Would you guys recommend changing shocks just based on mileage?

I have 1996 4Runner 4x4, 3.4 L auto and it has 112 K on it, all stock.
It is my DD, off road truck (when I am going hunting) and tow truck (when I pull my boat in the summer).

It has original shocks and I am guessing they are getting weak.
However, I cannot really estimate how much improvement I would get with new shocks.

Any thoughts, recommendations on that?

BTW: If I will go for new shocks, it will be Takicos.

 

These days I'm all for saving my money unless I know I need something. So if your shocks are giving you fits (i.e. leaky, soft or your handling is feeling clumsy) change them out. Otherwise save your dough.

 

Check your rear coils. I had 102,000 on my runner and they were shot. I went with the OME 901's in the rear with OME shocks and there was a great improvement!

 

im at 144k and replace to OME's now. Just need to find someone around Houston to help me put them in as I do not have the tools for this. Anyone?

 

I would wait until you feel that you need them. My dad's land cruiser has around 130k, but the shocks feel fine. Whereas, my pickup definitely needed new shocks at around 100k. It probably needed them before, but I got it at 100k, and changed them right away.

 

I replaced my originals at around 80k with KYBs. I thought the fronts were getting soft but found that the new front shocks felt about the same and an unexpected slight improvement in the rear. I put some Tokicos on at around 125k and noticed a minimal difference in front or rear.

So unless your ride is bouncy (especially when towing your boat), I wouldn't replace'm just yet.

 

Stand on the rear bumper and bounce up and down about 6 or 7 times, then jump off. If the suspension continues to bounce after you jump off, the shocks are bad. Check the fronts in the same manner, and check all of the shocks to make sure there is no leakage. I wouldn't replace them if they are not bad.

 

From my experience, your springs are probably in worse shape than your shocks. Replacing both springs & shocks will give you a noticeable improvement & you will probably wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
Paul

 

Thank you all for responses. Shocks are not leaking and it passes “bumper bounce up and down test. However, I do have an impression that truck is a little bit loose especially when I hitting pothole and I am a turn.
Those who recommended changing springs: do you recommend changing just rear or both? May be I should go for 99 4Runner set of rear springs and new shocks on the rear..?.

 

these trucks arent cars, theyre trucks. they will not have the ride of a caddy...

 

Agreed. But just FYI: I am not new to SUV\Trucks world. I have owned SUV for past 15 years, including my 4runner that I had for past 9 years. My 4Runner is not a street queen and it get used as a SUV should be used: hunting, boat\ trailers towing and family trips.
I understand that I am not going to get a car-like ride with any shocks or springs.
Nevertheless, I am tiring to get best possible setup for the money.