Shock Absorber Recommendation

[cosfj40]

What are good shocks for an FJ40 on and off road? I don't do a lot of four-wheeling, but I do some. Also, how difficult is it to replace them? Thanks!

 

[gmarshall7]

I just recently put these on a couple of weeks ago.

Rough Country

They're ok. Hopefully they'll last a while.

EDIT: They're affordable.

 

[splitshot]

Bilstein..

 

[gmarshall7]

Also, how difficult is it to replace them? Thanks!

No problem. I just jacked the weight of the body/frame off of the axles to take the pressure off the shocks...
getting the old carter keys out can be a pain.

I used a mallet to knock the new rubber bushings into the shock's eyes.


You can pull or push the new shocks to length to put them back on. I put the bottom end on then pulled it out enough to reach the top.

Do one side at a time so you have the other side for reference.

 

[Downey]

After you opt for the best shocks on the planet (Bilsteins, meaning anything else is second best at best), make dog gone sure the guy selling them to you provides ultra soft shocks for the rear (Bilstein 5100 series). This will ensure the best ON and OFF road handling!!!

 

[Rice]

After you opt for the best shocks on the planet (Bilsteins, meaning anything else is second best at best), make dog gone sure the guy selling them to you provides ultra soft shocks for the rear (Bilstein 5100 series). This will ensure the best ON and OFF road handling!!!

Per usual, very good advice. Bilstein.

 

[mtthmpsn]

I've tried quite a few shocks. The procomp shocks that came with my new suspension were crap. It'll took me a while to figure out that it was the shocks, not the springs that were so stiff. I then put on Monroe's from the local auto parts store and the ride was much softer. Now I have Edelbrock shocks that I got online and they're the best I've tried and a good value. I just looked on summitracing. com and they're like $6.00 each. Unbelievable value.

Of course you can't go wrong with Bilstein's if you got the money.

 

[Blacksunshyne]

Bilstein..

For me as well. I do not currently run them on the cruiser, but I do run them on other vehicles and will go this route with the cruiser..... after I replace alot of other parts first.

 

[phishtaco]

And don't forget this! I would assume most mud vendors that are official dealers can set you up.
Bilstein Buy 3 - Get the 4th Free

 

[cosfj40]

I've tried quite a few shocks. The procomp shocks that came with my new suspension were ****. It'll took me a while to figure out that it was the shocks, not the springs that were so stiff. I then put on Monroe's from the local auto parts store and the ride was much softer. Now I have Edelbrock shocks that I got online and they're the best I've tried and a good value. I just looked on summitracing. com and they're like $6.00 each. Unbelievable value.

Of course you can't go wrong with Bilstein's if you got the money.

Bilstein's may be out of the budget for a few months, but I will get them in six months or so. Right now, I'm looking for an affordable short-term replacement (the shocks that are on there now have been on A LONG TIME; may even be what came with it, so they're kinda shot). Most of my finances will be focused on restoration aspects. Were there any problems with the Monroe's as far as off-road?

 

[mr_manny]

And don't forget this! I would assume most mud vendors that are official dealers can set you up.
Bilstein Buy 3 - Get the 4th Free

just picked up another pair last week...

5125's w/heavier 255 valving will always get my vote.

 

[mtthmpsn]

I never had a problem with the Monroe's off-road, but here in Houston, off-roading consists of paying a guy $10 to ride through the woods and mud on his ranch. Nothing too hard on the suspension. After putting on the pro-comp suspension, I was just looking for anything to soften it up.

 

[Twisty]

just picked up another pair last week...

5125's w/heavier 255 valving will always get my vote.

x2....was stoked with the difference when I went to the 5125s after running some cheap skyjackers.

 

[joeyg1973]

I thought that Rancho RS9000 were the best at one point, right? But that was close to 10 years ago now... so I don't know. I did like the fact that the RS9000 that I had allowed me to adjust them to my liking depending on what I was doing. I had those plus a the JTO 2.5 inch lift on my 72 before I sold it a long time ago and it had a way better ride both on and off road than the vaunted OME.

 

[gmarshall7]

Bilstein's may be out of the budget for a few months, but I will get them in six months or so. Right now, I'm looking for an affordable short-term replacement

I got these

There in TN so not sure what shipping would be for you.

I think they'll last me 'til I have enough $$ for a future lift kit.

 

[batcon]

I have a 71 soa w/ rancho 9000s. The roads around here were tore up and patched many times making it an adventure to drive my 40. Shocks are fairly new from po. Could I expect better steering control and ride if I switched to bilsteins? On decent roads the ranchos are ok. These roads suck!

Thanks

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

Interesting...can you guys be more specific with part numbers?

Like what Monroe's (model/part numbers front and back) did you use?

Is there a specific model/part number for 'super soft' Bilstein 5100 series for the back? What would you run up front...the same?

Thanks

 

[joeyg1973]

I have a 71 soa w/ rancho 9000s. The roads around here were tore up and patched many times making it an adventure to drive my 40. Shocks are fairly new from po. Could I expect better steering control and ride if I switched to bilsteins? On decent roads the ranchos are ok. These roads suck!

Thanks

What is your steering setup? What is your spring setup? What do you currently have your 9000s set to?

 

[FF LC FREAK]

Interesting...can you guys be more specific with part numbers?

Like what Monroe's (model/part numbers front and back) did you use?

Is there a specific model/part number for 'super soft' Bilstein 5100 series for the back? What would you run up front...the same?

Thanks

Take a look at this link - Bilstein. Once you figure out the length you need, you can choose the valving (i.e. 255/70 for the fronts and 170/60 for the rear). It all depends on the length of shock you need.

 

[batcon]

What is your steering setup? What is your spring setup? What do you currently have your 9000s set to?

Steering is good and tight: high steer,sag ps stock springs soa setting is on 3. po had them turned all the way up, that was fun.