When to Replace Original Shocks

[tombob55]

I have an ‘05 SR5 with 167,000 miles on it. It still has the original shocks. None are leaking, and the vehicle doesn’t seem bounce repeatedly going over obstacles which I recall is the old standard that shock replacement time is near.

Sometimes while passing over a bump at highway speed the 4Runner will jolt to the right or left depending on which side the bump is, and the steering feels momentarily vague and unsettled.

So, think I should replace, and what do you guys recommend? I am not a hard core off-roader.

And forgiveness for my failure to find a suitable existing thread.

 

[having fun]

Rule of thumb, replace shocks when you replace tires.

 

[Captsolo]

Replace shocks and struts only with OEM - or you will be sorry.

Mine are OEM on 2005 4runner with 150,000 miles - but still OK.


I replaced GMC Jimmy shocks and struts with AM, and the ride was not even close to original.

 

[eleven14]

I have an ‘05 SR5 with 167,000 miles on it. It still has the original shocks. None are leaking, and the vehicle doesn’t seem bounce repeatedly going over obstacles which I recall is the old standard that shock replacement time is near.

Sometimes while passing over a bump at highway speed the 4Runner will jolt to the right or left depending on which side the bump is, and the steering feels momentarily vague and unsettled.

So, think I should replace, and what do you guys recommend? I am not a hard core off-roader.

And forgiveness for my failure to find a suitable existing thread.

I'm assuming you don't have XREAS, but I recently replaced my 11-year old shocks/springs from the factory and the shocks were fine, but the springs were totally shot. And if you haven't had it aligned, the "unsettled" feeling is likely related. At 167k, shocks/springs/alignment will certainly freshen up the ride.

And there are plenty of solid aftermarket options, really depends on your ultimate goals and usage for the vehicle.

 

[rwh963]

207k on original set up 2007 SR5. working fine, no need to replace. all pavement driving.

 

[firebirdguy]

Replace shocks and struts only with OEM - or you will be sorry.

Mine are OEM on 2005 4runner with 150,000 miles - but still OK.


I replaced GMC Jimmy shocks and struts with AM, and the ride was not even close to original.

why will he be sorry of he doesnt use OEM?

i replaced my stock shocks at 140k miles with KYB brand front & rear & they ride & handle great! designed to be about 10% stiffer than stock. excellent option between overpriced OEM & aftermarket billsteins.

 

[BackOff]

What the heck, you guys must be running "Lifetime" shocks... J/K.

You would be lucky if they last 90k miles.
If you guys think your 4runners ride great with 10+ year old shocks and 100k+ should go drive a newer car, a couple years old then see if you feel the same.

30k to 60k plus all the years is more like it for life.
Effects tire wear, stopping distance and general vehical stability/safty. Nose dive and body roll, the springs wear out too not just the dampener/shock part.

I killed my first front off at 43k miles... leaked fluid.

I dont know about that Xreas stuff though, seems like it could last longer do to the fact it has more fluid in the system.

I guess ride comfort is subjective. :suspicious:

 

[jfsjr92]

I would certainly replace the shocks at this point - due to the mileage and to the reaction of the vehicle going over bumps. Don't worry about getting OEM, but don't get a budget set either. Get a good mid-level set that has been well reviewed and you'll be fine.

 

[RobD]

Replace shocks and struts only with OEM - or you will be sorry.

Mine are OEM on 2005 4runner with 150,000 miles - but still OK.


I replaced GMC Jimmy shocks and struts with AM, and the ride was not even close to original.

Bad advice. Stock shock are often inexpensive. Plus, if you're running XREAS, they're a terrible choice in terms of cost and ease of installation.

I went with Bilstein 6112s/5160s and the ride is far better than stock.

If you choose aftermarket shocks wisely, you'll be fine.

 

[Burt]

why will he be sorry of he doesnt use OEM?

i replaced my stock shocks at 140k miles with KYB brand front & rear & they ride & handle great! designed to be about 10% stiffer than stock. excellent option between overpriced OEM & aftermarket billsteins.

I too replaced with KYB with great results at 110K. I do tow a boat during summer months, so rear shocks were shot.

 

[2003-4x4runner]

My rear shocks started leaking at 60k. Replaced them with a OEM equivalent that came with a lifetime warranty. The front struts starting leaking at 90k and I just replaced the entire shocks/struts and rear springs with Bilstiens. I am sooo happy I did, the truck handles so much better.

It's funny how people are selling their used OEM shocks/struts on IG and FB.
And its crazy that people are actually buying them.

 

[CookieRoe]

Replace shocks and struts only with OEM - or you will be sorry.

Mine are OEM on 2005 4runner with 150,000 miles - but still OK.


I replaced GMC Jimmy shocks and struts with AM, and the ride was not even close to original.

What is AM? Anyway, one can sometimes find OEM shocks online at a great price, just a matter of looking.

why will he be sorry of he doesnt use OEM?

i replaced my stock shocks at 140k miles with KYB brand front & rear & they ride & handle great! designed to be about 10% stiffer than stock. excellent option between overpriced OEM & aftermarket billsteins.

Urgh, don't like the sound of that. Maybe I'm old, but a "stiff" ride isn't exactly what I'm looking for.

