thinking about upgrading my shocks....

[4x4Runner09]

I have 00 4wd 4Runner.

All the suspension stuff is stock right now. When I load it up or haul alot of stuff it sags alot. I was thinking about upgrading my shocks for handling, control and mild offroading.

I was thinking about the Blisteins shocks.
I would get em for all 4 corners? Would these do the job?
If so how much? and where can i get em installed. Will the dealer do it?

 

[Patrick D]

Bilsteins would improve handling, control, sagging and any Toyota dealership should install them, since they are sold at TRD dealers.

I know that you can buy them at performanceproducts.com but I am sure you can find them cheaper on the web.

If you really want better handling I would have to recommend the Addco sway bars. They REALLY help on the turns and is still one of my favorite mods. The only problems with them are that they stiffen the suspension so bumps are more noticable and there is less articulation.

I am told the Bilsteins make a nice ride on and off road. I would surely buy them if I only had the money

 

[Patrick D]

http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4723

 

[Thai]

Bilsteins are great shocks. At first, after buying them, i thought the ride was too firm. However, after about 2 months, it "appears" that they have soften up a tiny bit...so i really like the ride now. There is less floating and swaying around corners. Bilsteins are also known to not fade during off-roading (unlike twin-tube shocks).

A few myths:

1. Bilsteins does NOT affect sagging...for that, you need to upgrade the stock springs;

2. Bilsteins is NOT as effective as a bigger anti-roll bar in controlling body roll;

3. Bilsteins does NOT decrease wheel articulation NOR increase wheel articulation.

Watch out, there is a big debate whether TRD sells the same heavy duty Bilsteins as the aftermearket vendors. Some claim that TRD sells a softer version of the Bilsteins...they do look skinnier than the aftermarket ones. Anyway, you should get from an aftermarket vendor because it will be cheaper and you will never need to wonder if you got the right model.

I got mine pretty cheap...$234.80 total (including shipping)...by far, the cheapest price for Bilsteins.

The place is: Eagle's Pride, inc. in Florida.
Phone number is: 1-800-552-3555 or 321-383-0288

Just speak to "Melody." HOWEVER, i have recently heard that they have raised their prices!

Other places include AutoZone, www.stranoparts.com, www.offroadwarehouse.com, and www.shox.com.

SHOX seems to be a fairly popular place to get them.

Hope this helps.

 

[4x4Runner09]

One question Thai?
What is wheel articulation?

One more thing?
What is the main purpose you bought blisteins? What didnt you like about the stock 4Runner setup?

Matt

 

[Thai]

Matt,

Wheel articulation is the same as wheel travel...that is, the distance a wheel can go up and down. Basically, you want a lot of wheel travel/articulation so that in rough terrain, your tires will remain in contact with the ground, thus better traction.

Matt, if your stock shocks are still in good condition, then stay with them. Stock shocks, despite what others may say, are decent. They are twin-tube design, low-pressure, and are made by Tokico. Stock shocks gives you a smooth highway ride...soft ride. There may be some floating.

With Bilsteins, you get a significantly firmer ride...sometimes more jolt over small highway bumps/dips. It is up to you...for me, i wanted a slightly firmer ride and less floating. I also off-road.

Basically, Bilsteins (high pressure, monotube design) are excellent in off-roading...monotubes are more efficient, lasts a long time, and does not fade with repeated use. BUT, they are firmer than twin tubes.

Twin tubes are mostly softer because they are LOW-pressure...they usually don't last as long as monotubes (there are exceptions!). They also are not as efficient in off-roading as monotubes. But, they do provide a nice, comfy ride.

My advice...if you don't off-road much and you like the comfy ride that you have now, do NOT upgrade...stick with stock shocks.

Hope this helps.

 

[Thai]

Just for completeness, here is a thread on Bilsteins:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=343