At a "shocking" crossroad

[67FASTBACKFAN]

I'm in the middle of swapping my '01 LX AHC system for standard suspension. After reading thread after thread on here I'm stuck as to what shocks I should use for my rig. We use the LX mostly for long haul (1000 mile round trip) trips to visit family up north. It will never go off road. Just a family hauler. The most action it will ever see is 70-80 mph mountain curves.

I've heard mostly great things about the Bilsteins, but then I've heard some say they're too harsh with stock weight.

I've heard most people say Monroe is junk, but then I've heard some say they work just as good as any other.

I've only heard a few things about KYB, but most of it was neutral or negative.

Or, should I go with OEM Toyota?

I'm hoping some of you can chime in.

Thoughts, comments??

If price is a factor. Here's what I have so far:

Bilstein: $285
Monroe Reflex: $190
KYB Excel G: $260
OEM: - Haven't priced out yet

 

[APKhaos]

You're in for another shock...........
Genuine Toyota OEM shocks all round from Sam at Lowe Toyota ran me around $120 a few weeks ago. Great deal, and at the time that included free shipping.
Pretty hard to beat the OEMs for highway cruising applications.

 

[67FASTBACKFAN]

Yeah, I thought I read somewhere that OEM's were priced somewhere in the $30's

 

[Anthony.L]

Family hauler on long trips, no brainer. Save the money and buy Toyota OEM replacements.

 

[Musky]

I have Bilsteins up front and OEM shocks in the rear. I love the ride!

 

[petrotk40]

OEM, unless you want sportier handling go Bilstein

 

[super90]

I replaced the OEM shocks on my TLC right after I got it with 92k mi. on the clock with new OEM shocks. I found it to be too soft for my liking. Note, I also have an LX with AHC, and was used to it. Not long after the OEM shocks, I put in the Old Man Emu (OME) kit with springs (865 - 1.5" lift), torsion bars and shocks and am very happy with the ride. My truck spends most of its time on road, but does double duty during hunting season.

It's a personal choice, but I think the OE conventional suspension is soft relative to the AHC suspension you are used to.

 

[67FASTBACKFAN]

OEM, unless you want sportier handling go Bilstein

I've always driven sports type cars, and I like the handling. I prefer a sporty ride, but I don't want to go overboard on an SUV and have everyone jarring at every bump.

 

[petrotk40]

you'll feel more bumps with Bilstein but will have less body roll and more control

 

[Anthony.L]

Bilsteins alone will not make every bump jarring. Adding increased coil rate springs/torsion bars however will drastically impact ride comfort.

 

[hks3sgte]

OEM all the way.

 

[67FASTBACKFAN]

Bilsteins alone will not make every bump jarring. Adding increased coil rate springs/torsion bars however will drastically impact ride comfort.

Its going to be all stock components. I plan on updating suspension bushings as well, and I'd like to take a turn faster than 5mph or feeling like the whole thing is going to fall over.

Right now I'm riding with shot accumulators

OEM all the way.

Have you had other shocks to compare? And Which?

 

[hks3sgte]

Have you had other shocks to compare? And Which?

Nope, but what you're going to use your car for is what the OEM shocks were made for. No need to spend more on something you don't need.

 

[RobRed]

You ARE changing springs (front / rear) right?

 

[67FASTBACKFAN]

You ARE changing springs (front / rear) right?

Right. Swapping out for LC parts

 

[RobRed]

Just double checking... with all of the shock talk I wasn't clear. I would stay OEM springs based on your need but you should consider the Bilsteins (shocks) ... they are very controlled but not harsh.