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Old 04-20-2004, 09:23 AM   #1 (permalink)
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Lightbulb WoW Shocks

Sorry everyone just thought I'd try to get your attention. I was wondering about some shocks for a 2002 v-6 4runner 5vzfe. The only ones I know of are gabriel,tokico,bilstein.are there any more availiable out there? What do you guys think are the best as of ride not to bouncy like stock over all. Which shocks you guys recomend. I want some shocks just for a daily driver no off road or for a lift. I just want to replace my stock shocks that bounce the 4runner up in down every little bump. My kids are always bouncing around too much. Just anyone that can help on expierience on shocks ride brands for normal driving or suggestion would be nice. to all in advance.
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Old 04-20-2004, 09:36 AM   #2 (permalink)
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You already mentioned them, BILSTEINS.
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Old 04-20-2004, 09:37 AM   #3 (permalink)
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The Bilstein's will probably be your best bet for ride comfort, not to mention quality and durability.
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Old 04-20-2004, 09:41 AM   #4 (permalink)
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Thanks for the replies. What do you guys think about the tokico's? Are bilsteins made in usa or are they foreign? Thanks in advance
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Old 04-20-2004, 09:45 AM   #5 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flips4runner
Thanks for the replies. What do you guys think about the tokico's? Are bilsteins made in usa or are they foreign? Thanks in advance
bilstein = german (what sounds more german than bilstein?!? i guess you gotta do it in a schwartzenegger voice or something..)
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Old 04-20-2004, 10:44 AM   #6 (permalink)
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Schwartzenegger is not German. His voice is NOT German, not even close.

Many Bilstein shocks are made here in the US.

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Old 04-20-2004, 10:46 AM   #7 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gadget
Schwartzenegger is not German. His voice is NOT German, not even close.

Gadget

ha ha ha ... hes austrian
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Old 04-20-2004, 10:49 AM   #8 (permalink)
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Nope, the last time I checked he was AMERICAN.

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Old 04-20-2004, 10:52 AM   #9 (permalink)
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Hes originally from austria .. otherwise in 4 yrs it would President Schwartzenegger
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Old 04-20-2004, 11:14 AM   #10 (permalink)
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that was funny you guys thanks for responding and info
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Old 04-20-2004, 11:16 AM   #11 (permalink)
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BTW Are TRD shock really bilsteins? :pat:
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Old 04-20-2004, 11:26 AM   #12 (permalink)
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Yes, but they are not the same as the aftermarket Bilsteins.

They TRD ones are very Spindly. If you see them and compare them to the aftermarket ones you will be amazed at the difference.

I have spoken directly to Bilstein about this and they swear that if both shocks are put on a shock dyno there will be very little difference between the two.

Now, with that said, I will say that it does not appear to be the case in real life. The guys with the TRD Tacomas all say that the TRD Bilsteins suck and many replace them in short order with aftermarket Bilsteins or something else.

I had aftermarket Bilsteins on my truck for over 100,000 miles and they were just starting to loosen up. It is a very nice shock. Some however complain about the stiff ride. If that is your greatest concern then aftermarket Bilsteins are not for you. They are a tad stiffer then stock, but give you loads more control which is very important to me.

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Old 04-20-2004, 12:22 PM   #13 (permalink)
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Hmm... My 2004 TRD Tacoma came with blue Tokico shocks. not Bilstein.

When I had my 2000 4Runner I installed Monroe SensaTrac shocks. A world of difference over the stock Tokico. Can't compare them to Bils. but I thought they were just right for the 4Runner (95% onroad use).
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Old 04-20-2004, 12:26 PM   #14 (permalink)
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You must have a Double Cab. Bilsteins do not come on the Double Cab TRD trucks.

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Old 04-20-2004, 12:53 PM   #15 (permalink)
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I just installed Bils/OEM springs and the ride is a just a bit stiffer than my mom's '99 Limited with 50k on it and they get rid of the "floaty" feeling the stocks shocks will exhibit at speeds above 70mph;much more control with buffeting winds too.
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Old 04-20-2004, 03:30 PM   #16 (permalink)
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Lotsa people love their OME shocks. Rancho makes shocks for the 4th gen too - I have them, and I wouldn't recommend them. Wanna buy a set?
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Old 04-20-2004, 03:58 PM   #17 (permalink)
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yeah, i know the governator is austrian, but his voice just sounds good for german things..
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Old 04-20-2004, 04:00 PM   #18 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gadget
Yes, but they are not the same as the aftermarket Bilsteins.

They TRD ones are very Spindly. If you see them and compare them to the aftermarket ones you will be amazed at the difference.

I have spoken directly to Bilstein about this and they swear that if both shocks are put on a shock dyno there will be very little difference between the two.

Now, with that said, I will say that it does not appear to be the case in real life. The guys with the TRD Tacomas all say that the TRD Bilsteins suck and many replace them in short order with aftermarket Bilsteins or something else.

I had aftermarket Bilsteins on my truck for over 100,000 miles and they were just starting to loosen up. It is a very nice shock. Some however complain about the stiff ride. If that is your greatest concern then aftermarket Bilsteins are not for you. They are a tad stiffer then stock, but give you loads more control which is very important to me.

Gadget
Yup, Bilsteins rock
Put them on with 15K on my truck and made a world of difference, less body roll, better handling, better control in high cross winds, and excellent off road.

For the 4Runner, there is no difference between TRD and aftermarket Bilsteins...or at least that was the concensus a few years ago after much discussion and part no references.

For the Tacoma, there is a huge difference...the TRD tacoma comes with TRD Bilsteins (double cab comes with tokico) and it is quite obvious just by looking at the shock body that the TRD Bilstein is much thinner. From my experience, the TRD Tacoma bilstein shock has a softer ride compared to the aftermarket bilsteins.

Back to the original question, get the bilsteins...can't go wrong, great shock with lifetime warranty.
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Old 04-20-2004, 09:18 PM   #19 (permalink)
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Thanks fellas for the insights and info. I will definitelt get bilsteins. I was wondering would I need anything else like bushings or anything or would I bee ok with just the bilsteins for normal driving 100% of my driving time? Thanks in advance . You guys were a very excellent help in my decision.
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Old 04-21-2004, 01:53 AM   #20 (permalink)
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Does anyone have these shocks TREK MASTER R/T shocks. Came across it in the internet and wanted to know if they were crappy or pretty good? But I am leaning still on bilsteins. Just wanted to know.Thanks in advance
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Old 04-21-2004, 10:53 AM   #21 (permalink)
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Are these the Bilsteins you guys would recommend for a 3rd Gen 4runner? Is that a good price or do local stores usually sell for around that price as well? One last question. How long and how much should I expect to pay a shop to install these? Thanks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW
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Old 04-21-2004, 12:18 PM   #22 (permalink)
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You might be able to get them a little cheaper buying them at a Checkers/Autozone and not pay shipping.
I got mine at www.shox.com for $282 shipped.
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