Well, my Runner's starting to feel like the shocks are on their way out.

So, I want to see what you guys recommend for replacement.

The assume the Bilstein's are best, but they're a little to pricey for me.
What else would you recommend?

Oh, and being that I have the 2wd, it doesnt see off road much (well ever actually), so Im gonna be more interested in what will help on-road handling and comfort.

Thx,
Dave

 

Bilsteins for about $60.00 a pop is not that bad of a price for the performance and the lifespan you get. Unless you are planning on selling your Runner within the next year I would highly suggest you get them. I have never owned a beter shock on any vehicle.

Just my $0.02

 

I have to agree, bils are the way to go. 6 years ago, I went with a shock that was less expensive, thinking I was doing the right thing. By the 5th year, they were leaking and trashed - bounced all over the place. I didn't take the shocks hardcore offroad at all.

The bils are night and day compared to an avg shock. They handle great in corners and are very smooth for me.

I am sure there are some decent shocks out there that are less expensive... I was just pointing out my personal experience!

 

Well,
Autozone wants ~$90 each for the front and ~$60 each for the rear. :pat:

Unfortunately, $300 for shocks is out of the question.

So I ask again. Aside from Bilsteins, what shocks are good. I know nothing else compares and all that, but ??

 

I just got the Rancho 5K's on my 2wd T100 since I couldn't get the Bilsteins. They're on backorder from the factory for another month after waiting a month just to find this out!! My stock front shocks were completely blown and the stock backs were almost gone too. I needed a set of shocks ASAP, I've got a trip planned. Granted, I've only had them for two days now, however, I can't compare to the Bilsteins, never had them on any truck, they seem to be great. I love them already. I don't do much real wheeling either than off trail and camping so I think they're going to work just fine for me. I especially like the lifetime warranty.

 

Ooops! Forgot the price. They were $40 apiece at my local 4wd shop. Not a bad price for the set.

 

uhhhh.... This is something I would not get from AutoZone... Get them online. They are much cheeper.

 

I have Ranchos on mine and I am very happy with them. If you cannot afford Bils. then get the Ranchos.

 

I just purchased a set of 4 Bilsteins from shox.com for about $250 shipped. This was the cheapest I'd found. Seemed like other places started @ $64.95 + shipping. I called and made sure they were the HD ones, too. For peace of mind of the limited lifetime warranty and their ride reputation, the extra $ looks worthwhile. I'll see in a couple of weeks .

 

I just purchased a set of 4 Bilsteins from shox.com for about $250 shipped. This was the cheapest I'd found. Seemed like other places started @ $64.95 + shipping. I called and made sure they were the HD ones, too. For peace of mind of the limited lifetime warranty and their ride reputation, the extra $ looks worthwhile. I'll see in a couple of weeks .

 

I purchased Bilsteins from Shox.com last week and installed them last weekend. The order from Shox.com arrived in three business days and was the cheapest I could find. I noticed a large improvement after install and would recommend.

 

I love my Bilsteins, but I've never tried the Ranchos so I can't say which I like better. You can't go wrong with the Bils though.

 

Nocron, any trouble w/ the install, it'll be my first try at something like this.

 

No problems per se on the install. It took approximaely two hours and we had a lift and a spring compressor. The instructions are not very good and the diagrams are in German. The Bilsteins are longer than stock so you need to unbolt your lower control arm etc to get the Bilsteins back in, while the stock shock/springs come out very easily. My brother in law is a toyota tech and he helped me with the install so it made it alot easier. I seem to remember a indepth install write up with pictures etc. in a previous post.

 

If you are off-roading and you have a 3rd generation 4runner, the best shock for maximum artticulation are the OME N86 Firms. I have them at all four wheels, and the travel is so much better than stock, even when stuffed, they come up higher than the stock shocks, which will require some fender trimming not only in the front, but also the rear. They rock for articulation, but I'd say the Bilsteins have a better road ride.

Chris

 

Toyo has a 93 , no springs involved. Installation is fairly simple, removing the tire makes it easier. Be careful with the top mount, soaking it with wd40 the night before may help with removal. Use vise grips to hold the top while undoing the nut with a wrench. Bottom is very easy. Hope this helps.

P.S. You may want to replace your steering stabilizer too.

 

I have been happy with my KYB's. They are good on road and I have had no trouble offroad. Some people say they are the Japanese equal to Bilstien. I only paid like $45 per shock