oldguy

I just picked up a '97 4-Runner, 3.4, AT, 4X4 with 67,000 miles. I do some off road and pull a trailer sometimes. The shocks need to be replaced and I have a few questions.

-I talked to Toyota and they told me that there was a recall on the rear suspension (rear springs and bump stops?). Should I let them do this?

-After reading a bunch of things about shocks, I'm confused. Bilstein, KYB Monomax or ??. I'm not looking for anything that rides rough, a bit more firmly would be OK. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Hyperlite

OLD MAN EMU has the best ride quality. It is a 2.5" yo 3" lift however the ride is so much better and tighter than stock. You can get 4 shocks and 4 coils for around $650 or so from www.4x4connection.com

X-AWDriver

My '97 has 90k on it and I'm in the process of doing Bils and OEM coils with all the new rubber pieces and it's cost me about $560.

I rode in my friend's '99 with the same setup and it's just a little stiffer than my mom's stock '99 Limited but the Bils have better cornering control than the OEM (Tockico) shocks.

4cedRunner

Toyota swears up and down that the 4WD models don't need the recall performed, and that only the 2WD does. They say that they offered it to all models to relieve confusion for owners who didn't know what they had or were just plain scared. I had it done on my '96 just because I was planning on installing OME rears shortly thereafter and was curious. after the recall my ass sagged out about an inch and other than that I couldn't tell a difference. I think the '99+ coils they put in for the recall have more winds but are shorter overall. They also replace the rear bumpstops I think. Either way if you plan on getting OME or Bils don't waste your time since it is a 4WD and doesn't need the recall in the first place.

oldguy

OK, I was having some work done at the dealer and they did the "Rear Suspension" recall work. New rear springs and bump stops. I haven't had a chance to test them yet. It seems to ride about the same height (didn't mesure before). If I were to change just the shocks and not the springs, the choice is: Bilstein, OME, KYB MonoMax or Other? The Bil and KYB seem to be about the same price with the OME the most expensive. If you pay more, do you get what you pay for?