I have done a good amount of searching and havent quite found what i needed.

Im looking to replace my shocks on my 2000 4runner....I want something that is firm, but not too harsh...but also not really soft. Im also looking for something that will give me a slight lift, just to give me some clearance.

I have been looking at the Bilsten HD's, and Tokico trekmasters.

What do you guys suggest i look into for a nice riding shock that will give me a small amount of lift. Also, i will not be towing, hauling heavy loads or off-roading. Thanks in advance.

-Tyler

 

i think someones going to flame you.
anyway, "firm", "harsh" etc. are based on personal preference, so nobody will be able to tell you exactly what shock/strut will fit your personal needs. best thing would be to jump in someones rig and go for a test ride. about the lift thing...shocks dont give you any lift. they dampen and control the actions of the suspension. if you want a lift, youll need to get some spacers, coils, or a combination of both

 

Some decent shocks to consider are: Old Man Emu (my favorite), Bilstein, Tokico and oem. OME's are available in comfort or firm. Bilstein's are normally thought of as quite firm and Tokico's are about in the middle.

As mentioned earlier, personal preference outweighs any advice we could give you, but you could search shocks to get a consensus. And, shocks will not lift your vehicle. Only a suspension or body lift will do that. Just some advice, stay away from spacer lifts as they'll sag your stock springs and you'll just end up going with new coils anyway.

 

my buddy got the bilstein hd's and he got a tiny bit of lift. Just enough to give some clearance for the 265/75s...

 

No he didn't... I am not sure about the 2000 year model but on my 97 I could put 265/75 on with the stock suspension.

 

Oh he didnt? Considering you have never seen his 4runner, I find it hard to believe that you know if he got any lift or not...

 

See other posts above...

I don't have to see it. I just know what shocks and springs do.

 

You are both right. A shock shouldn't lift a vehicle, but HD's can lift the front. It did to my 99. The cup that retains the spring perhaps sits a tad higher (in the proper position, not up side down), and the spring could be more relaxed/extended state in the HD setup. The rear is same as stock.

Ty - how do like your friends ride with Bilsteins? They do give better handling, less diving on braking, but are a a good bit firmer than stock. If you like stock just get a new set.

 

Yea i can even get pictures to prove that the shocks did provide a small amount of lift...

But anyways...I havnt been in my buddy's truck yet, but he says it is definately firmer but that it feels more solid. I went ahead and ordered the Bilstein's today...i dont mind it being a bit more firm so everything should be okay. Thanks for the input guys....

Also, if in the future i plan to pick up some new springs for a little lift, will i be able to use these shocks? Thanks

-Tyler

 

If I remember correctly, you can use the Billies with the Tundra coils and probably the OME 881's. I'm not sure they'd work with the OME 882's, but you're probably not wanting 3" of lift up front.

 

I dont want quite 3 inches up front...maybe around 2 front and rear. I dont want the prerunner look but i also dont want the raked out look...i just want it to be level.

 

Steve at Sonoran Steel would be a good person to talk to about lifts. IIRC, their 7.1 system gives a level 2-2.5" of lift all around.

 

I have read that those using the Tundra or OME coils with the Bilsteins had a super harsh ride. I think the FAQ on Steve's page may even say so as well but I can't remember for sure.

 

I believe the only Bilsteins available for 3rd gen 4Runners are the HD's, which would be very harsh with Tundra or OME coils. That's why I went with the OME N91SC comfort valved shocks. They're by no means soft, but would be way better than the OME firm or Bilstein HD's.

Shock choices are so much of a personal prefererence. Some might like the harsher/firmer ride.

 

I'm another person trying to do my homework on a mild lift. So many different combos and so much to learn, it will be awhile before I make any moves...

One thing that is interesting to me is how Steve at SS does not have good things to say about most OME shocks, and even that the top mounts often break, yet many here and elsewhere seem to swear by them.

 

I say go with the trekmasters. I have them and think there great.