Having the best shocks for Toyota 4runner is a dream every car owner would wish to fulfill. It brings relief to realize one’s car does not have to undergo some severe gyrations.
Which often makes driving cars with faulty shocks very uncomfortable. The aches that may result from the gyrations due to defective shocks can only be imagined.
It is essential to get the best shocks for our Toyota 4runner to avoid being a dancing car victim after it sinks in a bump.
And for this reason, we have carefully selected the ten best shocks for Toyota 4runner. The ten best Toyota 4runner shocks was arrived at after diligently reading through buyers’ reviews and features of individual shock.
What shocks are best for the 4runner?
After comparing all shocks, we can confidently say that Bilstein 5100 series is the best shock for Toyota 4runner.
Bilstein 5100 series trumps other shocks in quality in its category. And we recommend Bilstein 5100 series shocks for your Toyota 4runner.
Why Bilstein 5100 series is the best shock brand for Toyota?
The Bilstein 5100 series combine all qualities of dynamics, affordability, and toughness to withstand harsh terrines, which it may be subjected.
This versatility makes the Bilstein 5100 series the best shocks brand for Toyota 4runner against other brands.
Top Performing Shocks for Your Toyota 4Runner: Expert Reviews and Analysis
01. Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Absorber
Features
- A non-Coil over the body of 46mm ID
- Black bellows
- Length of 378.8mm
- Extended length of 597mm
- Zinc plated exterior
- Mono-tube
- Eye 19.1mm mount type
The Bilstein 500 series made our number one on this list. We have selected it specifically due to its versatility, quality, and affordability. It fits perfectly on SUVs and lifted trucks.
The Bilstein 500 series is adaptable to road conditions due to its piston’s ability to adjust according to the changes in the velocity of the car.
The zinc-plated body gives it an anti-rust advantage which grades its quality and longevity.
Its monotube design and black bellows allow ease of maintenance. We can adapt this shocks model to a specific function to bring about improved performance and comfort.
The 46mm ID non-coil over the body gives the piston a good compression volume, making it rugged to withstand all terrines. And this quality adds to its toughness.
The 19.1mn mount type allows it to be fitted with larger-sized bolts to give the vehicle’s body a firm attachment.
- Improves the comfort of your ride
- Easy installation
- It gives value for money
- Features a wide enough bolt space for firm tightening
- It fits in trucks and SUVs
- Easy to maintain
- Â A great amount of force is required to compress when installing
- Quite expensive
02. Rough Country 77130 Suspension System – Peoples Choice 4runner TRD Pro Suspensions
Features
- Lifted leaf springs
- Fabricated Rear blocks
- Track-bar
- Front and rear N3 shocks
- 100% bolt-on
- Strut extensions
- Weighs 34.9pounds
- 30.25 by 14.25 by 6.75inches in dimension
Here we have the Rough Country 3 lift kit shocks Toyota 4runner as our number two. It is our number two for its qualities, to the other shocks below on the list.
The Rough Country combines protection and style to give your Toyota 4runner more outstanding performance.
The N3 shocks give your Toyota 4runner an optimal performance on and off the road and blend perfectly with the 1996-2002 4runner 4WD type vehicle.
The Rough Country 3 lift shocks are designed for easy installation with an estimated 2-4 hours.
The strut spacers are made of high-quality, durable Aluminum and without a need to disassemble struts before installation.
- Easy to install
- Affordable
- It comes with an installation manual
- It comes with extra kits
- Blend well with the 1996-2002 Toyota 4runner 4WD
- it fits well with a selected vehicle
- A small eyelet makes it difficult for more giant bolts to use unless it is drilled out.
03. Bilstein 24-239370 Shocks – Best Value 4runner Shocks and Struts
Features
- Monotube
- Zinc plated
- Collapsed length of 432.5mm
- Extended length 573mm
- Mount eye type of 14.2mm
- Weighs 5pounds
- 46mm digression piston
Here again! Another Bilstein shocks brand making the 3rd place on our list. The Bilstein Brand, as usual, presents quality and versatility.
But the Bilstein 24-239370 shocks for Toyota 4runner are a front shock that provides 0-2.5inch lift to vehicles installed.
It fits perfectly on a range of Toyota 4runner vehicle types.
It has multiple snap-ring grooves, which allow for different spring-sit positions during installation.
The monotube comes fitted with a 46mm digression piston. And self-adjusting deflective, plate valve settings. It allows the shocks to adjust to the road conditions during vehicles’ velocity, making your ride smoother.
- It gives your car a good lift and levels them out perfectly.
