no panhard...then I'm doing both!

Corey you put together some great pages. They along with other sites have made me understand the shocks and suspension of my truck... I really went from knowing nothing to being able to talk offroad shocks to the guy at pepboys in less than one week. I'm on my way!!!

OK...this is what I want to do. new Bilstein shocks and the Downey 1.5" HD coils (not the lift or aything requiring the blocks). What is the best place to get these online? I tried the local pep boys but they tried to tell me the rear shocks on my 90 need different shocks than the fronts. Both 4wdcentral and performance products websites said nothing about front and rear difference...as far as price at least.

Oh...one more thing...best tools that I should use for this would be what? I know I need to WD40 the bolts a day before to help loosen them anti sieze stuff...what about the actual socket wrenches?

Thanks for all the remedial help. This is addictive...and here i wanted to get a new truck...

D

 

For the Downey coils - contact Central 4 Wheel Drive.

I'm not really sure where guys have been getting the best price on Bilstein's. Check to see if Performance Products is still offering 15% right now. I don't believe there is any difference between the front and rear shocks on our rig.

Use PB Blaster to soak the bolts and nuts in - it is more powerful than WD-40. Also, use anti-seize compound on the bolt and nut threads when you reinstall the shocks. I think the lower shock bolts take something like a 22mm socket. Also, like others have suggested, have a tool to help you keep the shock body from turning while you are tightening/loosening the top shock nuts.

Any other questions? Just let us know.

 

yeah..i think the coils are 149 and the bils are 55 each from Central. Joey just ordered them..and that is what he bought them for. and all 4 from PP will cost you 220 when they are 15% off so they are about the same. i just checked and they still are 15% off.

 

Edelbrock shocks for 2nd gen & 1st gen:
Front / 1940
Rear / 1980

Bilstein shocks for 2nd & 1st gen:
Front / 1160
Rear / 1242

These #s were taken from my Performance catalog.
The front & rear shocks on Toyotas are different.

Also, Central 4WD ordered in my Downey's, but you can also buy them direct from Downey.
Contact info for both places are in the vendor section here.

Dorain, I am glad the articles here are of help.
That and the knowledge of all the members here is what makes this a great place.
Corey

 

Haha, I'm not really sure what I was thinking...I knew the front and rear shocks were different. Anyway, sorry about that little slip-up. I'm not really sure what I was thinking. Thanks for the correction Corey

 

I searched at Bilstein for stock shocks for my first gen and came up with different numbers... Lookee here...

Make: TOYOTA
Type: Utility 2WD & 4WD (Standard Suspension)
Model: 4-Runner
Year: 86-89
Setting: HD
Front: B46-1139
Rear: B46-1140

 

if you are talking about different numbers than Coreys, he looked in the Performance Products catalog rather than on Bils website.

 

I'm thinking about putting new Rancho shocks on and was wondering if there was a big difference between the 5000's and the adjustable 9000's. which do ya like better? thanks.

 

there is a big difference between the two! i have the 5000 and i really dont like them. too stiff. so i wish i had the 9000 so i could adjust it.... so it could ride stiffer like the 5000's and softer like other shocks or watever. but i'd go for the 9000's if u could. theres quite a price difference too. ive seen the 5000's for about $40-$50 a shock, i think... and the 9000's for $90 something??? not sure, but something like that. but ive also seen deals where you buy 3 and get the 4th free for the 9000's. also, get the incab adjustable remote

i'd prefferably would go with BILSTEINS