I was wondering what shocks you guys would recommend for my 1994 4Runner 3.0 4WD automatic. I don't do much off roading. I'm mainly looking for a smoother on-road ride. The shocks on the truck look pretty beat. I'm looking to do this on the cheap. I figure order online (or pick them up locally if there's a good deal) and either install them myself or take them to a mechanic friend of mine for install. I think I can tackle them myself, but while I'm on the subject, is there a write-up with some pictures of how to do it? Thanks.

 

If you aren't looking to lift the truck at all, just get a high end monroe or something along those lines. Changing the shocks is very simple. The rear springs have a tendency to sag, especially as old as it is. I would recommend replacing the springs in the back. If you don't want to lift it at all you can go with a stock replacement. Old man emu makes a good high quality spring in different ride configurations from stock to heavy duty. They also make great replacement shocks especially if you want a 2" lift. Even though this is more designed for lifting, there is a lot of good suspension information here: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...-guide-155339/

 

Thanks. I'm not really interested in lifting it at all. Been there done that with my old truck. Maybe once this isn't my daily driver I'll turn it into a real trail rig, but for now I'm sticking with stock. I'll replace the rear springs with some OE replacements in the future (I think new shocks will help a lot for now), but the wife, or $$$, won't allow for it right now. I think I can scrape together $100 or so for shocks though, especially if I do it myself. I would have to pay someone to do the springs. I'm not messing with those.

 

You probably won't get anything decent for less than 200 just to warn you...you may as well just do 2 now and two later. Rancho's are a decent cheap shock at 50 bucks a piece.

 

I love my bilsteins on my stock suspension 95 pickup. I believe I paid about 60 dollars a corner. I just did them 2 at a time because money was tight. I cannot tell you how much better they ride than my other truck on ranchos. I will be throwing the ranchos away when I upgrade the suspension, I couldn't wish such a terrible ride on someone else even if they wanted them.

 

Based on my extensive reading and searching on a couple of forums including this one Bilsteins are the best for what you want. They cost more than I wanted to spend though. Ranchos seem to rust. If you are in CA or AZ that might not be a problem. I got Gabriel Max Control for about $36 each. On my '89. My avatar 4Runner is still wearing stock at 143k.

 

just recently did some shock research and a lot of people raved about the Monroe Sensa-tracs might be a good option if you don't plan on installing a lift... maybe look into the Pro Comp ES3000s also

 

I was looking at the Pro Comps on 4wheel parts website this afternoon. $139 for 4 of the 3000s and $109 for 4 of the 1000s.
Anybody know what they charge for install on 4 shocks? They have a 25% off coupon for installation when you buy online and pick up in store.

 

Anyone have any experience with either the Pro Comp ES1000s or 3000s? They're only $109/$139 for a set of 4.

Also... where would be the best (read cheapest) place to get a set of factory-spec rear springs?