- Affordable
- Improves your vehicle drive performance on bad roads
- It provides value for your money
- You may need an expert (technician) help to install
- It doesn’t come with extra kits, and you may need another component to achieve a perfect finish
04. KYB KG54317 Gas Shocks
Features
- Weighs 4pounds
- Monotube
- Painted (silver, white)
The KYB KG54317 Gas-a-Just Gas Shocks made our number four for the following qualities: unlike the twin-tube design, the monotube scores higher in performance.
It can quickly adjust to adapt to the conditions of the vehicle during motion without fading, which may result from aeration.
It comes with a hydraulic piston and a valve outlet for pressure control in the tube.
And also, it has another chamber of pressure Nitrogen gas with a floating piston. All the sections and pistons work to make our ride smoother.
- Make the ride smooth and comfortable
- Affordable
- It fits well with Toyota 4runner
- You may need technical help to install
- Do not come with all kits, and you may need to buy extra fittings to achieve optimal performance.
- It fits only in a few vehicles.
05. SEEN 10060-FS-SS Complete Strut Assembly
Features
- It weighs 42 pounds
- A dimension of 23.75 by 11 by 6 inches
- Color (silver, black)
- Eye mount type
The SESEN 10060-FS-SS shocks may not have all the rugged qualities of the types mentioned earlier of shocks we have discussed. But it does serve well when pairing with another component like; “Moog springs.”
It offers a comfortable ride to the vehicles installed. It gives your Toyota 4runner a 3inch lift in the front of the car. It settles and even out after riding some miles.
The prices are moderate for its quality, and it blends very well with the 1996-2002 Toyota 4runner.
They are stocks replacement for the 1996-2002 Toyota 4runner.
The silver and black color protects it from rust that could degrade the shocks life-span
It has an eye mount, wide enough to allow a bigger-sized bolt when tightening against the vehicle.
- Easy to install
- It gives value for your money
- Give a moderate lift to the vehicle
- Good price and affordable
- Rides improve with every mile.
- It comes in pairs.
- The instructions are pretty tricky to follow
- Installation might be complicated
- Not ideal for heavy-duty trucks
06. KYB 565002 MonoMax Gas Shocks
Features
- Weighs 11.2 ounces
- Painted body tube
- Mono-Tube
- Rubber Boot
- Zinc coated, stainless steel piston rings
KYB 565002 MonoMax Gass Shocks shows an improvement in damping with about 40% against previous shocks discussed.
It is a monotube shock with a fitted rubber boot to keep dirt out of the seals.
The stainless steel piston rings are coated in an extra layer of zinc to give maximum piston protection against the element that could cause damage to it. Or may undermine its integrity.
The body tube is painted to give it around protection against corrosion.
The KYB565002 MonoMax was specifically built to withstand toughness and harsh conditions. And heavy-duty vehicles find them their favorites.
With all the extra protective features, durability is guaranteed. Plus, its ability to automatically adjust to driving conditions when install makes this shock our number six on the list.
With the KYB565002 MonoMax Gas shocks, riding becomes more comfortable.
- They are available for both the front and rear
- Good road performance
- Easy to install
- It can be used by heavy-duty trucks
- Good price
- Poor welds which often lead to leaks on the struts
07. Monroe OESpectrum 37270 Shocks & Struts
Features
- It weighs 5.43pounds
- 23.2 by four by 2.9 inches in dimension
- Acceleration Sensitive Damping (ASD)
- Monotube
The Monroe OESpectrum 37270 Shock is another shock of its class. It weighs 5.43 pounds with a nitrogen gas charge, which helps reduces tire wear by preventing aeration.
It lubricates itself using the gas retained in the fluid seal to relieve excess friction on the piston strut.
Doing so prolongs the duty life of the piston and shocks in general as wearing of the piston is brought to the barest minimum.
With special fluid in the OE, we will have a consistent ride performance even in extreme weather.
The ASD acts to improve stability and improves our comfort when riding by automatically adjusting to conditions on the road.
- It gives a perfect lift to vehicles which they are installed
- improves comfort with incredible tech support
- good price
- Easy to install
- Give value for money
- The bushings and washers do not fit perfectly
08. Macomber Rear Set Shocks
Features
- Weighs 8.82 pounds
- Chromed piston
- Powder-coated exterior
- Piston valve
- Oil seal
- Pressure tube
- Nitrogen gas
The versatile shock is compatible with most Toyota 4runner brands. It comes packaged as shocks only without the springs or mounts.
The chrome piston strut allows for stiff damping, which is ideal for a passenger’s car.
The body tube is coated with powder, which prevents the shocks from directly encountering water and reducing friction. As a result, it improves the life span of the shocks from rust.
The Nitrogen gas also contributes to stiff damping, which improves our stopping and quickly helps to recover steering control.
