Jackstands: $20
springcompressors: $40 deposit at Autozone
a YT-dude with some tools and advice priceless!

The fronts is a pain to do and that is why the dealer quotes you so high (I think my dealer said 3h labor+alignment). Looks a J.A. writeup under handling (http://www.top4runners.com/ja/index.html) also Steve Schaefer should have a write up or tricks (http://fastq.com/~sschaefer/4runner.html).

The rears are reasonable easy. You need a 14mm wrench for the top bolt and an adjustable wrench to hold the top of the shock. I think the bottom bolt is 17mm.

 

one issue though: how important is it that the end of the springs (on the front) faces to the outside. I forgot to check that when I installed mine.

 

Spoke with the dealer, and he didn't do the shocks at my request. Will be meeting up with the VA CORE Group on Sunday, maybe someone there can help me over a weekend. As for working on my truck where I live, that's prohibited by the complex's by-laws, another reason we're buying a house!

 

Whoohoo!
I just got some for $140 + shipping today. They were in stock for the 3rd Gen 2wd!

Wow cheap Bils!

 

Looks like they are still advertising these:

http://www.eshocks.com/bil_veh.asp?M...&Manf=Bilstein

Local Midas said my stock shocks were starting to leak in the rear. Just wanted to get some feedback from those of you that have installed these Bils. I'd prefer something that rides pretty close to stock, not much stiffer. Most of my driving is city and highway with an occasionl trek in the snow or a dirt road - no off-roading really.

So how will these feel compared to stock on my 3rd gen 4runner?

 

go for them!

just a bit more firm than stock. Stops truck lean when driving fast!

aaron

 

Amorphous, you seem to knwo these pretty well inside an out. 2 questions:
Do you need to have taller springs to run this shock set up or can I replace shock only?
You said the back end was a bear, is there a place on the top of the shock to hold it still with an allan wrench?

 

dwichman - they are firmer. Smaller potholes at slow speeds are felt more. Highway is smooth. Overall you have a more controlled but firmer ride. I like them but if you like how it is now then stick with stock.

You can keep your stock springs

 

exactly - you CAN keep your stock springs.

IIRC, the top mount on the OEM is a wrench point - not an allen head. The Bilsteins have an allen head. I'd advise you to climb under there a few weeks in advance and spray LOADS of PB blaster on those top rear shock mounts. Hit it a few times before you start turning wrenches. That top mount is like a cup, it holds EVERYTHING from as long as the truck has been on the road....and my 4r spent some time in MN - so...it saw a wee bit of road salt!

aaron

 

yeah i know this is an old tread but i am trying to find these shocks @ the prices you guys are talking about and it looks to me that they are 280 for the 96-02 4runner.? am i looking at this wrong?

http://www.cabeperformance.com/detai...mance%20shocks

 

nope those are right

Try www.toyotapartsales.com

ALso pm Strap22

 

Man, they got a deal on those. I think even Ebay is like almost $300 shipped. I paid a little less but not much for my 3rd gen.