02' LC - New owner questions

[Sergio828]

Hey guys, new member here and proud new owner of an 02' LC! -

With a wedding upcoming and car note putting a damper in savings, I recently swapped the equity in an FJ cruiser I've owned from new for an 02' LC 100 series w/ 120K. Being northeast based, rust is a concern and there are several spots on the new rig that need addressed come spring (rear rockers/rear upper hatch/POR15 under carriage treatment). While the TB/WP has been performed, I will be baselining the rig (OC/front/center/rear diffs, filters/etc), but I am noticing that current shocks are shot.

I don't plan on a lift at this time outside of slightly larger diameter tires (once current snow tires come off), so I am weighing replacement shock absorber options and looking for a couple opinions.

1. Stick with OEM Toyota shocks or RockAuto equivalent.
2. Upgrade to Bilstein (were on previous FJ), OME, Ironman, or TJM shock absorbers.

Budget is a concern, but with keeping current coils/torsion bars, I am wondering if any benefit in going with larger diameter/more robust aftermarket shock absorbers makes any sense vs. OEM.

Appreciate the input, and excited to be driving this rig!

 

[skivan]

285 or 295s, some spring spacers for 1" (we'd all like an extra inch), and a click on the t bars and drive it. But first maybe some research?

And sorry, welcome!

(I did roughly the same - spacers, 33s, and new oem shocks are cheap. I like the soft ride though)

 

[SmoothLC]

@Sergio828 - It depends on how you plan to use the vehicle.

If it's going off-road, than an update to OME, Ironman or TJM is probably the best choice.

However, it it's mostly mall cruising, than OEM are very nice and plush in addition to relatively inexpensive (IIRC ~ $40 per).

 

[Sergio828]

Skivan - thanks for input! Actually not looking to gain much lift (other than tires), so not looking to adjust TB's. Thinking slightly narrower tires (265/75/r16) so just slight lift. May add sliders at some point, but down the line.

Have certainly studied the forums, looks like most end up going small lift vs. maintaining stock height/coils/TB's. Did you end up with 285's or 295's?

 

[Sergio828]

@Sergio828 - It depends on how you plan to use the vehicle.

If it's going off-road, than an update to OME, Ironman or TJM is probably the best choice.

However, it it's mostly mall cruising, than OEM are very nice and plus in addition to relatively inexpensive (IIRC ~ $40 per).

SmoothLC - probably should have clarified that before, but predominant use of vehicle will be to commute, with weekend use on dirt/unimproved roads (no rock crawling/mudding/etc) periodically.

 

[GregLCA]

Hey guys, new member here and proud new owner of an 02' LC! -

With a wedding upcoming and car note putting a damper in savings, I recently swapped the equity in an FJ cruiser I've owned from new for an 02' LC 100 series w/ 120K. Being northeast based, rust is a concern and there are several spots on the new rig that need addressed come spring (rear rockers/rear upper hatch/POR15 under carriage treatment). While the TB/WP has been performed, I will be baselining the rig (OC/front/center/rear diffs, filters/etc), but I am noticing that current shocks are shot.

I don't plan on a lift at this time outside of slightly larger diameter tires (once current snow tires come off), so I am weighing replacement shock absorber options and looking for a couple opinions.

1. Stick with OEM Toyota shocks or RockAuto equivalent.
2. Upgrade to Bilstein (were on previous FJ), OME, Ironman, or TJM shock absorbers.

Budget is a concern, but with keeping current coils/torsion bars, I am wondering if any benefit in going with larger diameter/more robust aftermarket shock absorbers makes any sense vs. OEM.

Appreciate the input, and excited to be driving this rig!

Hey Sergio....welcome. Looks like you are driving a twin to my LC! Where are you located?

I've been reading the archives for about a week now trying to answer the shock question you are asking.

What I've learned so far is that:

1. OEM shocks are actually pretty good quality, though at 120,000miles they are clearly spent
2. Bilsteins are a stiffer ride than stock. If you think the stock ride is TOO soft, buy Bilsteins
3. There might be a stock length replacement shock from Fox that will offer stock quality ride...

Ultimately, the stock shocks are SO cheap to buy that it's hard to justify spending more money. If you are doing a suspension lift and/or adding a bunch of heavy bumpers, winch and swing out tire carriers that will drastically change the weight of the truck then you will end up shopping for an aftermarket shock solution.


-G