Suspension thoughts: Monroe VS KYB VS Bilstein

[KaseyMcc]

Short version:
Looking for decent ride comfort (99% on-road driven), but don't mind a bit firm to minimize body roll, has F/R sway bars w/poly bushings. Indifferent to keeping factory rake, but have read they handle better leveled out? Thoughts? I'm an indecisive person.
Rig is a 2004 V8 full time 4WD, driven conservatively for the most part but I do like to have tight handling for more spirited drives...


Long version:
Alright I know I can find tons of threads in this section about suspension updates, but none have left me with a good sense of how to address my situation--most are aimed at offroad and I'm more concerned with on-road handling as that comprises 99% of my driving.
Tires have the tell-tale signs of bad suspension and my friend/mechanic says it's definitely time for new struts/shocks. He's not exactly a suspension pro but keeps recommending Monroe for price:quality, however I've really only found people that have been disappointed with this brand on this forum for the 4Runner.
My plan is to replace struts/mounts, shocks, coils, and sway bar end links all around. I'm not exactly loaded at this time, so don't necessarily want to waste money on what isn't needed; however, being that I'm already committed to at least doing the struts and shocks, while I'm at it I feel like I might as well take care of the rest too so I don't have to worry about it for a while.
So I've read Monroe's suck for a 4Runner, and KYB are too stiff and my mechanic says Bilsteins are overpriced and don't last any longer (his son used them on his truck and had bad luck).
I just wonder if any of them would be fine if I'm going with a whole new assembly with coils and mounts?

 

[NinjaOne]

I would go with the Bilsteins. Look at either bilstein 6112 or 5100

They have a long warranty, perform well for the driving you do and have a wide adoption rate on our trucks. They also are "future" proof should you decide to lift later.

I don't see many complaints about the bilstiens (except for a few who abuse them [MENTION=101553]t-man[/MENTION] :spy: ) For the kind of driving you are doing they should be perfect

 

[MACT4R]

I would go with the bilstein. Cost effective and can handle offroad. I have 5100 billies on both of my 4runner and it's been well tested from big bear to desert run. Can't go wrong with billies!

 

[KaseyMcc]

The main concern I had with going bilstein was that, being more off-road oriented, they would give me more of a lift than I'm shooting for. If I went with 5100s all around, any ideas of a coil I could use that wouldn't amount to much lift? I would like to retain stock height, with any change up being maybe getting rid of the factory rake...then maybe some wheel spacers, nothing too crazy...just enough to help round out the look.
Dang it this site is gonna end up costing me so much money, haha

 

[ZiaMan]

I have the 5112s in my GX and my wife really likes them. I think that's exactly what you are looking for.

Would skip the monroe and kyb. Do it once, do it right!

 

[Runn4est]

The main concern I had with going bilstein was that, being more off-road oriented, they would give me more of a lift than I'm shooting for. If I went with 5100s all around, any ideas of a coil I could use that wouldn't amount to much lift? I would like to retain stock height, with any change up being maybe getting rid of the factory rake...then maybe some wheel spacers, nothing too crazy...just enough to help round out the look.
Dang it this site is gonna end up costing me so much money, haha

5100s don't lift unless you set them higher on the perches. Keep your stock springs for stock height.

 

[jrm]

Id recommend

the moog FJ replacement coils all round and bilstein 4600s or 5100s all round. The moog coils should produce about 1" of front end lift or possibly more depending on how much the OE suspension has sagged. It doesnt sound lke you need the adjust ability of the 5100s..:deadhorse:

 

[ben550]

I have the 5112s in my GX and my wife really likes them. I think that's exactly what you are looking for.

Would skip the monroe and kyb. Do it once, do it right!

I replaced my xreas with KYB shocks/struts. I don't think they are too stiff. If anything, I think they are too floaty. If I were to do it over again, I would put on Bilstein 5100s or the Bilstien HD's in hopes of a more firm ride. My 4runner is used for 98% on-road driving.

Keep in mind they feel floaty because I also drive a 3500 silverado...

 

[KaseyMcc]

I heard if I went with the 5100s that I would also need to buy adjustable UCAs? Also, the front takes struts while the rear takes shocks, correct?
If I'm going through the trouble of replacing the struts/shocks, strut mounts and sway bar end links, would it be stupid to not go ahead and replace the springs too while I'm going through all this trouble?
I assume with 210,000 miles the coils have been replaced at some point but I haven't looked through the previous owners receipts close enough to find out.

I think I'm leaning towards the 4600s, but need to figure out the coils.

What is it about the FJ coils that people prefer over the stock 4Runner? Slightly increased ride height?
Sorry for the newb questions, I've not really dabbled in mix/matching suspension components before...

 

[MACT4R]

I heard if I went with the 5100s that I would also need to buy adjustable UCAs? Also, the front takes struts while the rear takes shocks, correct?
If I'm going through the trouble of replacing the struts/shocks, strut mounts and sway bar end links, would it be stupid to not go ahead and replace the springs too while I'm going through all this trouble?
I assume with 210,000 miles the coils have been replaced at some point but I haven't looked through the previous owners receipts close enough to find out.

