BajaNomad

My "4Runner from Hell"

Debra - 6-6-2005 at 04:35 PM

needs shocks.

What is the best 'bang for the buck' (remember I'm poor) And probebly won't be doing anything as silly as trying to climb the "Widow Maker" Thanks....

comitan - 6-6-2005 at 06:05 PM

Rancho check e-bay for the best prices 5000 cheapest but very good 9000 expensive,adjustable. and very good.

Bruce R Leech - 6-6-2005 at 06:07 PM

Debra check this website http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/replacement_sm/toyota~shoc...

Mike Humfreville - 6-6-2005 at 06:13 PM

This is another opportunity to experiment. Just consume 4 boxes of fine wine, remove your shocks and insert the inflated plastic bags in place of the shocks.

Of course, some minor adaptation will be required. I would also suggest you wait until the next day to road-check the vehicle, giving the wine time to wear off!

comitan - 6-6-2005 at 06:50 PM

Debra

Forget about ebay for Ranchos I checked they don't have any listed, Some there has Bilstiens for $224.00 for 4. They are one of the best.

Duty Free

Salsa - 6-6-2005 at 06:55 PM

My Rrancho 5000's are on the last position after 3 years of street driving. Seems like they go away very fast.

Don

rts551 - 6-6-2005 at 06:57 PM

just bought a set of rancho 9000 on ebay (put them on ypur self) -$260

but all the name shocks like that are going to be expensive. If you are not doing a lot of hard driving check around for what is on sale.

Bruce R Leech - 6-6-2005 at 07:00 PM

if most of your driving is on washboard rodes you are better of with very soft shocks or none at all.

David K - 6-6-2005 at 07:06 PM

Bilstein... they are so very fine!

Debra, you told me you got a Toyota so you could go everywhere... then you drove right across the lagoon at Las Animas to prove it! Now you disrespect the 'widow maker'... shame shame!

Wash board roads is where you need shocks tha don't fade away... the nitrogen filled Bilsteins shocks have impressed me.

Debra - 6-6-2005 at 07:11 PM

How do I know if I need 4?, it seems that the front are the ones in need. Is the $224 for all 4 or each? (someone on Ebay?, I've never been there) I remember reading on a thread awhile back the Bilstiens are the best, but, do I really need that.....if all 4 that seems pretty decent a price....does that include putting them on? No, not if I get them from that person on Ebay? or should I buy them and have my handy dandy guy (no, not the guy that ripped me off, a really good auto guy (charged me $150 labor to put my new tranny in, running like a champ!...including a new caliber (sp?) I needed)......My friend slipped him an extra $50 (seemed way too cheap)......I'm confused, please act like you are talking to a "car dummie" (which you are, learning here)

If I were to call my local auto parts store, what should I expect to pay for the Bilstienes and something that maybe wouldn't be as expencive but would suit my needs? Thanks Guys, I really do rely on your judgments.

Debra - 6-6-2005 at 07:23 PM

As I remember it David, you scolded me for running across that lagoon!

Also, as you know (on the trip to the copper mine) I'm very afraid of heights, so I don't really see myself on the "Widow Maker!" Just looking at the pictures on your web-site gave me the shivers! (you can drive "4Runner from Hell" up for me, I'll WALK!....or crawl, as the situation may warrant)

I'll make some calls and check on the "B's" I'm thinking I really don't need to go that expencive with my "fear factor" but, maybe?

Please, anyone with more in put please chime in. Neal?

comitan - 6-6-2005 at 07:27 PM

Debra

The price from ebay is for 4 you would have to have them installed. that is a very good price. You could probably go to a local shop and get shocks for 1/2 that price installed. They would p-robably last you a couple of years, if you think the front shocks are bad the rear ones are also. I might add that putting on new shocks make a big difference.

Packoderm - 6-6-2005 at 07:41 PM

If you want to find out which particular brand and model shock-absorber will work the best for your 4 Runner, all you have to do is buy one of each of the four top candidates recommended on this site and install a different one at each shock mount. Note which one works the best; and then there you have it - you know which one is best!

Debra - 6-6-2005 at 07:46 PM

Well, I guess the Bilsteins are what is recommended, I keep hearing that over and over again, how do I know if buying on Ebay is the thing to do? I've never bought anything but food and books on-line, I've never been to Ebay (and buying "BS" from Nomads....Just kidding, I really trust you all!)

Thanks, and again, please......anyone else, please chime in.

I'm going to call my local auto parts store to get "sticker-shock" and go to Ebay.

comitan - 6-6-2005 at 07:52 PM

Debra

When you go to ebay go to the search type in toyota 4runner year &shocks save a lot of research.

Debra - 6-6-2005 at 08:22 PM

Well, PacO.......Thanks for the help, but, it isn't very helpful.....

Being a woman alone (with a now 11yr. old.....we have been traveling since he was 4) in Baja, I have to rely on the knowledge of others for expertise in things I didn't learn dressed in a suit in an office for the last 20yrs. I appoligize if my question annoyed you but it is on the "Q & A" board which is where I thought I could be "dumb" and learn something from the "people in the know" Again, I apoligize for my question.

