Just purchased a 1997 4Runner SR5 and I need new shocks. I have very little truck experience, what brand/type should I buy? Is it worth it to shell out for the highest grade or will low/medium grade work? I dont plan on using the truck for off roading, just need a smoother ride. I'm a poor college student so money is a factor.
Cheers,
Rick

 

i heard that the pro comps es9000 are good, thats what i plan on getting. unless someone else knows of something better in the same price range

 

I liked the KYB GasAdjust shocks I had on my '85 for a while.

 

Had them, they were decent.
Also had some Skyjacker Hydros before, not too bad either.

 

what about the pro comp hydros, can't remember what were they called... not the mx6

 

If you call procomp and talk to their tech guy they will tell you that their front shock for your application is a out of the box Monroe Shock and is nothing special. They don't even bother repainting them or putting a logo on it. The application guide shows they don't make much for stock 4runners. All procomp shocks are made by Monroe.

The upside is it is a cheap shock and probably works ok for what it is.

If your are on a budget and want something decent get a name brand but get something at a local store with a "lifetime warranty", because shocks don't last forever and its nice to get free ones every year or two.

For a stock replacement I like HD Bilsteins for a store bought shock, had them on 4 different vehicles. Get them at Autozone with a lifetime warranty. KYB's can be had at CSK. Not sure what KYB offers for 4runners though.