Why are OEM shocks no good?

[riceandpho]

Good to know. I did see the spring rate thread but I don't know how the numbers translate to real world numbers.. :/

When you say that the rears don't sit well, is this for both the fj and 4runner springs or only the fj?

Sorry for being a noob, but are the bushings your referring to the ones on the top of the struts, and sway bar end links? Is that all?

bushings meaning all sway bar bushings and links if you havent done the sway bar bushing mod.
spring wise, i cant tell you, all of us here on the forum do the fj springs, if you can find a set of oem fj it be direct bolt on.
spring rate i couldnt tell you, i think my x reas took a dump at 120k or 130k, it just got a floaty feel sometimes. thats when i did the air bags and it was only band aid for me, i have a constant weight in the cargo due to battery and subs.

 

[Flyer]

I replaced my OEMs at ~70,000 miles with FJ TRD suspension- shocks, coils, and struts. The ride is (for me) far better and a bit stiffer but not harsh at all. The nice thing was that it was all bolt-on. I hear the newer FJ TRD stuff needs some modifications to work. I have forgotten what exactly but maybe something to do with the bushings.

That FJ TRD suspension works well on the 4Runner and works well on the FJ...both have somewhat similar curb weights too. Now I am at ~140,000 and it will soon be time to replace again. The strut obviously complicates things a bit but I am not sure what I will do. I got hardly any lift with the FJ stuff and I want to keep it that way.

I pull a trailer now so the FJ suspension is still preferable and the coils/struts/shocks work very well together. The stock 4Runner suspension, while quite nice, was a bit too soft and body roll was pronounced if you ever had to make a hard turn or emergency maneuver. I did not like that.

So while I have two choices, the FJ option needs more research and it is becoming harder to source those takeoffs. I'm sure they can be bought new but I bet the prices are astronomical.

If not towing or if not offroading, the stock 4Runner suspension will be just fine. If used to a stiffer suspension, just watch for the body roll if you have to suddenly make a quick shift.

 

[Jhawkins2330]

The dealer quoted labor charge for FRONT shocks gave me heart flutter.

Youtube shows it can be done with a floor jack in under 30 min per side.

30 min if your good! But yes, I just did mine about a month ago on my 07, and it was quick! Much easier than I anticipated


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[tlp123]

Hello....I have 2002 2WD with 220,000 mi, I'm original owner. Shocks never replaced.

Wanting to replace all.

Should I replace front springs too?

Considering OEM replacements but have no clue what they cost.

Please give me some suggestions.

Thank you!

 

[AuSeeker]

Hello....I have 2002 2WD with 220,000 mi, I'm original owner. Shocks never replaced.

Wanting to replace all.

Should I replace front springs too?

Considering OEM replacements but have no clue what they cost.

Please give me some suggestions.

Thank you!

This is the 4th Gen forum 2003 to 2009 you have posted in, you may get better answers if you post in the 3th Gen forum where there are people who have the same year model/era T4R you have.