That said, I called around to Auto Parts stores and no one seems to have the coveted Bilistens....I was quoted Gabrials $29.00 front per $27.99 back, I asked what was the difference and was told "advertizing" I called 5 stores and no one had Bilisteines......I asked where I could get Bilstiens and was told I had to call "Moran?" or "Rancho" Not in my phone book.....

David K - 6-6-2005 at 08:39 PM

Off Road Warehouse here in San Diego County... I am sure they do mail order... That is where the Viva Baja van got Bilsteins and BFGs in 2001. Wild Bill helped Amo Pescar to install the shocks at his shop.

eetdrt88 - 6-6-2005 at 09:01 PM

unles youre doing serious offroading you really dont even need rancho's...i recently purchased "gabriel"heavy duty shocks,which you can get for 25$ each at auto zone and put them on my 4wd jeep cherokee, which has made a few trips to gonzaga bay as well as my ford f-250....i had rancho's on my 4runner and i honestly dont think that they perform any better than the gabriels

Packoderm - 6-6-2005 at 09:21 PM

I really like KYB Gas-A-Just shocks. Here is a website that has them for 45 bucks apiece. KYBs have changed my VW bus into a washboard cruiser.
http://market.autopartsfair.com/search.html?offset=0&mak...

David K - 6-6-2005 at 09:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by eetdrt88
unles youre doing serious offroading you really dont even need rancho's...i recently purchased "gabriel"heavy duty shocks,which you can get for 25$ each at auto zone and put them on my 4wd jeep cherokee, which has made a few trips to gonzaga bay as well as my ford f-250....i had rancho's on my 4runner and i honestly dont think that they perform any better than the gabriels


Exactly why we do not recommend Ranchos... Nothing is perfect, but I have read too many Rancho failures reported. I guess Fox are the trick shocks now, but Debra needs something affordable... The Bilsteins that come on the Tacoma/Tundra TRD package should be just fine for her... I would think... nothing much heavier.

Neal... where are you?

Another vote for the KYB''s...

Mexray - 6-7-2005 at 12:17 AM

Put a set on my old 89 Bronco a couple of months ago - paid in the $40/each range.

The KYB's aren't in the big-buck/performance range like the others mentioned - but I believe are good for a daily-driver that gets only occasional use out on the washboard stuff. Happy with mine, with only two trips out in the dirt, so far.

The other's mentioned are all good units - but I think until you get into the really big-buck, real HD stuff/racing shocks, there's not much difference, except price. I wouldn't buy the $9.99 cheapo's - I'm talking about the $40 - $60 price range shocks are probably about equal in performance on a mostly 'street' machine.

Installation is an easy job on most vehicles (unless you have a strut/shock up front) and only takes 5-10 Min's per wheel at a shop with a lift and air tools - don't get taken in by a shop that wants big-bucks to put them on!

bajalou - 6-7-2005 at 06:47 AM

KYB GasAdjust are the most shock for money . The grey painted KYB's are too light for about any off road use but the white ones work and last very well. Dollar for Dollar the best. Not for your off road race car or buggy but great for tooling around the desert as well as the highways. I have put them on probably a couple dozen desert buggies as well as my VW Bus and everyone has been happy with them. For this type of application, the superiority of Bilstein or Fox just isn't worth the expense.

:biggrin:

[Edited on 6-7-2005 by bajalou]

PacO - 6-7-2005 at 07:48 AM

Go w/the bilsteins. It's worth the few extra dollars. You'll notice a difference in everyday driving and definitely off the road a much bigger difference. I've used the KYB's a number of times and they were much better than stock but for not too much more you can get a better shock.

Bruce R Leech - 6-7-2005 at 08:04 AM

PocO is right go with the bilsteins you wont be sorry.

Bruce R Leech - 6-7-2005 at 08:09 AM

Why use Bilstein Shocks?

Because the valvings are consistent, your set-ups will be more precise. You will know what is on your car.

Bilstein's larger piston and deflective disc valving develops control force when you need it, at the slightest movement of the suspension. You'll get weight transfer when you need it, better control under braking and your tires will stay on the track through the rough spots.

Bilsteins do not fade. Your chassis will handle as good at the end of the race as it did at the start.

Bilsteins are rugged. They last for years and are rebuildable and revalvable.

When the advantages of Bilstein gas pressure shocks are tallied up, you will have spent less money on shock absorbers and collected more money at the pay window.

Bilstein's patented deflective disc valving system allows for exact valving of both compression and rebound movements.

Me No - 6-7-2005 at 10:05 AM

What extra expence? Debra can get 4 bilsteins for 225. That is a smokin deal. If they would fit my model I would have snatched them up. Check the guys feedback before you bid. There is only 3 hours left so you better get moving. Installation is a snap, just take them to your favorite MX mechanico and for probably around 25 bucks you will be rolling down the washboard with your coffee cup sitting on your dash while you listen to your favorite CD.

Arthur - 6-7-2005 at 02:58 PM

You may not need shocks both front and rear. To see if you do, go to the corner of the truck and jog down sharply a couple of times. If the truck comes right back up, that shock's probably OK. If it kind of wallows around and feels soft, you need 'em.

