Well, just bored at work, and dreamin of having a smoother ride for the long trip home....... So anyone have any real world experience with KYB on a 3rd Gen? They make both the Gas-A-Just and Monotube versions (which would be more appropriate, I don't really know). I'm just looking for something that will handle on par with the Bilsteins, but have a smoother ride - doesn't have to be KYB of course. Thanks all,

Brad

 

I'm not sure but I think the OEM shocks are actually Tokicos but correct me if I'm wrong.

 

You are correct

 

So I guess that rules the Tokico shocks out! I was checking shox.com and they have those (Tokico's), Bils and KYB shocks (doesn't mention which type, but they are the cheapest of the three at $209) listed for our application. I've heard that Koni makes coil-overs for our trucks, but I can't seem to find any info actually supporting that notion. Who sells these and what part number? Anybody know?.......

 

I put a set of KYB's on my Diesel F250 Ford a couple years ago. They made the truck ride like a covered wagon. The gas pressure in KYB's is very high and there's very little give in them. On a lighter truck I can't even imagine how stiff it would make the ride. If that's what you are looking for then you found the shocks you need. I had the "Gas-A-Just" but they were still a mono tube design. I actually was able to put less air in my Air Rides when hauling my 11' camper around. That will tell you how stiff they are. If you're looking for a smoother ride from your truck I wouldn't put on KYB's. Look to adjustable Rancho 9000's and you can adjust your ride according to conditions.

Toyo Master

 

I have gas-a-justs. They came with my car, I've put 11k miles on them. The car does ride VERY bumpy and rough. Maybe there worn out, maybe not. Handling is very good compared to other 4runners I've driven.

 

Oh yeah, my Ford handled like a sportscar with them on but rode like

T

 

I had them. They started leaking after 4 years. They did not handle very well coming down the mtns in colorado - made me nervous. I ditched them and put bils on and I couldn't be happier. Almost night and day. I've slowly regained confidence in cornering again.... just my .02.

 

That's why they're called 'Kill Your Back' shocks.

I got Pro-Comp ES9000 shocks and an ES2000 steering stabilizer, and am amazed at the quality, strength, and ride for such an inexpensive product. I installed the shocks thursday, and was at the desert all weekend. They are great offroad, and not too stiff on road. Sad part was, I only drove my truck half the day saturday. My clutch died, and it came home on a trailer.

But the shocks are good. And it feels like the steering wheel is independant from the wheels. No bumps at all, even offroad.

 

So the stabalizer made a difference? Just askin' cuz I've been thinking about putting a new one on.

 

Definitely made a difference. I couldn't offroad without it now. Sooo much smoother off road.

 

I'm doing some hijacking: Who makes the TRD package springs? What springs go well with Bils and who has the best prices?

Sorry for the questions but the "search" is down and I'm getting ready to install the Bils and I figured spring should go on at the same time of course.

 

Well thanx guys for all your posts. I'm getting the sense the the KYB's are not the way to go for what I'm trying to achieve - love the "Kill-Your-Back" comment . Perhaps I'm being unreasonable with wanting performance on-road handling and a smoother ride on a 4000lb truck.
Any word on these mythical Koni coil-overs??

 

I would talk to Mike at http://xtremeoff-road.com/ He is on this forum and knows a lot about yota supensions.