One of my shocks is blown on my 97 T100 Xtra Cab SR5. With 92,000 miles I figured I might as well replace them all. Rather than go stock, does anyone have any suggestion on a replacement? I basically drive on road and highway, occassional fire roads and very little off-road. I also tow a 2500 lb car on a 1600 lb trailer. What has anyone else swapped to and are you happy with it? I certainly would not mind doing away with the porpoising over bumps.

 

I've used Trailmaster SSVs for about 90k and loved them.

 

Trailmaster sounds like an off-road shock. True?

 

They're marketed that way, yes, but among off-road shocks I'd say they're marketed as a 'best of both worlds' option. SSV stands for 'speed-smart-valving'. In my opinion, they're not overkill for the use you describe and are also lifetime warrantied. My T sees more daily driving than trails, although as far as comparative use goes, I'm running trails probably as often as you're towing (guess). The upper 3 miles of my commute is basically fire road.

http://www.trailmastersuspension.com...hocks/ssv.html

 

At the recommendation of several other T100 owners I installed Bilstiens. I've absolutely loved them! I've put about 15K on them so far and they still have handled better all the way around. I've only been off-road once with them, other than that I've done road, highway, tow, etc. and noticed they are better in all situations than the stock "screen-door springs." You can buy the whole set for around $200 as I recall.

Regards,
Joel

 

I installed Rancho RS5000's on my T and I really like them. Although a little stiff, they handle well on the road and if you decide to take it off the pavement you won't be dissapointed.

 

I recently put KYB Monomaxes on my 97 T100 4x4. I really like them. The truck handles great. They also are variable rate shocks. I can drive much more confidently now. Here in So. CA, the shocks were $258 including tax.

 

I also went with the KYB Monomaxes. When the truck is empty, it is quite stiff. But corners and handles better when pushed. (Now to replace the sucky tires) With a load or pulling a trailer the truck feels a lot better since I replaced the shocks. It really made a difference with towing. It feels a lot more "confident" now.

 

Heavy Duty Bilsteins
I have them on both my T100 and Tundra.
The ones on my T100 have over 100k
on them and they perform like new

 

I went with the Ranchos because I didn't have the extra money for the Bilstiens at the time but they seem to suit me just fine. I'd been running the stocks since new and any improvement was fine with me. My T is a 2wd which is mostly used for street and hauling home improvement stuff with an occasional trail ride when camping, so I'm not really off roading but the first time I went on the trail I've used before, there was a much, much improved reponse. Personally I think the Bilsteins would have been overkill for me since I use my truck so mildly. I'm more than happy with my Ranchos.

 

I have Edelbrock IAS. Get them and you WILL love them. I have no more body roll, I can hit those 15mph speed humps 40mph or more and no bottom out. I got air on one of my freeway onramps and my truck bounced twice The fronts are standard and the rear are gas. It makes for a nice ride and great handling.

No more front-end dive when braking, no rear squat taking off, and off road they really work well, kinda like a motocross bike, gas it and go right over the washboard stuff. I think they are the best balance for our trucks. I have rud Rancho 9000 adjustable but took them off after a few hundred miles. They are still in my garage if you want a cheap set of used Rancho's let me know

 

How much do you want for the Ranchos, fishenman?

 

I'd take $250. + actual shipping. They have about 2k miles on them

 

So same as I paid new for the 9000s on my 4runner? Keep 'em

 

Good call-I had no idea how much they go for, I stopped modding when I got married (moding the house now). I'll keep them for a future sas t100 trail rig