Which shocks?

[fenrisx]

If any of you live in Minnesota, or any state that has rough winters, you probably know the roads are worse than most trails at Tellico.. My stock 4Runner suspension has roughly 180k miles on 'em, and with the 265/75's AT's I got this past summer I've also got rubbing issues. If I can find some used tall '99 coils I'll probably have the funds to replace the suspension.

I'm looking at which would be the best shocks to buy for my 2000 4Runner sport to go along with the '99 coils. I don't really off road, so off-road performance isn't a huge issue. I don't haul trailers. I don't plan on adding any aftermarket bumpers, or a winch. There will be times when the back will be loaded down with stuff, but not often. My main concern is on road performance. The roads here will rattle you to death, and potholes are everywhere. Something to absorb the bumps better would be nice.

I can get a set of Bilstein HD's for $270, or a set of Tokico Trek Master R/T's for $235, but I don't know if those are what I'm looking for. The only other I can think of off the top of my head would be OME, but I'm not sure of the pricing. I checked Wheeler's, but I think they only sell them as a set (coil and strut/shock). I'm guessing some cheap Monroe's from a local store wouldn't be the best of ideas. I really don't know what all is out there.

Throw in your 2cents..

Bilstein HD's
Tokico Trek Master R/T's
OME
Other?


What would you guys recommend?

[NakSuKow]

I have enjoyed my Tokico Trek Masters combined with OME springs. I was happy with their on road performance. Although, if you ever plan on adding a front bumper or winch, I would steer clear of these.

[fenrisx]

I believe the Trek Masters are what comes with SonoranSteels '99' setup also. I have no plans of adding a bumper or winch. Thanks for the info.

[Okie81]

I haven't heard of any rubbing issues with 265's, that's odd.
Bilsteins are good for smoothing out rough roads, they make a good all-around shock.

[fenrisx]

Yeah it rubbed pretty bad.. I took the running boards off, and trimmed the fender wells a bit and that helped. I didn't touch the pinch weld. They still rub when turning into places though, mainly on the passenger side.

Anyone have anything bad to say about the Tokicos?

[Seanz0rz]

yeah, i do.


the nuts that come with them (or used to) are .5" instead of M12. just enough to hold the assembly together, until you hit a big bump, then it explodes off the top of the shock.

other than that they were OK shocks. i like my bilsteins much better though.

[fenrisx]

Yeah I notice on the Sonran Steel website they say they replace those on their 3.0 kit.

[CJM]

Bilstein is what I would do, proven and VERY good shocks.

[DHC6twinotter]

I vote for Bilstein as well. :thumbup:

[fenrisx]

It looks like it's Bilstein for the win... It's still a toss up for me between them and Tokico TrekMaster R/T's. Everything I read on YT points to the Bils being firmer. Although I think I'm confusing firm and harsh. So, as long as my funds allow, I'll probably go the Bilstein route per everyone's recommendation.

So here's my plan:

Come to final choice between Bilstein HD and Tokico Trek Master R/T(funding being the overall decision maker)
Find out how much new tall 99 coils are from dealer. (Just realized I can still get these from a Stealership.)
If the new coils are too pricey I'm going to look for a set tall 99 coils with low miles. There's a set on YT right now, but with ~150k on them I'll pass.
I'm also throwing PP 1" lift springs into the mix. If I can find these with low miles, and the right price, I'd definitely consider grabbing them up.


I think I might actually prefer the PP route at this point, but I think I'll have an even harder time finding those.

[fenrisx]

Well I sent a PM to Phil at Toyota of Dallas for a price quote on the tall 99's. Hopefully the price is right!

In the mean time if you guys see any PP 1" springs let me know! (Thread started about shocks, and now I keep on about springs.... )