Sorry everyone just thought I'd try to get your attention. I was wondering about some shocks for a 2002 v-6 4runner 5vzfe. The only ones I know of are gabriel,tokico,bilstein.are there any more availiable out there? What do you guys think are the best as of ride not to bouncy like stock over all. Which shocks you guys recomend. I want some shocks just for a daily driver no off road or for a lift. I just want to replace my stock shocks that bounce the 4runner up in down every little bump. My kids are always bouncing around too much. Just anyone that can help on expierience on shocks ride brands for normal driving or suggestion would be nice. to all in advance.

 

You already mentioned them, BILSTEINS.

 

The Bilstein's will probably be your best bet for ride comfort, not to mention quality and durability.

 

Thanks for the replies. What do you guys think about the tokico's? Are bilsteins made in usa or are they foreign? Thanks in advance

 

bilstein = german (what sounds more german than bilstein?!? i guess you gotta do it in a schwartzenegger voice or something..)

 

Schwartzenegger is not German. His voice is NOT German, not even close.

Many Bilstein shocks are made here in the US.

Gadget

 

ha ha ha ... hes austrian

 

Nope, the last time I checked he was AMERICAN.

Gadget

 

Hes originally from austria .. otherwise in 4 yrs it would President Schwartzenegger

 

that was funny you guys thanks for responding and info

 

BTW Are TRD shock really bilsteins? :pat:

 

Yes, but they are not the same as the aftermarket Bilsteins.

They TRD ones are very Spindly. If you see them and compare them to the aftermarket ones you will be amazed at the difference.

I have spoken directly to Bilstein about this and they swear that if both shocks are put on a shock dyno there will be very little difference between the two.

Now, with that said, I will say that it does not appear to be the case in real life. The guys with the TRD Tacomas all say that the TRD Bilsteins suck and many replace them in short order with aftermarket Bilsteins or something else.

I had aftermarket Bilsteins on my truck for over 100,000 miles and they were just starting to loosen up. It is a very nice shock. Some however complain about the stiff ride. If that is your greatest concern then aftermarket Bilsteins are not for you. They are a tad stiffer then stock, but give you loads more control which is very important to me.

Gadget

 

Hmm... My 2004 TRD Tacoma came with blue Tokico shocks. not Bilstein.

When I had my 2000 4Runner I installed Monroe SensaTrac shocks. A world of difference over the stock Tokico. Can't compare them to Bils. but I thought they were just right for the 4Runner (95% onroad use).

 

You must have a Double Cab. Bilsteins do not come on the Double Cab TRD trucks.

Gadget

 

I just installed Bils/OEM springs and the ride is a just a bit stiffer than my mom's '99 Limited with 50k on it and they get rid of the "floaty" feeling the stocks shocks will exhibit at speeds above 70mph;much more control with buffeting winds too.

 

Lotsa people love their OME shocks. Rancho makes shocks for the 4th gen too - I have them, and I wouldn't recommend them. Wanna buy a set?

 

yeah, i know the governator is austrian, but his voice just sounds good for german things..

 

Yup, Bilsteins rock
Put them on with 15K on my truck and made a world of difference, less body roll, better handling, better control in high cross winds, and excellent off road.

For the 4Runner, there is no difference between TRD and aftermarket Bilsteins...or at least that was the concensus a few years ago after much discussion and part no references.

For the Tacoma, there is a huge difference...the TRD tacoma comes with TRD Bilsteins (double cab comes with tokico) and it is quite obvious just by looking at the shock body that the TRD Bilstein is much thinner. From my experience, the TRD Tacoma bilstein shock has a softer ride compared to the aftermarket bilsteins.

Back to the original question, get the bilsteins...can't go wrong, great shock with lifetime warranty.

 

Thanks fellas for the insights and info. I will definitelt get bilsteins. I was wondering would I need anything else like bushings or anything or would I bee ok with just the bilsteins for normal driving 100% of my driving time? Thanks in advance . You guys were a very excellent help in my decision.

 

Does anyone have these shocks TREK MASTER R/T shocks. Came across it in the internet and wanted to know if they were crappy or pretty good? But I am leaning still on bilsteins. Just wanted to know.Thanks in advance