I've searched here and over at Pirate4x4, but I can't seem to find the type of info I'm looking for.

I've narrowed it down to either Bilsteins from Autozone or Procomp ES3000s from 4wp (shocks and steering stabilizer for $135). Money's the issue right now as I also need to get tires. Otherwise, I'd probably just get the Bilsteins.

Anyway, I know the Bilsteins are supposed to be better, but would the Procomps be bad? Currently, I'm running around on the factory shocks (115k miles). Would the ES3000s be a downgrade from factory or just less of an upgrade than the Bilsteins. What about Pro Comp ES9000s?

I mainly drive the 4Runner onroad with a few offroad trips during the year. I don't play in deep mud or do any significant rockcrawling. I do get out on the beach at least once a year if it matters. Non of my wheeling is at high speed, 25mph tops (usually half that).

I don't have any lift, nor I do I plan to get a lift in the next couple years.

Thanks,
Chris

 

Do you want a stiffer ride, the same as OEM or a soft comfortable ride?

 

Either of the three is fine as long as it's a controlled ride. I didn't even know I needed shocks until I hit a pothole at high speed and felt the truck skitter around a bit.

Chris

 

I would go with the bilsteins. I ran them for a little while and they were great! www.cabeperformance.com has them for pretty cheap

EDIT- wow their prices went wayyy up. I only paid around 210 for them

 

how smooth of a ride (for a truck, hahah) do the bilsteins give you? I know what you guys mean with the truck skittering all over the place

 

if you go for the bilsteins, i've got a couple rear ones for sale...
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56963

 

What do you run now and why did you change?

I can get them for roughly the same price at Autozone.

Chris

 

I changed b/c i wanted a lift. I went with the tundra/ome set up. I was going to run the OME springs with the bilsteins but the bilsteins were to stiff for the OMEs . If you have a stock setup...i would definately go with the bils. They have a faster rebound rate.

 

Ok, I just learned that the 3rd Gen doesn't have a steering stabilizer (explains why I don't recall seeing one), so the Pro Comp deal isn't *that* great anymore.

I still need to justify doubling the price of my shocks by going to Bilsteins, but it's a tad easier now.

BTW, is there any problem replacing the rears first, then doing the fronts at a later (few weeks) date? It's less painful if I don't have to do them all at once.

Chris

 

yea its not too bad at all. If you need help, it looks like im right down the street from you. Ive done them a couple of times, cant promise ill be the best help, but ill be some.

 

How much are you getting the shocks from Autozone for? Seems like you are getting a good deal, do you work there? Or do you have a hook up?

 

According to their website, $80 for the front and $70 for the rear shocks, prices per shock.

Chris

 

What kind of mileage are you guys getting before the OEM shocks are worn out?

 

u dont need a steering stabaizer.....

 

Second that question.

I just got my '98 with 108k. I'm new to 4Runners so I don't know if it rides as good as it could if I replaced the shocks with new OEM's. Anybody got a lead on some cheap replacements for a non-off-roader?

 

I realized that yesterday, but thanks all the same.

Chris

 

My 97 4Runner has 115k miles on the odometer. The shocks aren't completely worn out, but they're worn enough to make the handling a bit sketchy at highway speeds when you hit a bunch of bumps. Around town and offroad, they're fine.

Chris

 

I'm going to be in the same boat here soon, the ride isn't quite as comfortable as I'd like it.

My main concern as of now is getting it as comfortable on-road as I can, I've got Bils on my 2nd gen as it is now and I'm debating on whether or not to run them on my 3rd gen or if there is something that would be better suited for mainly on-road driving with the only off-road driving it will see is my dirt road.

Sorry for hijacking, but if you are going to do off-roading then Bilsteins are definitely the way to go, I love mine on my '95.

Fink

 

I want to replace the shocks on my 02 too (with 30k). I see on Autozone listing BE5-2450 ($79.99 ea) and BE5-2451 ($69.99 ea) for Front and Rear respectively? is this correct? Please confirm guys.

Thanks,

 

That sounds right. That's what I'll be ordering.

Chris