I commute 35 miles to work in my 2wd 'Runner. Has all 4x4 suspension parts, so it's stiff. What shocks would you recommend for highway use, mild off-road/fire road applications? Not looking for a Caddilac ride, but getting what I can out of what I've got. I've read a lot about Bilstein, but that they're stiff. Any experiences?

 

something cheap. Rancho RS5000s, or Pro comps. Bilsteins are pretty expensive... Honestly, I'd go with the ranchos. Good price, last 50k miles, and if you decide to lift your truck, you dont need to change shocks because they can accommodate for 1-2" of lift.


whatever you do, dont go to les schwab for shocks. they start leaking around 25k miles.

 

Not sure how I ended up in the Newbie Tech Section, as that wasn't the audience I was targeting, but ok...

I also read that your typical Rancho/Pro Comp/Skyjacker shocks are pretty stiff, but without the handling characteristics of, say, a Bilstein or OME. While I'm not necessarily looking for handling characteristics, if I'm going to go with a stiff shock, I'd like to get the upside to it, too. Is there a specific type/brand that will take in some potholes without loosening my teeth? Highway 99 in Central Cali is BRUTAL! Wasn't expecting to have this commute when I originally bought the 'Runner (life changes).

 

ive got the procomp es3000 no lift. and I like em. If you don't want stiff don't go with a nitro shock stay with gas.

 

My 4WD 4Runner didn't ride stiff... Maybe you have that looked at...

And I'm sorry, but no shocks can match the ride of Bilstiens...

So cheap out if you want but when you find out what you've been missing don't say you weren't warned...

And for the life of me I can't see why you would even want to lift a 2WD commuter...

You know you're going to just put bigger tires on and you know you're going to complain about the power or lack of after that...


But if I did all that I'd have plans for a TRD rear to...

 

Thanks for the second sentence, that's what I wanted.

No, I'm not going with bigger tires, just ordered a new set of 31" TA KO's. No, I won't complain about lack of power, I've redone the whole thing and have 5.29's in the rear to compensate for the tire/tranny combo. Also getting about 22mpg's. Follow me to Pismo or Cal City where I ride and you'll see why you'd lift a 2wd.

So, +1 for Bilsteins. Anyone else?

 

It might not have been your intended audience, but it is a nebie question Stock OEM shocks or their equillivent would be fine.