I recently bought my 4Runner and it has almost 290k on it. The rear shocks have been changed and they are Monroe Gas Magnum Plus (Part#: 37033). The fronts however seem to be the stock ones, and it's a bit sloppy when I hit a dip at speed. Did some research and here are my options so far:

1) Monroe Matic Plus shock - cheapest at $16 each (part #: 32245)
2) Monroe OE Spectrum Light Truck shock (checked with Monroe, and these would be in the same "family" as my rear shocks if I was trying to match them. $33 each. (part #: 37030)

Should I go with the ones listed in #2, or the cheap ones are fine? Or is there something else you guys would recommend? My truck is 2wd, so it's basically for city/highway use. Thanks.

 

Since its a 2WD, I'd go with the cheapest ones and use the saved money for gas. I doubt you'll be able to even notice a difference.

 

That's what I was thinking... but wanted to make sure before I purchased them. I don't mind paying double for the better Monroes, but was wondering what really could be so much better in them. Looked at specs, and these are the better options of the more expensive Monroes in #2:

- Full Displaced Valving: Tuned specifically for each application, this valving automatically adjusts to road extremes to provide consistency and ride
- Fluon Banded Piston: The fluon band provides consistent sealing between the piston and pressure tube which delivers better control and increased durability.
- 1-3/16" Bore: Larger bore than most shocks to provide more efficient and consistent control.

If anyone wants to compare the specs here's the links:

Cheap: http://catalog.monroe.com/catalogPar...dStatus=ACTIVE

More expensive: http://catalog.monroe.com/catalogPar...dStatus=ACTIVE

 

Anyone else with an opinion on this one as I'm about to place the order online! Anything that may be better than the more expensive Monroe at about the same price, or should I just go with the less expensive one?

 

you get what you pay for (if you're lucky), that's all I'll say. shocks are an important part of your handling, doesn't matter 2 or 4wd; they help your wheels stay glued to the road.

 

I bought the cheap white Monroe's off Rockauto for 16 bucks a piece for my runner.

It had all OE shocks on it still... rides like a dream now but the old shocks had no dampening left in them. You'll notice an improvement either way.

I went cheap since its a temporary setup till I do some more work on the front suspension.

 

islanderoffroad, thanks for post. I'm kind of in the same boat... just need something for the time being, as I may upgrade later. Good to know that the less expensive ones will be okay. Just didn't want to waste the money (even if it's @ $40 including shipping) and time replacing them if I don't see a difference from what I have now! So I'll be going with the cheaper ones, but you mentioned yours were white... these ones are blue!

 

They'll be fine. I had blue entry level type Monroes on the rear of my first gen for a while. They worked well. All these parts have to meet minimum specs. If you just want to drive around like a regular vehicle you're not going to have any problems.

 

BLKNBLU, thanks for your input... decision made! Also, thanks to all the other guys who chimed in and gave their opinion!!

 

now start saving up for some nice bilsteins, long travel arms, and upgraded steering

 

Just curious... what will that set-up look like and do for me?

 

something like this http://www.chaosfab.com/95301.html
or this http://www.chaosfab.com/95301.html
or go blazeland suspension, much cheaper, but these will give you the idea.

 

haha... assuming islanderoffroad was kidding with his comment as my 4runner is a 2wd. Has any 86-95 4runner owner on this forum with a 2wd done this sort of mod?? Those trucks definitely look cool... kinda like Mickey Thompson off road setup!

 

Alot of those desert go-fast trucks are 2wd. Check out the Total Chaos site. They have a bunch of 2wd stuff. Just hold on to your wallet and be ready for the sticker shock. These kinds of toys aren't cheap.