I need to replace my shocks on all 4 corners and not too keen to replace it with the stock (tokico) it came with as the ride if too soft and bottoms easily. I am looking for a shock that is 25% stiffer compared to the OEM and plan on adding the spacers. So far I came across only the bilsteins and wanted to know if there are there any other that fit the bill?
Stock shock absorber replacement
- Thread starter dzlc
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Sinister
SILVER Star
I am in the same boat as you, so far I’ve been told to look towards the bilsteins for shock replacement. I don’t rock crawl and I’m only looking to upgrade from stock and don’t want a lift or shocks with reservoirs. My LC is primarily on the pavement with the exception of LI beaches and occasional ski trips. This is from mud member @arich Bilsteins for the 200 as he did extensive shock research.
The Koni is a 2" shock and a nicer valving setup than the Bilstein. If you can the ARB BP51's they are better again. BEST of course is the kings but you do pay for them but when you concider 5yr unlimited km warranty extendable to 10yrs its a good deal.
While both options you've mentioned are cool, they miss the point of the OP's question. Big dollar difference from an OEM shock replacement to the upper end of aftermarket suspensions available to the platform.
Koni and Bilsteins arent upper end. BP51's are the best mid range shock. I only mentioned the Kings because once you replace shocks 2-3 times in 10yrs you are at a similar cost anyway. (i dont sell shocks, just discussing options)
No, as stated they are OEM replacement. The Koni's weren't inexpensive when they were offered via a vender here on Mud. Also Bilstein has been working on a higher end suspension for the 200 series, i.e. shocks and springs. But now you're getting into different territory than just a shock upgrade, and there are other options as you've mentioned.
Discussing options is great, that's what we're all here for.
Markuson
SILVER Star
OME shocks and springs can be added for around $1k. That’s four shocks, rear springs and front coils, plus shock guards:
Slee - Toyota 200 Series Land Cruiser Suspension
If you want less than 2” lift...talk to Slee and discuss exact spring/coil weight ratings.
Even the basic OME setup will blow away stock.
Slee - Toyota 200 Series Land Cruiser Suspension
If you want less than 2” lift...talk to Slee and discuss exact spring/coil weight ratings.
Even the basic OME setup will blow away stock.
Sinister
SILVER Star
Discussion Is getting good here. I have no clue what to buy as this will be my first ever “suspension change” b/c I usually don’t keep vehicles long enough. Personally I’m only looking to swap out my OEM for something a bit better without dumping a ton of cash for something I’ll never use. I don’t need a lift, spaces, reservoirs ext....I would assume I’d need to change out the spring too as they are original as well?No, as stated they are OEM replacement. The Koni's weren't inexpensive when they were offered via a vender here on Mud. Also Bilstein has been working on a higher end suspension for the 200 series, i.e. shocks and springs. But now you're getting into different territory than just a shock upgrade, and there are other options as you've mentioned.
Discussing options is great, that's what we're all here for.
Sinister
SILVER Star
So this would be a good choice for my application over a bilstein set up?
indycole
GOLD Star
I ran that setup for a while and it was simple and performed well. At a price point somewhere between OME and mid-range setups like BP-51s, you may also consider the Tough Dog system from @TRAIL TAILOR.
Markuson
SILVER Star
I mention it not to compete with Bilstein, but rather as an example of how you can replace the entire spring/shock/coil with a quality improvement over stock at a reasonable price.
I don’t have personal experience with Koni or Bilstein. I will just say that when I swapped my stock 100’s setup for OME basic setup, the improvement was huge.
I run BP51s on my 200, but they are 4x the cost of the one I posted a link to.
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A quick internet search showed they are not available in the US. Opening the search resulted in this:
@arich reported he liked them a lot, but ended up with BP51's.
Maybe. Just did another search for the Bilstein, and it's over $600 plus. So the OME setup for about $1k gets you new springs, and at the age of your LC it's probably sagging some. The issue brought up from your other post is that it would result in a lift, and the 2" lift is rather noticeable. Now ARB does offer the "stock height" lift and that would be closer to stock, potentially helping resale/trade-in.
As also stated, Tough Dog has some interesting options at the same price points.
Sinister
SILVER Star
I wouldn’t mind if it was lifted as the result of just swapping the suspension out. I was thinking more along the lines of that lift requiring dif drop kits and spacers and selection of the ride height via the shock dials and adjustments. I want, as simple and straight forward as possible, suspension swap that’s an improvement over stock.
Markuson
SILVER Star
Even substantial lifts don’t Require a diff drop on the 200 because the CV angles remain reasonable (much better than the 100)...but if you do decide on a more substantial lift, then front upper control arms (UCAs) become worth considering. If you keep lift minimal though, it’s not necessary. UCAs help with alignment once the independent front suspension angles are pushed toward alignment adjustment limits due to the CV joint angles.
Sinister
SILVER Star
Thank you for the info. My application is just wanting to get a good smooth ride with shock/spring replacement. I don’t do all that hardcore off road stuff you guys take on. I’m only going on the beach and occasionally ski trips. I’m actually going to change to C rated BFG KO2 From my current E load as well. As I mentioned in a prior post, this is my first real suspension change/upgrade so the more help/info the better. I don’t have the tools, time and patience to do this on my own so I’m also looking into places that have KDSS and LC suspension knowledge.
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indycole
GOLD Star
Yes
