lets beat it to death again - Shocks

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EasternYeti

EasternYeti

Joined
Jun 10, 2015
Threads
98
Messages
814
Location
Franklin, Massachusetts
Good Morning Everyone,

I’ve been searching for a while and haven’t found any recent discussion on shocks.

I’m in the market for a pair to put on the front of the rig, which has a mild 3 inch lift. Previous shocks have been on for so long I can’t distinguish what they are.

What’s everyone running for shocks on the front end? Anyone new to market with offerings for our trucks.

From what I understand we have some options, to name a few, OME nitrochargers, Bilstein or Toyota generics.

The rig is daily driven, and it gets wheeled occasionally so it needs to be stout.

Enlighten me on whats available! Not looking for anything insane, just something that can get the job done and do it well
 
Nothing really fancy but I got ProComps for my front. I wasn’t 100% sure what lift I’ve got, P.O. thought it was a 2”... was able to clean up the surface of my old ones and found some numbers. I think I got my new ones from summit or spector? I looked quick in my binder but couldn’t put my hands on the receipt and headed outside for now. I can snap you a pic of the shocks if you want.tbey were around $58 each I think.
 
EasternYeti said:
That looks good, but I wonder if you can buy the shocks individually?

My leafs are in good shape, only need shocks for the front end
Click to expand...

I'm sure that you can get the shocks separately. Shoot @reevesci a message. He is in the middle of a big move right now and may need a day or so to respond, but he should be able to give you some guidance.

And for a nuclear option...
IMG_4962.webp
 
The OME nitrocharger sport shocks are stiff. Maybe a little too stiff for me. I have a new set. They seem more suitable for washboard roads than comfortable highway cruising. I kinda wish I didn't get them. Ride is more harsh now.

For a little while, while my rear shocks were off, I drove the car around a few days with no rear shocks. Man the ride was smooth. The smoothest ever. Really nice... Until I hit a bump and the back end would pogo stick (kinda dangerous) until it settled down. The firmer the shock, the firmer the ride. Nitrocharger Sports are FIRM.

Look into Doetch Tec Shocks.
I used to have those on the front and they seemed perfect. Good balance between comfort & stiffness.

Off Road Truck Racing and Automative Suspension Lift and Lowering Kits
 
OSS said:
The OME nitrocharger sport shocks are stiff. Maybe a little too stiff for me. I have a new set. They seem more suitable for washboard roads than comfortable highway cruising. I kinda wish I didn't get them. Ride is more harsh now.

For a little while, while my rear shocks were off, I drove the car around a few days with no rear shocks. Man the ride was smooth. The smoothest ever. Really nice... Until I hit a bump and the back end would pogo stick (kinda dangerous) until it settled down. The firmer the shock, the firmer the ride. Nitrocharger Sports are FIRM.

Look into Doetch Tec Shocks.
I used to have those on the front and they seemed perfect. Good balance between comfort & stiffness.

Off Road Truck Racing and Automative Suspension Lift and Lowering Kits
Click to expand...

Good to know, I’m cruising Doetec’s site. I see the Tacoma, tundra and 4 runner shocks.

Do you know definitively that they make post style shocks for our older trucks?
 
I had DTs on my fronts for 15 years. Bolted right on. Don't remember the model number. They still worked fine when I removed them- but they had rusted all up from salt air.
 
NookShneer said:
I'm sure that you can get the shocks separately. Shoot @reevesci a message. He is in the middle of a big move right now and may need a day or so to respond, but he should be able to give you some guidance.

And for a nuclear option...
View attachment 1568634
Click to expand...


D,

Yes, I will sell any Tough Dog part separately. I have several guys running the foam cell 41mm bore shocks on leaf spring rings and they all love the ride compared to the gas charged shocks for the stock to 3" lifts.

I have a limited supply of shocks right now but have a new stocking order leaving Australia in a week. This will have any individual to a full kit needed.

Just let me know,

Jason
 
i have billies 4600 series on until i get a lift. the shocks are great and perform well, but the suspension is so damn soft, im growing tired of it. a lift is on my to do lost for this winter.
 
Godwin said:
Running a OME heavy suspension with ca. 200k miles on the suspension. Recently pulled the OME shocks and went with Bilsteins.
Click to expand...

