New shocks recommendation please for my LJ78

[Jim from Idaho]

Now that I'm approaching 250km on my 1990 LJ78, I'm thinking replacing the shocks all around is a good idea. So my questions:

Which brand and model do you recommend?
Which supplier? Sponsors of this forum will be given extra points in my decision making.

I'm not planning on changing from my stock springs, which show no sagging so far, unlike my old Range Rover that didn't take long to sag on one side. I do not need, nor desire, a suspension lift.

Anything else besides the shocks to be replaced at the same time? The steering damper I suppose?

 

[coldtaco]

Dobinson, OME?, Terrain Tamer?

 

[HomerOz]

G'day Fella's,

Jim from ID, about 2 years ago, I fitted new front and rear shocks on my BJ73 (370+ kms).
These were OME (ARB), and I'm happy with them.

Since then, I fitted 31 x 10.5 - 15" mag wheels and BFG tyres to the same 4WD.
This changed the handling of the vehicle a bit, as it now wandered around on sealed roads.
A mate of mine suggested I replace the 28 year old factory steering damper, so I again fitted an OME (ARB) s/damper.
This improved the problem a noticeable amount but didn't eliminate it.
Mind you, the old factory s/damper still seemed to be working very well (?), once I got it off and had a play with it.

Hope that helps

D'oh!
Homer

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

I've been pretty impressed with the longevity of the OME nitrocharger shocks. I would not hesitate to recommend them as an option. As said above, do the steering damper at the same time.

 

[Jim from Idaho]

Any reason to go with a shock that is compatible with the mystery button on the console, the one that supposedly changes the shock absorber stiffness? I doubt it, since mine never seemed to do anything.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Any reason to go with a shock that is compatible with the mystery button on the console, the one that supposedly changes the shock absorber stiffness? I doubt it, since mine never seemed to do anything.

I think you would have to get an OEM shock to get that working.
You need to choose your shocks for the type of conditions you will be driving under. I think any of the main brands will be suitable.
I also like the Nitrocharger shocks. I put some cheap Gabriel Ultras on a few months back and they are next to useless. I thought they would be ok for mainly road use but they are not. So I'm going back the Nitrochargers.

 

[AirheadNut]

Both my Prados have had the stock shocks with the electric valves. On the first one I couldn’t tell that switching the stiffness did anything. I toasted the rears on a trip, and replaced them with OME Nitrochargers. I didn’t have the vehicle very long afterward, but I really liked the ride quality.

My current LJ78 still has its original shocks (the rears are really worn out) and I have purchased another set of OME’s from www.back40imports.com and will instal them when I get done with my engine swap.

 

[roscoFJ73]

On the first one I couldn’t tell that switching the stiffness did anything

Ive never heard anyone say they were good. Maybe for 12 months from new. All that stuff was a bit experimental in the 80s

 

[Dprio34]

I'd go with Bilstein. These are the part numbers for an 1989 LJ70.

Front Shocks: Bilstein 24-010337
Rear Shocks: Bilstein 24-011877, 24-011884

Please check to make sure the parts are the same for your year/model.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

I'd go with Bilstein. These are the part numbers for an 1989 LJ70.

Front Shocks: Bilstein 24-010337
Rear Shocks: Bilstein 24-011877, 24-011884

I think the 1990+ Prado's use different shocks than the earlier ones. Not 100% sure, but worth checking into before dropping $$. @Jim from Idaho

 

[roscoFJ73]

I think the 1990+ Prado's use different shocks than the earlier ones. Not 100% sure, but worth checking into before dropping $$. @Jim from Idaho

Yes, I think they do also. Didn't the shocks become installed inside the coil in the later models? I'm sure Dobinsons list 2 basic types

 

[AirheadNut]

Yes, I think they do also. Didn't the shocks become installed inside the coil in the later models? I'm sure Dobinsons list 2 basic types

The shocks are on the inside of the front coils, but not the rears. Front (PN 60089)

Rear (PN 60090)

Ive never heard anyone say they were good. Maybe for 12 months from new. All that stuff was a bit experimental in the 80s

Agreed. The ride is acceptable if they are in full working order, but on my current Prado the front is way too stiff in "Sport" and the rear is way to soft in "Norm." There is no happy medium. Looking forward to new shocks

 

[Jim from Idaho]

Went with the OME shocks specified for my LJ78, from Cruiser Outfitters. Relatively close by, quick shipping, and a very fair price. I decided to just get the shocks and the steering dampener, not the springs. Mine seem fine, and since I don't need a lifted suspension, all should be well. Thanks, everyone, for the very good advice.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Went with the OME shocks specified for my LJ78, from Cruiser Outfitters. Relatively close by, quick shipping, and a very fair price. I decided to just get the shocks and the steering dampener, not the springs. Mine seem fine, and since I don't need a lifted suspension, all should be well. Thanks, everyone, for the very good advice.

Thanks again

 

[juan ernesto]

Went with the OME shocks specified for my LJ78, from Cruiser Outfitters. Relatively close by, quick shipping, and a very fair price. I decided to just get the shocks and the steering dampener, not the springs. Mine seem fine, and since I don't need a lifted suspension, all should be well. Thanks, everyone, for the very good advice.

Jim, thanks for the recommendation on the OME kit from Cruiser Outfitters. First time doing the suspension on my '91 Prado and I was wondering if you could share any installation tips/video/photos. Much appreciate in advance!

 

[Jim from Idaho]

Jim, thanks for the recommendation on the OME kit from Cruiser Outfitters. First time doing the suspension on my '91 Prado and I was wondering if you could share any installation tips/video/photos. Much appreciate in advance!

I didn't install them myself, thank heaven. It took a lot of reefing with bigger wrenches and drift hammers than I have in my tool kit. Many of the nuts were pretty much welded in from rust. Since one must remove the springs to get to the shocks, you might consider the whole spring/shock kit instead of just shocks. I've heard many good things about OME's mild lift kit for improving ride and handling.