HappyHooligan
New member
So buying my truck used, I have nothing to base it on, when do you know it's time to change your shocks? I wouldn't mind up grading, but only want to do it when it needs it.
When do you change your shocks?
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100-170k miles? Depends on so many factors, but that's a rough estimate
Vansnxtweek
New member
If the front or back is bouncing like a springy mattress then it's time. Way too many factors are involved to give a mileage number on that.
You should be able to push on all four corners of the vehicle and when you press down it should compress down a bit then come back up and stay up. If you can push the vehicle down, repeatedly and get it bouncing then they're gone.
That's a pretty caveman esque description but will hopefully help some.
You should be able to push on all four corners of the vehicle and when you press down it should compress down a bit then come back up and stay up. If you can push the vehicle down, repeatedly and get it bouncing then they're gone.
That's a pretty caveman esque description but will hopefully help some.
Ghostrider
Registered User
Yep this is just something you have to have seen/felt before. However I did mine on my 2001 at about 60K because I had some free time. Unfortunately I didn't like what I changed to so I did them again in 12 months.
2016 4Runner SR5
Senior Member
Neighbor has 240K on his 2005 and still has the original shocks and springs. Still rides great also, no bounce at all. There is literally no set answer to this question, every truck is different.
mikeonabikesmith
New member
My tacoma had 290k on the original shocks. the rears were starting to leak but the front were OK. They ended up on my friends rig when I upgraded as her ranchos were worse off despite being much newer. Giving your ride a little wiggle on the highway and seeing how long it takes to recover seems to be a good indicator of overall suspension/bushing health
TheDurk
Elite Member
Even with one broken off, mine passed this test. A 4Runner is too big and heavily sprung to use this test. Better to rely on how it drives and rides.
I did mine because one broke at 150k and 15 years. It hadn't been noticeably BAD, but it was definitely better with new Tokicos all around.
Desertwind16v
New member
Like most have said already it's more of a feeling on these trucks. Mine had original shocks when I changed them out at 265k. Hitting bumps made the truck feel very unstable. New shocks made a massive difference in driving quality.
pluton
Senior Member
Right...that test worked with old Detroit cars, but hasn't worked on any modern car or truck I've had: Honda cars, Toyota mini trucks and Land Cruisers.
One thing you can do is check for rapid wheel bounce at highway speeds. You need to have someone drive alongside your vehicle at highway speeds, or have a friend drive yours and follow along in another car. Check all 4 wheels.
I bought my 4Runner at 16 years/120K miles, and I budgeted to replace the springs and shocks immediately.
Rallysport
New member
Still the same answer... Around 200k mi
I replaced my shocks with Bilstein back in 2018 it looks like.
I'm trying to see if i should buy replacement shocks/springs now before prices jump up because of tariffs.
There's no downside to just letting the shocks / springs sit in a box for years till they get installed right?
I'm trying to see if i should buy replacement shocks/springs now before prices jump up because of tariffs.
There's no downside to just letting the shocks / springs sit in a box for years till they get installed right?
phattyduck
Elite Member
The rubber/seals still have a lifetime. Obviously using them wears them out faster, but I'd expect NOS shocks to have a shorter useful life than new shocks built to the same standard.
-Charlie
RogueWaive
New member
This mirrors my opinion. I think it has to do with how they've lived and what they've been asked to do. Never changed 'em on the '96 and she drove beautifully until someone decided he shouldn't slow down in heavy rain. 360,000 of mostly freeway and city driving.
