How many miles on OEM shocks?

[SWUtah]

Doesn't seem to be much discussion about the OEM shocks on our 100 series failing and needing to be replaced? I have around 60K miles on my 99 and would like to firm up the ride without making it feel like a solid axle truck. I did a search and found that many are recommending Bilstein HD's, Edelbrook IAS, and OME shocks. From what I've read the Bilstein HD's seem to get the highest approval rate. Of the members that have replaced your shocks what did you buy and what do you think of your new shocks and the new ride quality? Please provide shock part number.

The Bilsteins that fit my 99 seem to be BE5-2739 - H1 front and BE5 -2740 rear. The Edelbrooks are 33602 front and 34602 rear.

Recommendations???

Thanks

 

[calamaridog]

My OEM shocks were completely dead at 80K when I bought the truck...

 

[spressomon]

My OEM shocks were completely dead at 80K when I bought the truck...

Ditto on mine at 69k

 

[rockclmbr]

Not sure if mine are dead but they are on the way out. I have 91k miles now.

 

[bwbski26]

Mine feel like there dead. i have 68,000 on the clock. Im going to go with Bilstiens when i change them.

 

[LXPearl]

The OEM shocks on my LC were still great at 65K, mostly highway miles. The ride was still similar to a new LC. My intent was to eventually replace with either Bilstein or OEM.

 

[mustardfj40]

My front driver shock died at Death Valley blowing the oil seal thanked to a loaded truck on bumpy dirt roads to the Grand Stand. Happend around 80K miles.

 

[NMuzj100]

I haven't heard anyone recommend the Edelbrock IAS shock but I keep adding them to the shock threads hoping someone will try them out for me.

I think they may be the answer for someone who wants a softer (more Tahoe like) ride.

Bilsteins seem to get the most nods (but add stiffness at slow speed) and everyone likes the OME but usually as part of a total suspension lift.

On longevity, Mine seem fine at 80k but they can't last forever.

 

[rph74]

Mine are original at 124k.

 

[SWUtah]

I can't remember, but do shocks just get bad a little at a time so you don't notice it or do they go all at once?

 

[lhl]

How do you know when the shocks are dead?

 

[SWUtah]

How do you know when the shocks are dead?

I'm just changing mine because my 99 LC is 7 years old and has 60K miles, figure they can't be that good. The Bilsteins I hope will provide a firmer ride.

 

[farinvail]

origional to 116k

Upgraded mine with ome t-bars, 866 rear springs, slee dif drop and OME shocks couldn't be happier. Wife even likes the ride better. While your in there.....
The worst of it was the rear shocks. I used a metal oilfilter wrench I had from toyota camery. Do some research and look at the tool needed to remove the shocks. total nightmare if you have no way to turn the rears.

 

[kitkraft]

Mine are original at 202k. They are not quite gone yet but it's time to let them die with dignity..............

 

[SWUtah]

Mine are original at 202k. They are not quite gone yet but it's time to let them die with dignity..............

What year LC?

 

[JOFS]

NMUZJ100

I had the edelbrock shocks on my 4-runner I know it is not the same model but they sucked. Had to replace them at 10 k miles for total failure on 2 of the 4 shocks. I would not recommend them.
John

 

[SWUtah]

Just to update you guys that are still running your OEM shocks. I just installed the Bilstein HD's on my 99 100 series with around 60K miles on it. The ride and handling are "WOW" way, way, better. Noticed a difference right out of the parking lot. None of my oem shocks were leaking and my LC was not bouncing all over the road, so I would not let the OEM's stay on your LC past 50K miles. JMHO