Suspension help

[tjjmon]

I have a 2000 4Runner 4wd that is my wife's dd. It's pushing 180,000 so I have been replacing parts. Just did the lower ball joints and will do the radiator this weekend. I want to replace the struts and shocks. It doesn't see any off road action so it doesn't need any lift.
Would like a smooth ride. Been doing research on this forum to get some ideas. It seems the KYB's are stiff. Is Monroe the way to go or OEM maybe? I would imagine that I should replace the springs as well. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[2ndhandyotaman]

I just got my '01 4runner last month, one of the items that I had to replace for the state safety inspection were the rear shocks because the outer dust shield was rotting away. My truck is bone stock and will stay that way for while. I went with the monroe-matic plus ( blue in color) as a budget choice. Wrong choice ! the original shocks with 178K on them handled better than these monroe marshmallows. I returned them the next day and got the KYG Gas Adjusts. To me, the KYB's handle like the original shocks. They are a high pressure mono-tube shock just like the originals.

 

[Ehahn84]

I second this statement. The KYB Gas Adjust shocks work just fine. With 180k on the clock, it would also be a good idea to do the rear springs, otherwise its just gonna sag out again.

I just got my '01 4runner last month, one of the items that I had to replace for the state safety inspection were the rear shocks because the outer dust shield was rotting away. My truck is bone stock and will stay that way for while. I went with the monroe-matic plus ( blue in color) as a budget choice. Wrong choice ! the original shocks with 178K on them handled better than these monroe marshmallows. I returned them the next day and got the KYG Gas Adjusts. To me, the KYB's handle like the original shocks. They are a high pressure mono-tube shock just like the originals.

 

[Kanoe]

From my experience, Monroe stuff is very low quality for the price. I would avoid it in all forms unless you are stuck.

 

[tjjmon]

I second this statement. The KYB Gas Adjust shocks work just fine. With 180k on the clock, it would also be a good idea to do the rear springs, otherwise its just gonna sag out again.

Would you suggest OEM springs with the gas adjusts?

 

[mtbtim]

When I bought my rig, I replaced my original shocks with Bilstein 4600s. They are a replacement for stock height rigs and they ride nice. If you're looking for a very mild lift, Bilstein 5100s would be a good way to go.

The video below shows us installing a mild lift on a 3rd Gen so it will let you know how to swap out all the parts if you choose to do it yourself.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0HJx6HH2yno" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Hepar]

I would say if you're not going to lift it or run it hard off-road, I'd stick with OEM. They were pretty comfy rides when new.

 

[tjjmon]

When I bought my rig, I replaced my original shocks with Bilstein 4600s. They are a replacement for stock height rigs and they ride nice. If you're looking for a very mild lift, Bilstein 5100s would be a good way to go.

The video below shows us installing a mild lift on a 3rd Gen so it will let you know how to swap out all the parts if you choose to do it yourself.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0HJx6HH2yno" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Did you use the stock springs on the front struts?

 

[phattyduck]

OEM, Bilstein 4600 or KYB will all be good choices. If you are happy with the current ride height, don't change out any springs. You may want to consider new front top hats, and make sure you put new stem cushions on both the front and the rear (most shocks come with them).

-Charlie

 

[3bears]

I installed the 99 talls and kyb gas and am very happy with the ride and minor lift. I also installed air bags because I do load this thing up sometimes.( camping etc)
My son and I owned a taco, briefly, it had monroes on it and they were junk. ( we now co-own a very modified lifted taco)
I would definitely replace rear springs with that many miles. More money but go OEM on springs, the cheap ones Moog etc will sag out early I have been told and sometimes you have to use a spacer on the driver side to balance the car left to right.
Stock springs come specific for left and right to compensate for the heavier load on the driver side.
As far as replacing the front springs, that's up to you, I would do them all if keeping for long.
Some people replace the top hats as well, but I have not seen them to be a wear issue, I might be wrong, but its not like a McPherson strut front end where the shocks rotate and spin in the top hats and have bearings go out.

 

[Ehahn84]

Sure...as long as they’re fresh. The KYB has-adjust shocks are pretty much stock size and can handle a tiny 1-2” lift.

Would you suggest OEM springs with the gas adjusts?

 

[MMK21]

I would stay away from the Monroes, i have them because i wasn't sure what i was doing with my rear set up and they kinda suck..alot