Stock-height shocks in U.S. for a 90?

[little_joe]

Has anyone found stock-height shocks for the KZJ90 in the U.S.? I can order OEM from overseas, and there seem to be some Bilsteins floating around (I've never, ever liked the ride of Bilsteins). Not interested in lifting the 90, just want something that'll work stock. O and not interested in things like King, Fox, prefer to keep the cost reasonable.

One avenue I've thought about is finding some 3rd gen 4R shocks that are designed for extra load (for the diesel engine).

TIA.

 

[little_joe]

Eh, kinda thinking something like the KYB Gas-a-just for the 4R will work, as the springs are what supports the weight. Anyone tried them on a 90?

 

[Slogg]

Has anyone found stock-height shocks for the KZJ90 in the U.S.? I can order OEM from overseas, and there seem to be some Bilsteins floating around (I've never, ever liked the ride of Bilsteins). Not interested in lifting the 90, just want something that'll work stock. O and not interested in things like King, Fox, prefer to keep the cost reasonable.

One avenue I've thought about is finding some 3rd gen 4R shocks that are designed for extra load (for the diesel engine).

TIA.

I just ordered a set of Dobinsons for the front & rear of my KZJ95. I too wanted stock ride height, but the only thing I could find was a 1.5”-2.0” lift, but I decided that was ok for me. What sold me on the Dobinsons was that they make a suspension setup specifically for the Prado 95 with the diesel engine.

 

[little_joe]

I was doing a little research and don't take this as gospel - but from what I can find, the 1KZ-TE weighs around 620 lbs (Engine specifications for Toyota 1KZ, characteristics, oil, performance - https://mymotorlist.com/engines/toyota/1kz/), whereas the 5VZ-FE (3rd gen 4R, Prado petrol option) weighs either 510 or 540 lbs. These are just engine weights. Thus, if I can source some stock-height 3rd gen 4R front springs to support an extra 100lbs, I might well be in luck. Will do some more research before making any purchases, and will followup if I find more info.

 

[NambanVZJ95]

I blew out the stock struts on my Nissan D21 by running over a road killed buck like a speed bump. Put on a set of fixed KYB Reds and loved them! Don’t know about a Prado application, but I wouldn’t hesitate for a stock replacement (not looking to do crazy off-roading). In the Nissan it was a very slight lift. Upgraded to 16 inch wheels around the same time for access to better tires. The combination might have lifted the truck an inch and a half but most of it came from the wheels and tires. The KYBs were firmer than the OE struts but they were old. It was a RWD truck and h8ed mud.

 

[Ajmir Mohmmand]

well if you're looking for stock Shocks then I can provide you .

 

[javelinadave]

Sure makes it easy to change shocks when you position your truck like that!

 

[little_joe]

I got the KYB Gas-a-Just shocks for a 3rd gen 4Runner. They claim to have 25% higher damping than OEM shocks.

1. Obviously they bolt right in, no issues.
2. IMHO, they ride beautifully!

They are not absolutely perfect, the front could maybe use a bit more compression resistance, but I am mightily impressed with these. Also did new KYB top hats and Whiteline bushings in the lower control arms; left the front swaybar off, and the ride w/ 28 yr old stock springs is startlingly good. Couldn't be happier with this setup, and price was a bargain!

Obviously I have a 3-door, unsure if the outcome would be the same on the 5-door 95.

 

[Goobulator]

I got the KYB Gas-a-Just shocks for a 3rd gen 4Runner. They claim to have 25% higher damping than OEM shocks.

1. Obviously they bolt right in, no issues.
2. IMHO, they ride beautifully!

They are not absolutely perfect, the front could maybe use a bit more compression resistance, but I am mightily impressed with these. Also did new KYB top hats and Whiteline bushings in the lower control arms; left the front swaybar off, and the ride w/ 28 yr old stock springs is startlingly good. Couldn't be happier with this setup, and price was a bargain!

Obviously I have a 3-door, unsure if the outcome would be the same on the 5-door 95.

I own a 3-door prado with the 5VZ and I have KYB Gas-a-Just shocks in the rear cause mine were leaking. I plan on putting in some in the front now as well, I also plan on putting in a metal front bumper and winch which will work out to be ~120 pounds more than stock. And because I do like the stock ride height I was thinking of putting in some stock 1KZ prado springs in the front to maintain that ride height. Do you think that would work?

 

[little_joe]

I own a 3-door prado with the 5VZ and I have KYB Gas-a-Just shocks in the rear cause mine were leaking. I plan on putting in some in the front now as well, I also plan on putting in a metal front bumper and winch which will work out to be ~120 pounds more than stock. And because I do like the stock ride height I was thinking of putting in some stock 1KZ prado springs in the front to maintain that ride height. Do you think that would work?

I believe it will work, as I noted above the 1KZ is over 100lb heavier than the 5VZ - so the KZ-specific springs with the additional weight may work quite well! Pretty clever idea, and if you do it - I'd love to know how it works out for you.

 

[little_joe]

Dredging this one back up...

After getting some miles on the KYB Gas-a-just shocks, the front shocks are a bit overwhelmed and have lost the nice ride. They are merely ok at this point, and I hit the bumpstops a lot. The rears are great still. Think I'm just going to go ahead and do a full suspension refresh, still not interested in 2" or more of lift, so...