KYB Gas-A-Just Monotube Strut & Shocks Set for 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 4WD RWD
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Choosing Shocks for your Toyota 4Runner
The 3rd gen 4Runner was a big change in the suspension platform, going from a solid front axle to an independent front suspension. This changes the shock type from a normal shock, to a strut or coilover. This results in less extreme off-road capability, but better road handling manners and comfort. Being able to use springs tuned to matching shocks, provides a significant advantage for aftermarket suspension setups.
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Introducing
4Runner Buyer's Guide Video
We break down the pros and cons of the most popular Toyota 4Runner suspension upgrades.
Daily Driver Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give comfort and control on road for your every day driving needs
Overview
KYB's Gas-a-Just shock is a factory upgrade, utilizing a monotube high pressure gas design that improves handling and other performance factors for your vehicle. These shocks have a better lifespan than most factory-replacement shocks, and provide noticeable ride quality improvements.
Price
1 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Increased handling and performance over factory shocks
- Longer lifespan than Excel-G and factory shocks
- Monotube design translates to more consistency
Cons
- More road feedback
Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 4WD
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Overview
One of the aftermarket ride control standards in shock absorbers, Bilstein has designed these shocks to improve handling and ride control, while maintaining relative comfort compared to a softer factory-like shock. Exceptionally long life and dependability, the Bilstein 4600 is not only great for the daily driver, but also capable of towing, hauling loads, and easy offroad trails.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Excellent factory upgrade for improved handling
- Long lasting, very durable
- Reduces nose dive and body roll
- Capable for heavy duty use, easy 4x4 trails
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Higher tier shock, higher price
- Yellow isn't everyone's favorite color
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
KYB Monomax Monotube Gas Strut & Shocks Set for 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 4WD RWD
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Overview
The Monomax shock is KYB's heavy duty shock absorber meant for workhorse trucks or offroad vehicles that see tough terrain. These shocks have increased compression and rebound damping to account for heavy loads, larger wheels & tires, or aggressive terrain.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Excellent heavy duty shock for the price
- Increases handling and performance significantly
- Monotube high gas pressure design, great longevity
Cons
- Not a "smooth riding shock" - increases road feedback
- Red may not match your vehicle well.
Bilstein 5100 Monotube Adjustable Strut & Shocks Set for 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 4WD RWD w/0-2.3" lift
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Overview
One of the best selling shocks for the Truck, SUV, and Jeep market, the Bilstein 5100 excels at daily drivability mixed with off-road capability. Slightly firmer than the 4600 series, and firmer than a stock-like shock, these high-pressure gas shocks offer improved handling on lifted vehicles and improved response with larger wheels & tires.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Leveling-Kit ability for certain apps
- Great off-road capable shock upgrade
- Durable, long lasting
- Improved handling on & off-road
- Heavy Duty, Tow, Haul capable
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Performance Shock, higher price
Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks Set for 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 4WD RWD w/6 Cyl
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Overview
The adjustable RS9000XL shock has been around for decades at this point, proving just how versatile and useful these shocks are to the truck and Jeep market. Being able to adjust the ride quality from soft to firm at will provides big benefits to drivers of heavy duty rigs, offroaders, and workhorse vehicles.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Control for soft or firm compression damping
- Thick bodied, large oil volume
- Excellent adjustable shock for the price
- 90-day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
- Knobs prone to breakage, we replace them for free
- Adjustment settings are imperceptible for some drivers
Eibach Pro-Truck Lift System Stage 1 Kit for 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 4WD RWD w/2.5" lift
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Overview
Eibach has unmatched capabilities in the light truck and Jeep market, providing exact matches of dampers and springs for many applications. Designing and manufacturing both the shocks and coil springs for these kits in house, gives Eibach the edge by perfectly matching spring rates and damping requirements for a given application.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Height adjustable shocks allow for leveling your truck
- Monotube design provides consistent fade free performance
- Perfectly matched springs and shocks in a single package
Cons
- Still requires coil spring compressor
Recap of the Hauling / Towing Shocks
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
The following shocks have the durability and longevity you need for tough terrain
Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Plus Strut & Shocks Set for 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 4WD RWD
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Overview
Old Man Emu's Nitrocharger Plus shocks are developed in some of the toughest off-road conditions around the outback of Australia. Old Man Emu and ARB have developed a comfortable daily-driver ride, with the ability to eat up washboard roads, rutted trails, and unpredictable terrain.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Exceptional durability
- Excellent for adventure vehicles
- Improved handling and performance
Cons
- Not a smooth riding shock
- Firmer than factory replacements
Eibach Pro-Truck Lift System Stage 1 Kit for 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 4WD RWD w/2.5" lift
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Overview
Eibach has unmatched capabilities in the light truck and Jeep market, providing exact matches of dampers and springs for many applications. Designing and manufacturing both the shocks and coil springs for these kits in house, gives Eibach the edge by perfectly matching spring rates and damping requirements for a given application.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Height adjustable shocks allow for leveling your truck
- Monotube design provides consistent fade free performance
- Perfectly matched springs and shocks in a single package
Cons
- Still requires coil spring compressor
Bilstein 6112 Strut & Spring Assembled + Rear 5100 Shocks Set for 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 4WD RWD
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Overview
A new addition to Bilstein's arsenal, the 6112 shock is equipped with a massive 60mm active piston and 2.6" shock body, providing exceptional off-road capability and handling. This shock is aimed solely at the adventurer, offroader, and overlander that sees a lot of dirt, but also doesn't want to sacrifice daily driver comfort.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Leveling Height Adjustments
- 60mm piston, "best in class"
- Price-to-Shock ratio through the roof, 2.6" shock & spring less expensive than 2" coilovers
- Massive off-road ride upgrade, improved road handling and comfort
- Long lasting, durable, serviceable
Cons
- Does not come pre-assembled from Bilstein
- Requires coil-spring compressor for installation
Bilstein 6112 Strut & Spring Assembled + Rear 5160 Reservoir Shocks Set for 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 4WD
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Overview
A new addition to Bilstein's arsenal, the 6112 shock is equipped with a massive 60mm active piston and 2.6" shock body, providing exceptional off-road capability and handling. This shock is aimed solely at the adventurer, offroader, and overlander that sees a lot of dirt, but also doesn't want to sacrifice daily driver comfort.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Leveling Height Adjustments
- 60mm piston, "best in class"
- Price-to-Shock ratio through the roof, 2.6" shock & spring less expensive than 2" coilovers
- Massive off-road ride upgrade, improved road handling and comfort
- Long lasting, durable, serviceable
Cons
- Does not come pre-assembled from Bilstein
- Requires coil-spring compressor for installation
Icon 0-3" Suspension System Stage 1 Kit for 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 4WD RWD
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Overview
Step into improved handling and comfort for your daily drive and dirt activities. Through ICON’s digressive valving, this leads to improved handling without sacrificing too much ride comfort in the pursuit of spirited driving and high performance.
Price
4 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Improved handling on and off-road
- Built for moderate to high speed
- Rebuildable and serviceable
- Can upgrade through higher stages
Cons
- Requires servicing for optimum performance
- Off-road focused, may be too firm for daily-driver only
Recap of the Off-Road Socks
