dynamo

Hi all

I did several searches on the subject but it seems everyone is raising/swapping springs along with shocks. I debated this issue for a while and due to uncertainty over how long I'm going to keep the truck I decided to go without the lift.

However, my suspension is in terrible shape - ie the truck is floating/swinging side to side over uneven roads, etc - needs new shocks asap. What shocks would you guys recommend as a replacement for OEM (but obviously better), and any preferred vendors to buy them from?

Also, another thing I wanted to replace is the shock that's used as the steering stabilizer. I remember seeing it a while ago, but lost the link - I think it was made by OME. Can someone please post this up?

TIA

MTL_4runner

Might want to give some specifics on what truck you have?

dynamo

OOPS

It's a 2000 4Runner Limited (4x4)

snap-on

bilsteens i hear are the shiznit for that vintage (least i think thats right)

dynamo

So a quick google search turned out some Bilsteins for $289 for a set of 4 with free shipping. Good deal?

Also, any ideas about the steering stabilizer shock? Really wanted to get that one taken care of too, there is quite a bit of movement in steering and everyone I've talked to pointed at it as the first thing to replace.

2001Millrunner

Bilsteins HDs are much stiffer than your OEM shocks which means better and more stable cornering. You will feel much more bumps on the road with harsher ride. I've witnessed that with a heavy load/towing, truck handles much better but if you usually dont haul heavy loads I'd go with the OME Medium or soft shocks. Just my 2 cents. $289.00 w/free shipping at www.shox.com is a pretty good price and that's where I got them from, although I think I've gotten mine for about $30-$40 less at the time.

SLC97SR5

There is no steering stabilizer on our year 4Runners. What you are feeling may be a broken/loose swaybar link, or worn bushings. It may simply be an alignment issue. A stock 2000 Runner is quite new to have any problems other than maybe a bushing but I'm leaning toward alignment. For not much more than the Bilsteins you could have the Blue TRD Tacoma shocks.
www.sonoransteel.com

dynamo

So if I go with the OME kit instead of the bilsteins, does that mean I have to get their springs and lift the truck? I wanted to keep it stock height, but I don't know if the OME shocks are designed to work with the lift or whether they work with the stock springs as well.

Also, while on the shox.com site, I noticed a 1" lift kit by Performance Products:

051. +1" SPRINGS 1996 - 2002 Performance Products 109922 set of 4 $299

I have been having some rubbing issues going up driveways, etc., since I got my new tires, and have been considering getting a 1" body lift. However, since I will be replacing the shocks anyway, I was thinking of swapping the springs at the same time.

Would I have to make any adjustments/modifications to any other components to accomodate a 1" lift from the springs?

TIA

dynamo

BTW, the reason I am considering the OME kit now is based on the comment posted by 2001Millrunner as well as a tech I talked to at shox.com. I want to keep the ride close to stock and definitely do not want it to be harsh/stiff - I mainly use the truck for long distance trips so I have to keep it comfy.

2001Millrunner

Bilsteins will give you maybe 1/4 inch to1/2 inch lift. From what I've noticed the lift is minimal, but I had no rubbing issues with my BFG All Terrain(265/75/16). You dont need any lift kits or new springs with Bilsteins, mine was just a simple swap over factory shocks. If the ride is your main concern, I'd stay off Bilsteins I was kind of disappointed with the harsher ride. I personaly have not had any experiences with OMEs but I've heard only good things and they're supposed to be better riding shocks. If I had to do it all over again, I would have gone with OME soft shocks

dynamo

Would I need to get new springs to accomodate OME shocks?

And, if I were to get a 1" lift, would I have to make any modifications/extensions of other components to accomodate that?

RR DIFF LOCK

For what it's worth, I went from stock front shocks / rear ProComp ES3000s to Bilstein HD's and I was a little disappointed. I felt my truck handled better on the highway with the old setup. The same corners that I could take briskly on the street, I now get more body roll and it feels less stable with the Bilsteins. I read that the ES3000s were stiff, and I hated them on bumpy trails (like Schnebly Hill in Sedona), but it seemed like they handled better on corners. And since most of my driving is during the week to and from work, I was bummed that I lost some of that handling by switching shocks.

2001Millrunner

-I dont think you need new springs with OMEs but check with experts.

-from what i've heard and know, front diff. drop kit is an added insurance to your CVs but 1"seems so minimal that you probably dont need it. you dont need anything to add in the rear.

progress4m

I am also looking at replacing shock on my 4Runner (1996, 3.4, 4x4).
And I am thinking about going with GABRIEL® HI-JACKERS® PREMIUM AIR SHOCKS (adjustable) in the rear and maybe with Monroe sensatrac in the front.
Although I am not sure if I will be replacing front shocks at the same time, my original still OK.

This way I will have soft ride and will be able to adjust for heavy load / towing when need it.
In addition, it looks like this is most cost effective stock shocks replacement.

What you all think?

Citykid

Man, I can't imagine a harsher ride than what we have origionally. What exactly is OME soft? I didn't see that on shox.com.

dynamo

shox.com does not sell OME. I am basing my "harsh" comment about the Bilsteins on one of the posters above, as well as the tech I talked to at shox.com. The only shock that Bilstien makes for the 4Runner is heavy-duty, which means that it's stiffer and harsher than stock.

OME offers a "medium" set of shocks and springs, but I am still trying to find out if I will need new springs to use the OME shocks (which are slightly longer than stock AFAIK).