What are the part numbers?

I’ve got old school OME. I think they are still good. My suspension is soft.
 
EasternYeti said:
Are you using the B6 style shock or something different? How do you like them so far ?
Click to expand...

wngrog said:
What are the part numbers?

I’ve got old school OME. I think they are still good. My suspension is soft.
Click to expand...

From 4WheelParts.com

5100 Series Shock Absorber
Part # BIL33-185606

46mm Monotube Shock Absorber
Part # BIL33-230368

I don't remember which one is front or rear. I had to swap bushings for the lower rear shock mount; needed 3/4" bushings to fit the shock pin.

BSN-2202G
Bushing, Shock, Polyurethane, Black, Hourglass Eye, 1.500 in. Long, .750 in. I.D., 1.15 in. O.D., Each
(Mfr. #: 2202G)

I pulled off OME shocks that had about 200k miles on them so any new shock will be an improvement.

I went with Bilsteins because they have a good reputation and were less than OME. The installation was a bear because of the pressure within the shock. I mounted the top first then used a scissor jack to lift and compress the shock until I could align the lower eye with the stud.
 
EasternYeti said:
That looks good, but I wonder if you can buy the shocks individually?

My leafs are in good shape, only need shocks for the front end
Click to expand...

I can +1 on the Tough Dog shocks, they ride exceptionally well and are fantastic off road and they are priced attractively. Also Jason is an absolute pleasure to work with, tell him what your needs and driving habits are and he suggests the proper shock for the job. I have the OME springs, Light/Stock Fronts and Medium Rears, but Tough Dog Foam Cell shocks all around and the RTC steering stabilizer.

Take a look at this comparison article, they did a very thorough job and eliminated as many variables as possible and tried literally every shock out there currently. Bottom line, Tough Dog won. Bonus, even though it's an Aussie company, the shocks are actually Made in USA!

http://www.euro4x4parts.com/images/4wd_action_165_tough_dog.pdf

Best
Mikey
 
Last edited:
mongoose2231 said:
i have billies 4600 series on until i get a lift. the shocks are great and perform well, but the suspension is so damn soft, im growing tired of it. a lift is on my to do lost for this winter.
Click to expand...

I'm looking to replace my Monroe's with billies. The roughest terrain my 62 sees is an occasional alley with potholes. I'm looking for a comfortable ride(remembering what I'm riding in) and good handling, nothing sloppy. Did the 4600's give you that, in your opinion? When you said the suspension was soft, what did you mean by that?
 
Godwin said:
From 4WheelParts.com

5100 Series Shock Absorber
Part # BIL33-185606

46mm Monotube Shock Absorber
Part # BIL33-230368

I don't remember which one is front or rear. I had to swap bushings for the lower rear shock mount; needed 3/4" bushings to fit the shock pin.

BSN-2202G
Bushing, Shock, Polyurethane, Black, Hourglass Eye, 1.500 in. Long, .750 in. I.D., 1.15 in. O.D., Each
(Mfr. #: 2202G)

I pulled off OME shocks that had about 200k miles on them so any new shock will be an improvement.

I went with Bilsteins because they have a good reputation and were less than OME. The installation was a bear because of the pressure within the shock. I mounted the top first then used a scissor jack to lift and compress the shock until I could align the lower eye with the stud.
Click to expand...

I've got the same set of shocks, good on road, haven't done much off road. The ride is smooth when the rear is loaded down with gear.
 
I have the Tough Dog (full suspension) from @reevesci. It’s been on for about 10k miles and no complaints. I think the shocks are great, firm enough to soak up about anything but not too stiff. The feeling driving off a curb with my FJ62 is far more controlled than most anything else I’ve been in recently (comparing to new work trucks, F150’s through F550’s, my Duramax and wife’s Xterra which are both on Bilsteins).

I can’t comment on the higher end Bilsteins but I think the 4600’s are on the soft side for anything but on-road use (experience from using them in cars, Chevy trucks, Xterra and 3rd Gen 4Runner.) they are pretty good for a mostly road going vehicle though, but I prefer a firmer shock in general.

Get you some beef!

33FBE11E-670E-42CF-8EE4-4D282E8AD0AD.webp
 
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