The oil seal provides a firm seal against fluid leakages from the pressure tube.
It is equally fitted with a suitable mount and eye rings provided with Bushing to prevent slackening or shaky installation.
- The Macomber rear sit shocks give your vehicle tires good contact to the road and improve friction between tire and road surface.
- It reduces the dancing of vehicles after they might sink in a bump and out.
- It stabilizes drive and makes them more comfortable.
- Reasonable price as it gives value for money.
- Durable
- Stability issues
- Difficult to maintain
09. Monroe 17137IL Quick-Strut
Features
- Spring seat
- Coil Spring
- Rubber Boot Kit
- Bearing plate
- Weighs five pounce
- Plated steel
- Dimension of 29.5 by 8.2 by 8.6inches
- Polished smooth exterior.
The Monroe 17137IL is a fully assembled shock and ready to go. It comes with all kits, and shock is unlike the others we’ve talked about earlier.
It relieves one from the troubles of having to collect other parts to get them assembled.
The bearing plates bring consistency by removing the sketchy noises which often emanate during steering and improves steering performance.
The upper part of the assembly consists of high-grade bolts and nuts, bearings, rubber bonding, and plated steel to give the shock durability.
The spring seats are engineered to give the vehicle optimum performance and designed to cut vibration from the shocks to the vehicle’s chassis. And give the car a lift.
The coil springs are specifically engineered to distribute the vehicle’s weight evenly, and support’s its weight. The spring is powder-coated to give a better performance against rust.
And the Rubber Boot Kits provide a seal and keep dirt away.
- Comes fully assembled
- It gives value for money
- Easy to install
- High-quality parts and component
- Provides excellent dust shield
- It provides a vehicle lift in the front
- Fits perfectly
- Challenging to set, to make it sit right during installation
- Quite expensive
10. Gabriel G63726 White Ultra Truck Shock
Features
- Weighs 5pounds
- Dimension of 19.63 by 3.75 by 3inches
- Painted Exterior
- Stable steer valve
- Piston (G-force)
The Gabriel G63726 white Ultra Truck Shock made it the tenth on our list, and it presents incredible features.
It is engineered using the G-force technology, allowing an improved shock performance and bringing consistency and comfort to the ride.
The piston is constructed to withstand extreme conditions. And a stable steer valve that allows the shock to respond quickly at all corners, bringing stability as we ride.
It has a chromed piston to improve the piston’s performance and prevents it from corrosion.
They blend perfectly with trucks and SUVs.
The piston seals are designed to bring durability and improve the overall safety of vehicles.
- Improved damping
- Cost nicely and affordable
- ring comfort and safety to vehicles
- its component are durable
- It blends well with a few vehicle types
- Issues with installation
Buying Considerations for 4runner Suspension Upgrade
There are varieties of shocks, and some would blend just well with certain kinds of vehicles.
And to avoid buying shocks that do not go well with your car or a shock that could not serve the purpose for which they are installed. Then, you have to be clear about what you want.
When buyers choose to shop for a shock replacement for their vehicle, they must consider certain things. And the things they must consider before buying a shock include;
01. Vehicle type
We must consider the type of vehicle and choose appropriate shocks that will bring the best and improved performance.
Different shocks blend differently with cars. But the shocks which fit perfectly, and improve vehicles’ performance and overall safety are ideal for our vehicle type.
02. Purpose of the vehicle
Some vehicles are simply for conveying passengers while others do much more. Shopping for a shock replacement, you must consider the purpose of the car and choose one that best suits the conditions to which the vehicle is subjected.
Heavy-duty trucks have a different shock requirement to the passenger vehicle, and shocks that are engineered to withstand the toughness of heavy-duty vehicles are just right for trucks.
03. Terrain
The terrain is yet another factor that we must consider if we aim to get the best output. Terrains may be rocky, sandy, or swampy. We must go for shocks that help our vehicle adapt to the terrains it may find itself.
For swampy terrain, you need a shock that comes with features like plated or painted exteriors to protect the shocks from the damage that could result from rusting.
Sandy terrain requires a shock that will give the vehicle a good lift from the ground level. At the same time, rocky terrain requires tough shocks that will withstand the vibration.
And shocks whose springs are engineered for damping the vibrations and preventing them from reaching the vehicle chassis are ideal for rocky terrains.
The dampening allows passengers to have a smooth ride and even prevents damage to goods that could break during the vibrations.
04. Cost
One must consider the costs before buying a shock. Knowing the price of a particular shock will go a long way to help you prepare for purchasing the shock brand and type that is most suitable.
Otherwise, you will find yourself settling for a cheaper option that may not have the best qualities. Therefore, we must consider the cost of shocks and our purchasing power.
