What would be the best shock for a stock 4Runner that is not going to do much hardcore offroading? Gas filled or oil dampening?
I had Ranchos on my old FJ40, there were good shocks, I wonder if I need to spend that much for a vehicle that is mainly used on snow and dirt roads. I had KYB gas filled shocks on a 4X4 truck, they gave a pretty harsh ride but were very stable.

 

I replaced my worn out stockers with some Monroe Gas-Matics.
Got them for about $100 for a full set.
Cheapest out there, perform fine for me. Anythings better than the worn out stock ones.

 

I swear by Old Man Emu. They're pricier than some of the shocks you can get out there, but you get what you pay for. And if you're doing shocks, contemplate doing springs/torsion bars, while you're at it.

 

Any good online places to order an OME shock and rear spring steup for a 4Runner? Or even any Blistein shock and rear spring setups?

 

http://www.trdparts4u.com/MC-CACG-BBHG.aspx

 

The OME shocks are little bit too pricey for me; about $75 each. They are nitrogen charged, that would be a similar shock to a KYB.
Leaning toward the Rancho 5000, which my small town auto parts store can get in one day.

 

I used Bilstein HD's all around this summer, and so far am quite satisfied -- I've still got a very firm ride, but, it's dampened where I need it.

 

I put Monroe's on my truck, not the yellow ones the more expensive blue ones, they are a little rough but ride great with a small load on. The black monroes are a bit softer ride averaged (the have built in spring assemblies to cushion about 10%? of the shock) and they might work good on a 1st gen but if you have a 2nd gen they are too washy especially in the back with the coil springs.

 

The Rancho 5000 are about the same price as the more expensive Monroes, so I went with the Ranchos, at least up front. I might go with gas charged KYBs or OME shocks in the rear. I had that setup on my FJ40; I liked the "stiffness" of the gas charged shocks, but when I had them on the front, they rattled your teeth.
Gas charged shocks in the rear would help with body roll, I'm also thinking about the Moog coil springs to replace the stockers in the rear, but that will be a job for next summer, getting a little rainy and cold to be crawling under the truck now.