I think I'm leaning towards the 4600s, but need to figure out the coils.

What is it about the FJ coils that people prefer over the stock 4Runner? Slightly increased ride height?
Sorry for the newb questions, I've not really dabbled in mix/matching suspension components before...

The only time you would change the UCA's is if you have more than 3 in of lift due to alignment or offroading a lot. 3 inches or less, stock uca is fine. FJ coils are beefier than stock springs and rides smoother IMO. No need to change sway bar end links or strut mounts (re-usable). Great combo and budget friendly which I started with is 5100 and FJ springs all around. I still have the 5100 and FJ coils in the front. I've gotten air out in the desert without issue's. I changed the rear due to needing more height cause of camping equipment. I opted with all pro 3.5 springs and extended travel fox shocks. I know some that used 5100 and Tacoma trd springs in the front with no issues and he goes ballz out offroading. Either case billies and FJ springs are a great start.

You can look at my garage to see how it sits. It's an old picture when I had the 5100 and fj coils in the rear. My front billies are set at 1.75 with FJ coils and rear has the 1.5 daystar spacers. You can gauge how you want to set yours up.

Currently, my front is a lot higher due to adding the 4" spindle but the garage picture is prior.

 

[Bumbo]

The 5100s have a really nice street-centric feel...

I have some Monroe, cant remember the series, on my half ton Silverado and personally I dont like the ride... I intend to swap them out as well in due time.

My friend has a big fan of KYB, but I haven't had a chance to ride on them yet.

 

[shahsmerdis]

whats wrong with oem non xreas shocks??? they are pretty cheap and very good quality.

 

[KaseyMcc]

The 5100s have a really nice street-centric feel...

I have some Monroe, cant remember the series, on my half ton Silverado and personally I dont like the ride... I intend to swap them out as well in due time.

My friend has a big fan of KYB, but I haven't had a chance to ride on them yet.

whats wrong with oem non xreas shocks??? they are pretty cheap and very good quality.

I'm leaning towards the 5100s with FJ springs, I think. What is the advantage of switching to FJ springs over stock though? A bit more lift or stiffness, comfort?
From what I glean from others, people switch to Bilstein for offroad capability and durability over OEM--assuming OEM doesn't withstand offroad abuse as well as the Bilsteins.

 

[Runn4est]

I'm leaning towards the 5100s with FJ springs, I think. What is the advantage of switching to FJ springs over stock though? A bit more lift or stiffness, comfort?
From what I glean from others, people switch to Bilstein for offroad capability and durability over OEM--assuming OEM doesn't withstand offroad abuse as well as the Bilsteins.

FJ springs are stiffer and will provide a little lift. 5100s are stiffer than OEM and I think, don't quote me on this, offer slightly more travel than OEM. Also have a lifetime warranty.

 

[parboy]

No worries with the 5100s. I put them on front and back of my 06. no issues with anything fit wise. Remember shocks dampen, they do not lift. They are an extended shock so they have more travel for offroad but that will not affect your ride or height. I also put FJ springs on mine. If you go with the FJ springs the ride may be a little stiffer and they will lift you about 1 in on a V6. If you are not going to lift, I say keep your springs. If you want to lift FJ coils front and back with fronts on 1.75 and a Daystar spacer on the rear. you will get a level truck just under 3" and you do not need to worry about UCAs.

 

[shahsmerdis]

Unfortunately I cannot tell you billy's vs oem in terms of ride qualities, even if I could its like comparing shoes. what fits my needs might not fit yours. I know toyota made the shock for this car and it will ride pretty darn well on road. Most people don't replace there oem shocks for ~10 years, and usually seems to be a function of both age and usage, I think that is pretty darn good. I asked a similar question to Eric the car guy on his bimonthly questions, he was pretty adamant about using honda/toyota shocks for onroad usage. He frequently says in his videos, "Nothing rides like a honda shock" He extended that to toyota when I asked him on the live video chat he posted.

Maybe there is a local 4runner member with billy's that will let you be in there car around the block? Its really hard to say, anyone one who replaces 10 year old shocks with new is going to think there new shocks are the best. you rarely get a follow up. Personally, if you are driving for on road usage, messing with springs and shocks I feel throws off the balance of the car. but I know i will get flamed for that here, but people here seem to have much different uses for there cars than I do. I care about on road usage, tunning for trailing and towing opens a new can of worms. Oem system is a balance I would think. putting spacers or a lift throws ride comfort out the window.

Going with oem is a very safe bet, price is very competitively ,and it is designed exactly for car. I looked yesterday rear shocks around 35-40 bucks on camelback, ~90 bucks for front + strut mounts etc Say ~+50 bucks more. looking at around ~300-350 for oem struts and shocks. Last time I checked billys are about 300-350 as well.

