LJ78 Aftermarket Shocks

[SloanS]

Hello,

I'm looking for some cheap aftermarket rear shocks for my LJ78. A mechanic recently put some Monroe 34788 shocks on my LJ78, and I think they were intended for an 80 series because now the car is super underdamped and bottoms our constantly. Its undriveable. I looked on some past discussion from this forum, and saw the OME N79 shocks were recommended. That line has since been discontinued and I don't know what the modern equivalent is. Does anybody have any recommended shocks? Or know what the modern equivalent of the OME N79 shocks would be? I'm in California if that helps. Thanks!

 

[Dprio34]

@SloanS , Most people pair springs with the new shocks. I paired my 1989 LJ70 Dobinson Springs with Bilstein Shocks. I was very happy. Dobinson does make their own line of struts and shocks as well to pair with their springs. I hear all positive things. Contract Cruiser Outfitter in Utah. I'm sure they have OME in stock for your LJ78. Most people seem to be happy with the ride of OME as well.

 

[SloanS]

@SloanS , Most people pair springs with the new shocks. I paired my 1989 LJ70 Dobinson Springs with Bilstein Shocks. I was very happy. Dobinson does make their own line of struts and shocks as well to pair with their springs. I hear all positive things. Contract Cruiser Outfitter in Utah. I'm sure they have OME in stock for your LJ78. Most people seem to be happy with the ride of OME as well.

Thanks for the tip! Do you think I could just get the shocks and keep my original springs? Or is it unrealistic to find OME shocks that will work with them?

 

[Dprio34]

@SloanS , What year is your LJ78? You could just get the shocks and it would be better than what you have, but I'm sure you would be happier with the ride if you paired the springs with the shocks/struts. Just my opinion, though.

I guess it all boils down to finances and intended use of the vehicle. AutoZone and other parts stores will lend you the spring compressors with a deposit. It isn't that hard to do DIY. I do believe you would be happier with the results if you do front and rear paired with springs and shocks/struts.

 

[AirheadNut]

I paired Old Man Emu Nitrocharger shocks with the stock springs on my previous LJ78 about 10 years ago, it was a major upgrade even with the original springs as the original shocks were totally worn out. On my current LJ78 I have the same shocks but with Old Man Emu springs, standard load front and medium load rear. It rides a fair bit stiffer than stock when empty but handles a load better.

 

[SloanS]

@SloanS , What year is your LJ78? You could just get the shocks and it would be better than what you have, but I'm sure you would be happier with the ride if you paired the springs with the shocks/struts. Just my opinion, though.

I guess it all boils down to finances and intended use of the vehicle. AutoZone and other parts stores will lend you the spring compressors with a deposit. It isn't that hard to do DIY. I do believe you would be happier with the results if you do front and rear paired with springs and shocks/struts.

I've got a 91'. I'm actually from Canada, and that's where I typically work on my car. I don't have anywhere to work on it while I'm in California for the summer, so I was just going to buy the parts and find a garage to do the work for me. While I'm not totally opposed to getting new springs, my Prado is far from mint and I'm not keen to do a suspension overall when there are many other little things I should be putting time/money towards.

Thanks for the help! I will reach out to Cruiser Outfitters. I took a look on the ARB USA website, and they don't list any shocks for the Prado, just the heavy duty leaf spring series so Dobinson might be my only choice.