Suggestions for Shocks-165k miles 2001 4runner Limited 4wd

[sugjavier]

I thought Bilsteins were good but I heard there are problems with this model. Bilstein HD Shocks - Best Price on Bilstein B6 Heavy Duty Shocks

Something about it actually being for the 4runner pre-01.

Anyways my question is:

What shocks (please give model and link for price) are better than the stock shocks? I would like to just buy them online and then go to a shop and pay them to install it.

I have stock everything. No lift. I rarely go offroading and even if I do, its very light.

 

[bitchaaz]

2001 Toyota 4Runner 4WD Tokico Trek Master Shocks, Tokico Trekmaster Shock Absorbers

I put on a set of those Tokicos at around 180k. I have 245 on my truck now, and I absolutely love the ride they have given me.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I'd run the Bilsteins. Buy them from AJUSA.com

 

[01thunder]

I'd run the Bilsteins. Buy them from AJUSA.com

i just did. 289 shipped for all 4. great price and already like them.

 

[ALBPM]

The HD Bisteins are great for handling on the street/highway I had had them on my 2002 Runner for about 7 years. They are a bit rough offroad. And they are made for no lift or ~2" lift max.

 

[sugjavier]

Is the 4600 Series the same thing as the Bilstein HD?
Bilstein Monotube Shock Absorbers and Struts for 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER | AJUSA.COM vs Bilstein HD Shocks - Best Price on Bilstein B6 Heavy Duty Shocks What's the difference?

And a very important note to everyone: I don't want a lift. Basically I'll just give them to a mechanic and let him install it. I'm ok if it's not as exact as the old shock and it gives it a less than 1 inch lift as long as it doesn't require anymore parts like lift kits

 

[Fireball]

Curious as to why you wouldn't just go with an oem replacement given your needs??

 

[T4R2014]

I've heard from others that the Bilstein shocks are very stiff. I would go Trekmaster or OEM but that is just my opinion.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Is the 4600 Series the same thing as the Bilstein HD?
Bilstein Monotube Shock Absorbers and Struts for 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER | AJUSA.COM vs Bilstein HD Shocks - Best Price on Bilstein B6 Heavy Duty Shocks What's the difference?

And a very important note to everyone: I don't want a lift. Basically I'll just give them to a mechanic and let him install it. I'm ok if it's not as exact as the old shock and it gives it a less than 1 inch lift as long as it doesn't require anymore parts like lift kits

Yes 4600's and HD's are the same. Shocks don't give you lift, springs do.

 

[sugjavier]

How much should I expect to pay for all 4 shocks to be installed? Like gimme a ball park.

Note: I live in Michigan. Last month, my rusted muffler came off and Bell Tire charged me $350 to replace the muffler with a stock (Walker brand as I was told) and also the tailpipe. I asked everywhere. Dealership wanted $700 while Tuffy wanted $550.

That said, I want to know a REASONABLE price for these to be installed.

Thanks so much for the answers! I think I'm leaning on the Bilsteins HD(4600) even though some say it is stiff.

Stiff to me is subjective. Does it mean that it will bounce more? I'm confused on this area lol

 

[the great him]

How much should I expect to pay for all 4 shocks to be installed? Like gimme a ball park.

Note: I live in Michigan. Last month, my rusted muffler came off and Bell Tire charged me $350 to replace the muffler with a stock (Walker brand as I was told) and also the tailpipe. I asked everywhere. Dealership wanted $700 while Tuffy wanted $550.

That said, I want to know a REASONABLE price for these to be installed.

Thanks so much for the answers! I think I'm leaning on the Bilsteins HD(4600) even though some say it is stiff.

Stiff to me is subjective. Does it mean that it will bounce more? I'm confused on this area lol

no they will not bounce more, in fact they should bounce less, being stiffer means they will take more to move them. i run bilstiens all the way around on my runner, and i love them. we dont drive cars, we drive trucks, its a body on frame vehicle -most SUVs now are unibody -no real frame. you are not gonna get a cushy ride like them anyways. its not bone jarring or rock hard ect. its nice you feel bumps sure, but then again not driving a cadilac remember.

another option would be KYB shocks i had them before my bilstiens and they were nice, i liked them for an OE replacement.

as far as cost idk id say probably no more than $100 a corner, but thats just a guess. you shoudlnt need an alignment as you are not lifting or changing geometry or any joints. its just a matter of pulling the front strut and replacing it, -should not affect alignment so dont let them talk you into that, unless you want one. its not a bad idea, but not a must have either.

 

[sugjavier]

Is it okay if I let them install the front ones first just to test it out before I buy the rear set? Would it mess up anything? I should be fine right?

 

[the great him]

you would be fine, but your not gonna tell much by doing that, as you will have have the truck that will ride funky and honestly thats gonna make the whole truck ride funky... id say just go with one set, if you dont like them im sure you could always sell them to someone who wants to replace their old worn out stuff for new, but either way your gonna take a hit

 

[PitbullRescuer]

If anything I'd do the rears first. But you're better off doing all four.