05. Kits
It is also essential to learn what kits should come initially with your shocks. And those that don’t go with them.
This way, you can tell what you will need to buy to fit the shocks on installing to bring improved performance and general comfort to the ride.
06. Mount
To get shocks that fit just well with a vehicle, one must consider the shocks mount to get what appropriately fits the vehicle.
07. The bolt hole (eyelet)
Some shocks come with a smaller hole, while others have moderately bigger holes. The smaller holes can only accommodate smaller bolts, while relatively bigger holes fit more giant bolts.
There is a downside to small bolts, and it is: “they are easily broken due to vibration from the shocks, especially during the ride in rocky terrains.”
But the more giant bolts have enough thickness to withstand the vibrations and, as a result, prolong the life of shocks without the constant worries of replacing broken bolts.
However, we can drill through to open up the holes for most shocks.
08. Ease of installation
It is yet another factor we must consider when shopping for a replacement for our shocks. Some manufacturers’ instructions may be difficult to follow, and this makes the installation guide complicated.
It can be frustrating and may require an extra cost to hire a technician to help out. Also, when the instruction manual is complex to understand, it makes maintenance even tricky.
Therefore, we must bring the ease of installation into consideration when shopping for shocks.
09. Best
Another very essential consideration you must make is going for the best. We have discussed the best ten shocks on our list above.
With the features and descriptions of each shock brand, you will find the shocks that suit your need best.
10. Quality
The quality of a shock can be determined by the material, design, and durability. To avoid repeatedly spending money to replace damaged shocks due to their poor quality.
You must consider quality to achieve durability and consistency.
11. Lift
Whether for heavy-duty or just sports, the lift is significant for trucks used in the desert for sport. Heavy-duty trucks also crave a lift on their vehicle.
It is essential to know how much lift we prefer for our truck. And we must consider this before buying shocks of our choice that will suit our aim.
12. Bushing
Another thing to be considered is whether or not your shock may require Bushing. The presence of Bushing inside the mounting hole will allow for a firm fitting and prevent the shocks from shaking noisily after been fitted.
FAQ
What Are The Essential Functions Of The Shock Absorbers?
The primary function of shock absorbers is to dampen the suspension system’s movement, preventing excessive bouncing and shaking of the vehicle while driving on uneven surfaces. They also help to maintain tire contact with the road, improve handling, and reduce wear on other suspension components.
How Are The Shock Absorbers Worn?
Shock absorbers are subjected to constant movement and vibration, which causes wear over time. The seals and valves in the shock absorbers can become worn or damaged, causing them to leak fluid and lose their ability to dampen the suspension system’s movement effectively.
How To Know what shock Absorbers You Must Choose For Your Car?
To choose the right shock absorbers for your car, you need to consider the type of vehicle, driving conditions, and your driving style. It’s best to consult with a professional mechanic or automotive specialist to determine the most suitable shock absorbers for your vehicle.
What Happens When They Wear Out?
When shock absorbers wear out, the suspension system’s ability to absorb bumps and vibrations decreases, leading to an uncomfortable and bumpy ride. It can also cause accelerated tire wear, reduced handling, and poor braking performance.
How Can We Tell If Our Car Has Worn-out Shock Absorbers?
Some signs of worn-out shock absorbers include a bumpy or uncomfortable ride, increased vehicle bounce or sway, decreased handling and stability, uneven tire wear, and longer stopping distances.
What Is A Refurbished shock Absorber?
A refurbished shock absorber is a used shock absorber that has been restored to its original condition through a rebuilding or reconditioning process. Refurbished shock absorbers are generally less expensive than brand-new ones.
When Do You Need To Change Your Shocks?
It’s generally recommended to replace shock absorbers every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and driving conditions. However, if you notice any signs of worn-out shock absorbers, you should have them inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.
When Should I Replace My Shocks On My 4Runner?
Toyota recommends replacing the shocks on a 4Runner every 100,000 miles, but this can vary depending on the driving conditions and usage.
How Reliable Are Toyota 4Runners?
Toyota 4Runners are known for their reliability and durability. They are built to withstand tough off-road conditions and can last for many years with proper maintenance.
How Long Do 4Runner Brakes Last?
The lifespan of 4Runner brakes can vary depending on the driving conditions and usage. Generally, brake pads can last anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 miles, while brake rotors can last up to 70,000 miles or more. It’s important to have the brakes inspected regularly to ensure they are in good working condition.
Conclusion
We understand the need to have information about shocks, and we have brought a list of the best shocks for the Toyota 4runner. Also, we have given our considerations that will guide you when buying shocks to replace the old ones.
If you have come this far with use, I say congratulations, and we believe you have the information to help you make a well-informed choice for your shocks.