Of course, you'd want to replace both front or both rear at the same time (although if you're really poor, you wouldn't, and that wouldn't be the end of the world at all -- but I may get criticized for saying so). Come to think of it, there are undoubtedly plenty of trucks with Mexican license plates cruising around Baja right now using shocks that they pulled off of another vehicle or bought from a wrecking yard, thereby avoiding buying them new entirely. Just trying to make you aware of the other end of the spectrum, you know?

Sounds to me like your best bet would be to buy those HD Gabriels installed -- and drive as gently as you can. I'd sure try to scratch up the money for those Bilsteins, though -- if they really exist and they fit my truck and somebody installs them right.

[Edited on 6-7-2005 by Arthur]

Debra - 6-7-2005 at 06:43 PM

How do I know if I have struts? I just went out and looked to see if I could tell what is on it now, but, it's so covered with Baja dirt I can't even see what color they are let alone what brand! What should I expect to pay to put them on once I get them (don't want to get screwed) Thanks everybody, your advice is appreciated.

David, Neal emailed me...

Debra - 6-7-2005 at 07:15 PM

1992 4x4

David K - 6-7-2005 at 07:19 PM

Deb... struts look like a coil spring with a shock absorber inside it...

Debra - 6-7-2005 at 07:30 PM

It has gread big spring things the shocks just behind them in the back, I can't tell if it has the springs in the front but, I think I did see them there too, the way it is parked in my driveway right now I can't see.

4baja - 6-7-2005 at 07:47 PM

bilsteins!!!!!! debra, stay with the best.:coolup:

Debra - 6-7-2005 at 09:00 PM

I'm trying, it's changed and I can't seem to get in, although it says I'm in, where the heck do you type? UGH!!!!!

David K - 6-7-2005 at 09:15 PM

Hey Deb... we saw you 'enter the room', twice! Just type away and hit enter on your key board... If your cursor isn't automatically in the typing space, that is at the bottom of your screen...

The squarecircle - 6-7-2005 at 09:18 PM

Greetings fellow Toyota "4 Runner from hell". Here is my two cents worth..Those Bilstien shocks that are catalog listed for your 4 runner will not cut it on your stock torsion bar front end or the standard coil spring rear end unless you have those brand new shocks rebuilt and revalved at their factory here in San Diego. They need about 35 to 50 percent stiffer valving which the factory can do for you for a price. Without that revalving operation, those $50 shocks are worthless considering you vehicles very weak-kneeded suspension. My '91 4 runner had very stiff springing front and rear when I tried those stock bilstiens and they were a joke. I paid the money and had them re-built and they were usable. Those shocks of mine now have about 150,000 miles on them and are now needing another re-build. Nice thing about Bilstien shocks is that they are rebuildable while other off the shelf shocks go into the trash can at about 20,000 miles. On the cheaper side, try the pressurized KYB brand. They are pretty good but they tend to blow there own seals at about 20 to30 thousand miles. To do it properly on your 4 Runner is to install heavy duty (larger) front torsion bars, stiffer rear coil springs and those re-valved new bilstien on all 4 corners. Added note here:::Same story on the HEAVY Range Rover shocks! >>>Re-build this brand new bilstien shock before you install it!!!! Kindest Regards. >>>>>sq.

SQ..

Debra - 6-7-2005 at 09:34 PM

Now I'm more confused than ever.....you are way over my head, I thank you though, maybe someone can translate for me? :rolleyes:

Glenn, David......all I got was the sign in page with the flags, a chat button at the button which I clicked on,then it showed that there were 3 in chat, myself being one....but no place to write anything.

David K - 6-7-2005 at 09:35 PM

Use The Force, Debra :light:

Debra - 6-7-2005 at 09:39 PM

Okay David, what do I hit it with? Or should I just throw this computer out the window and be done with it? It's acting weird tonight anyway! UGGGGGRRRRRR!!!!!

Debra - 6-7-2005 at 09:46 PM

Yes Glenn, I tried the password and it said I was signed in, then I tried again without it and it again said I was signed in, I could see yours, David's and mine as being in the chat.....just no place to write anything.

The squarecircle - 6-7-2005 at 09:57 PM

Hola Whistler, >>>>> oem $49.98 yellow boingers! >>> Regards, >>>sq.

Debra - 6-7-2005 at 09:59 PM

That sounds PERFECT Glenn, I hope to be down for my usual 2 month stay arriving the last week of June, are you planning on going to the Festival in El R.? U2 me your email addy, I lost mt address book when down last summer and didn't log on to "hotmail" for the required 30days.

comitan - 6-8-2005 at 09:45 AM

Debra

Go here its a 4runner forum I think they know best. If you need anymore help email me. Toxico shocks are std equipt. and they have them on e bay or google toxico shocks.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/forumdisplay.php?s=eed7dd85fcd...

Ken Cooke - 6-9-2005 at 10:08 PM

Debra,

Here are some retail outlets in your region of the U.S.:

http://www.explorerprocomp.com/dealers_domestic.php?dom_stat...

Give one of these shops a call, let them know what shock you decided on if you decide not to go with Ebay, and let us know if this helps.