I've had luck finding OEM parts at way below MSRP, just a matter of looking and getting lucky. I've managed to get a new A/C compressor and starter motor online (Densos) for my 07 Civic (getting OEM online is exponentially more expensive and those are mostly remans.......eff that).

I had my XREAS shocks (not the entire system, just the shocks) A WHILE ago (at about 90K, I'm at 170K now) and it sure doesn't ride like a new car, no leaks though. Most says there are fine, but I'm always looking for a "stock-like" solution when they eventually go. If I can get a new XREAS system cheap, I MIGHT go that route.

 

[firebirdguy]

Urgh, don't like the sound of that. Maybe I'm old, but a "stiff" ride isn't exactly what I'm looking for.

I've had luck finding OEM parts at way below MSRP, just a matter of looking and getting lucky. I've managed to get a new A/C compressor and starter motor online (Densos) for my 07 Civic (getting OEM online is exponentially more expensive and those are mostly remans.......eff that).

I had my XREAS shocks (not the entire system, just the shocks) A WHILE ago (at about 90K, I'm at 170K now) and it sure doesn't ride like a new car, no leaks though. Most says there are fine, but I'm always looking for a "stock-like" solution when they eventually go. If I can get a new XREAS system cheap, I MIGHT go that route.

i think i got 2 years on you for age & i love the kybs..... they are definitely not a "stiff" ride, i just mentioned that they are designed to be ~10% stiffer than stock per their advertising, which they say is to account for other worn parts in the suspension like springs & bushings etc & to allow for normal wear that will happen over time.

i had the xreas on my 08 sport as well with no leaks at 145k miles, but they were very soft mainly due to worn front coil springs, & were rather bouncy on highway dips or low spots in the roads, still handled ok on corners but overall they were worn out & needed to be replaced with that many miles, most people say they are dona at less than 100k.

when i installed the kybs they rode great & made an instant noticeable improvement, nice & firm feeling on corners & highway dips, & not stiff at all. many people say the bilsteins are too stiff or much stiffer than stock, but ride quality is all personal opinion, one guy will like a stiff ride & the next guy will hate it. bottom line is the kybs are not stiff at all & very close to the stock feel.... priced right & have a lifetime warranty!

& unless you get lucky & find someone that pulled their xreas system at low miles & removed it the right way, you will not find a "cheap" xreas system, dealership wants like $2000+ for it.

 

[CookieRoe]

i think i got 2 years on you for age & i love the kybs..... they are definitely not a "stiff" ride, i just mentioned that they are designed to be ~10% stiffer than stock per their advertising, which they say is to account for other worn parts in the suspension like springs & bushings etc & to allow for normal wear that will happen over time.

i had the xreas on my 08 sport as well with no leaks at 145k miles, but they were very soft mainly due to worn front coil springs, & were rather bouncy on highway dips or low spots in the roads, still handled ok on corners but overall they were worn out & needed to be replaced with that many miles, most people say they are dona at less than 100k.

when i installed the kybs they rode great & made an instant noticeable improvement, nice & firm feeling on corners & highway dips, & not stiff at all. many people say the bilsteins are too stiff or much stiffer than stock, but ride quality is all personal opinion, one guy will like a stiff ride & the next guy will hate it. bottom line is the kybs are not stiff at all & very close to the stock feel.... priced right & have a lifetime warranty!

& unless you get lucky & find someone that pulled their xreas system at low miles & removed it the right way, you will not find a "cheap" xreas system, dealership wants like $2000+ for it.

Thanks for the detail. KYB is the company I was going to get if I failed state inspection. Ok, from what you say, they are "the one to get" for those who prefer a stock ride.

:yo:

 

[firebirdguy]

Thanks for the detail. KYB is the company I was going to get if I failed state inspection. Ok, from what you say, they are "the one to get" for those who prefer a stock ride.

:yo:

in my opinion they are the best option for as close to stock as there is. monroe makes an all in one front shock/spring also but ive read its very soft & had quite a few negative reviews. i dont really do any off roading, not lifted or big tires, so i didnt want or need the more expensive brands intended for that purpose.

 

[dp3000]

Hi

Just moved to the US so not familiar with what workshops charge for jobs, can anyone give me an idea of what a shop will charge to replace all four shocks?

Searched Amazon and KYB fronts with springs and rear shocks (plan to reuse my rear springs) will be around $300, so wondering what the labor would be?

I would do my self but wasn't able to bring any of my tools with me from Australia.

I'm guessing a shop might quote 4 hours, 1 hour per corner?

Thanks.

 

[firebirdguy]

Hi

Just moved to the US so not familiar with what workshops charge for jobs, can anyone give me an idea of what a shop will charge to replace all four shocks?

Searched Amazon and KYB fronts with springs and rear shocks (plan to reuse my rear springs) will be around $300, so wondering what the labor would be?

I would do my self but wasn't able to bring any of my tools with me from Australia.

I'm guessing a shop might quote 4 hours, 1 hour per corner?

Thanks.

rockauto has the kyb shocks cheaper than amazon, & kyb may still be doing a rebate for them.

not sure where youre located, but most shops in the midwest US states charge about $80-$100/hr for labor, smaller family owned shops are about $60-$75. 4 hours sound reasonable but a real shop with a lift should be able to do it in less time. just need to call around for estimates.