I'm looking at getting new shock absorbers, or at least that's all I think I need. My knowledge about shocks, suspension, etc., is nonexistent, so I'm trying to find out what I need to get what I want done.

I'm on stock shocks and springs at 126,000 miles in my '98 4Runner with 4WD. I can tell they are going out, because after hitting a speed bump or imperfections in the road, the truck is still rocking back and forth instead of absorbing the shocks. And I've also read here that when the ABS goes off when braking in dirt or wet road, it could be a sign of failing shocks as well, and I frequently have that problem

Now I see an opportunity to get a potentially better ride or better handling by getting new shocks. I don't do much off-roading, and most of my daily driving is freeway/highway. I don't want to lift it, but I don't mind if I get a couple of inches from the upgrade.

Question time: I have no idea where to go with this information. A search of Yotatech came up with a cluster of information and I don't even know where to start with deciphering it, so I'd like to get it all in one place. My budget is less than $500 pre-install, and if it's doable with regular tools, I could probably install it myself given the proper write-up. I'd like to stay away from OEM unless it's the only way.

What should I go about doing? What all, in your opinion, should be replaced due to wear and tear at this mileage? Is it best to replace the springs at the same time as the shocks (or are they struts...?), or would it put me over budget? I've got many more questions, so please enlighten me.

Thanks for reading, any help would be very appreciated. Please excuse my almost child-like take on this, I literally know nothing about this stuff.

 

all shocks are good.....depends on how much cash u wanna spend...they all do the same thing......go with some pro comps for just an average shock or if u want the best go with bilsteins

 

Don't go with Rancho's unless you want a really stiff ride. They're overrated IMHO. They don't add to performance, just a harsh ride.

 

http://www.ajusa.com/cgi-bin/tokico/...0669ab9a02b754

 

nice link elton! thats a good deal in my opinon

 

yes it is i need to get some money saved up and buy those and maybe some pp springs too

 

tokico and bilstiens. ranchos, pro comp and all those other lift ktis company shocks are crap.

 

Ok, so far it seems we've narrowed it down to a few brands. I've heard good things about Bilsteins, both on Yotatech and from other sources. To those familiar with Bilsteins, are there any particular models that you recommend based on what I'm looking for?

But, I'm still at a loss for information. I think I understand that the shock absorbers, in the front of the truck, are surrounded by the springs. That's obvious from looking under the vehicle. In the rear, the shocks are separate from the springs.

When replacing the shocks, is it wise to replace the springs, or is there a possible higher performance upgrade available to replace the springs with? Also, does anything else need to be replaced while I'm in there?

Again, thanks for your time and information, it's always appreciated.

 

for the $500 you can afford to spend, you can get new tokico shocks and a set of Performance Products 1" lift coils. You don't have to change the coils, but at that mileage, your old ones may be worn out depending on your usage i.e. towing. I should be putting my pp lift and shocks on this week. I can let you know what I think of them.

 

Look at your coils and if they look like they're close or actually touching the next coil then it's time to change out your coils.

The only part of the replacement you'll probably need outside help on is compressing the front coils so you can take the shock out, but that's not a big deal. Just take the whole coilover assembly with your new shocks to a shop and have them swap out the shocks.

 

Unless the rear of your vehicle is sagging then all you need to change is the shocks. The rears are easy to change just make sure you soak the top nut in wd-40 or something similar and then clean the threads first. The front are a bit more complicated with the springs. You can do like Tanto says to make it easier. If you want comfort then OME is your best bet.