother ride. So I figured why not. Is it a shock that will last a good amount of time? And what is your opinion on OME shocks, are they better or totally different?
Thanks for answering my questions and helping me out!

 

[chaz]

over the years ive use both those brands in most of my 4x4's & found them to be in about the same ball park, its all a matter of opinion, only the 5100 fronts are height adjustable tho. not sure of the warranty on the OME but the bilstein have a Lifetime Warranty - eshocks.com: Bilstein Warranty Overview everyones idea of what smooth is differs, better cornering with less nose dive, comfortable on highway, etc. but if you are only use to the stock shocks, which are imo, soft & mushy, you will feel the road bumps, potholes, etc. more with those 2. not trying to steer you away from them but if you drive only highway commutes, a more forgiving shock might be more up your alley, take into consideration that the ome & 5100 are heavy duty or offroad shocks that perform decent on road