I don't know about you but my 4th gen rides pretty dam well after 100k and 12 years, there are xreas shocks, ride height seems perfect. but it never towed. I don't know when it comes down to it if ill change the springs. I highly regreted it on my 3rd gen, even though it doesn't look sagging, it is, and new shocks didn't do it all the justice it deserved. everyone told me "generally you don't replace springs, unless they are broken" Maybe 3rd gen is an exception. Im not sure if this applies to 4th gens as well. Edit: I forgot to mention I think my 4th gen with 12 year old shocks rides better than my 3rd gen with brand new shocks. Maybe it has to do with the rear spring sag.

I'm not trying to justify one or the other, just putting it out there that oem is an option despite popularity here, and its reliable and cheap. People forget about that.

 

[KaseyMcc]

Unfortunately I cannot tell you billy's vs oem in terms of ride qualities, even if I could its like comparing shoes. what fits my needs might not fit yours. I know toyota made the shock for this car and it will ride pretty darn well on road. Most people don't replace there oem shocks for ~10 years, and usually seems to be a function of both age and usage, I think that is pretty darn good. I asked a similar question to Eric the car guy on his bimonthly questions, he was pretty adamant about using honda/toyota shocks for onroad usage. He frequently says in his videos, "Nothing rides like a honda shock" He extended that to toyota when I asked him on the live video chat he posted.

Maybe there is a local 4runner member with billy's that will let you be in there car around the block? Its really hard to say, anyone one who replaces 10 year old shocks with new is going to think there new shocks are the best. you rarely get a follow up. Personally, if you are driving for on road usage, messing with springs and shocks I feel throws off the balance of the car. but I know i will get flamed for that here, but people here seem to have much different uses for there cars than I do. I care about on road usage, tunning for trailing and towing opens a new can of worms. Oem system is a balance I would think. putting spacers or a lift throws ride comfort out the window.

Going with oem is a very safe bet, price is very competitively ,and it is designed exactly for car. I looked yesterday rear shocks around 35-40 bucks on camelback, ~90 bucks for front + strut mounts etc Say ~+50 bucks more. looking at around ~300-350 for oem struts and shocks. Last time I checked billys are about 300-350 as well.

I don't know about you but my 4th gen rides pretty dam well after 100k and 12 years, there are xreas shocks, ride height seems perfect. but it never towed. I don't know when it comes down to it if ill change the springs. I highly regreted it on my 3rd gen, even though it doesn't look sagging, it is, and new shocks didn't do it all the justice it deserved. everyone told me "generally you don't replace springs, unless they are broken" Maybe 3rd gen is an exception. Im not sure if this applies to 4th gens as well. Edit: I forgot to mention I think my 4th gen with 12 year old shocks rides better than my 3rd gen with brand new shocks. Maybe it has to do with the rear spring sag.

I'm not trying to justify one or the other, just putting it out there that oem is an option despite popularity here, and its reliable and cheap. People forget about that.

Very good points. I think OEM is a perfectly good way to go about replacing your suspension parts, if pretty much all your mileage is on-road and you were satisfied with the way it handled from the factory. While the 4Runner is an awesome off-road vehicle, it comes from the factory like pretty much any other factory setup: mostly intended for on-road use. That's not to say it can't handle off-road, but not to the degree that most of the people on here are taking "off-road". If you were to go offroading much with a factory setup, it just wouldn't last quite as long or handle it as well as some aftermarket options. Which is where most people on this site tend to end up, because their offroad needs are beyond what the factory setup handles well for an extended period of time.
It seems if you're looking for factory setup and not much craziness off-road, go with OEM. If you're looking for anything more aggressive than that, it's time to start considering aftermarket suspension components that have been developed for more serious applications.
Personally, I think I'll be going with the Bilstein 5100s all around for the driving characteristics I'm looking for (based off what others are reporting), maybe with new stock springs, maybe not.

 

[Bumbo]

I'm leaning towards the 5100s with FJ springs, I think. What is the advantage of switching to FJ springs over stock though? A bit more lift or stiffness, comfort?
From what I glean from others, people switch to Bilstein for offroad capability and durability over OEM--assuming OEM doesn't withstand offroad abuse as well as the Bilsteins.

You wont notice that much difference over the FJ springs... consider that a budgetary route / inexpensive way to get an OEM feeling refresh.

I know enough people that went that route only to do it again, but those are people do who off-road their SUVs. Read up on it more but the FJ route isn't for everyone.

I switched to a Bilstein 5100 in the rear only... and that was 100% due to budget constraints. I went with a stiffer Old Man Emu 2" lift coil... I don't like spacers... I do intend on changing that shock out when funds allow. That said, I like the on-road drive with it as its a digressive valved shock...

In the front I went with the Bilstein 6112 which comes with its own matched spring... personally I think the value, performance and quality here is probably unmatched for the price at least.

I dont consider the 5100 an off-road shock either... I consider it a quality OE style replacement for people "in-the-know". Its a street-centric feel but it can hold its own on a trail assuming your expectations are within reason.

You get what you pay for... and if you want better performance chances are its going to cost you. That said, you get a tremendous value at that price point with a 5100. Plenty of other budget shocks to pass up as the 5100 is really inexpensive.

If you ever ride on something like a 6112 or better, you would be itching it pull off those 5100s... on-road or off-road. Bigger shocks just feel... different.