Shock/strut brands

I searched and read a lot, but maybe not enough. 2000 SR5 has 315K on it and I've never replaced shocks and struts. I bought it @ 108K. Obviously rides pretty roughly over anything less than perfect pavement now. I don't have to have the best, i.e. Bilsteins. Just want a decent brand to restore the ride somewhat.

KYB's aren't bad I know. What about Sensen ? Any other brands ? Detroit Axle seemed ok in search. Also, should I keep the original coils or just go ahead and buy the "complete struts" now.

Thanks in advance.

Craig

 

When I first got my truck I needed shocks desperately, but I didn't want to spend big until I knew I could overcome the rust and other issues. So I bought these "original ride quality" shocks and struts at RockAuto:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=4433589&cc=1426935&pt=15174
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=4433613&cc=1426935&pt=15174
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8161560&cc=1426935&pt=7556

Worked great! Problem solved (I'm 99% street use). Of course I took off the OEM Bilsteins (they were all leaky and shot). Now I'm ~ 2 years down the road, but I saved the fronts so that one day (soon!) I can put Bilsteins back on.

 

I don't know anything about your truck (lift, lowered, etc...), but if you're looking for OE height, ride, etc. I'd stick w/Bilstein, KYB, Monroe, Gabriel, Rancho, and such. I'd stay away from knock-off brands as labor is too costly to install something that may be fine and may be junk. Labor is generally less if you purchase a loaded or "complete strut" w/new springs and since it's probably time to replace springs it makes sense to do it all in one shot for the extra $100 or so.

Remember a lot of the big name companies market the crap out of their "upgraded lines". But, they usually have OE quality (height, ride, etc.) at much cheaper pricing. Also, look for and ask for discounts that may be available (parts and labor). A lot of places are trying to get back into the swing of business and with summer and July 4th, etc.. You may be able to save a little money even with the inflation and other things going on right now.

Good luck!

 

For cheaper shocks I’ve had fine service out of KYB, they’re reputable and have been around for a long time. The last set I had was on my T100 and they gave a nice ride, only ever used on road.
I put Bilstein 4600s on my Tundra, no complaints, but they were definitely more expensive than KYBs

 

Thank you for your responses. This is exactly the info. I need. The truck is stock as far as suspension... as far as I know. Ride height seems stock.

 

I purchased Bilstein 5100 front and rear great ride and quality is really good. You can raise the front to even out the look without really having to do extra suspension work.

 

Thanks !

 

MODS: I'm looking for Rules and can't find, if you need to delete, please do. I just found 2 KYB shocks online for a C note. Can't find KYB 's for the front though (coils/strut). I guess mixing front and rear brands is no biggie, if I buy another brand of complete struts.

 

Bilsteins are mid grade IMO and well worth it. Been great on my vehicles

 

I'd do the 4600's if not planning to lift/level.

 

Maybe I'm looking wrong. Can't find KYB's or 4600's struts with coil springs..... Detroit Axle, Auzone Duralast Lifetime, and Monroe's are what I'm seeing mostly.

 

I believe you have to re-use the springs if you go with one of those brands.

 

$327 NEW BILSTEIN FRONT & REAR SHOCKS FOR 00-06 TOYOTA TUNDRA, INCLUDING BASE LIMITED SR5, 4600 SERIES 46MM GAS PRESSURE SHOCK ABSORBERS, 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

https://www.amazon.com/BILSTEIN-INCLUDING-LIMITED-PRESSURE-ABSORBERS/dp/B01AVL90T4

 

Thank you.

 

I was in the same boat with needing new shocks and sitting at 300k+ miles. I just went with toytec coilovers for a lift and all new components, but you'll probably wanna just do something like this:





https://www.1stgenoffroad.com/store/p711/Assembly.html#/

 

Thanks. Is that overkill if I don't offroad ?

 

Kyb mono max ride pretty decent. Made in japan quality

 

Nope. That's pretty much OEM.

 

If your $hit’s stock, 4600’s or OEM, don’t disrespect your Tundra.

 

Thanks for the continued feedback. Got these for the back. If these aren't OEM quality I'll return.

$59 KYB KG54335 Gas-a-Just Gas Shock, Silver, White

Amazon.com: Customer reviews: KYB KG54335 Gas-a-Just Gas Shock, Silver, White.

 

Thanks.

 

I went with a Rancho quicklift kit (>$600 front and rear) with adjustable dampening. Riding good so far. I packed the internal adjuster mechanism with grease to avoid the common problem of it “freezing up”.

 

Thank you. That looks good.

 

I have to ask what may be a stupid question, but why are there no front coil spring/shock combos when I look at 4600's or KYB's ? Shouldn't I be changing coil springs too ?

 

For the 4600s it's likely because they're not engineered to handle any lift, it's a direct OEM replacement. Your best experience will likely be with OEM springs.

5100s (and higher) are adjustable, and engineered to handle springs 1-2" taller for added lift, for example. This is why you'll find a lot of places pairing them out for you.

I can't speak to the KYBs. I haven't used KYB shocks in years. I was never a fan.

Your username gave me a chuckle because ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLNAkPsjAEk

 

Trying to be "Average" every day.

Thx for info !

 

Do you know which strut is in that assembly? Doesn't list it but looks like Bilsteins. 5100, 4600?

 

5100

 

I agree. Looks like a 5100 repainted with Dobinsons logo on it.