Struts/shocks for 2021 4Runner

7

702_SR5

Joined
Feb 16, 2021
Messages
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I have a 2021 4WD 4Runner SR5 with 93K miles on it. This includes a lot of off-highway driving, including truly rough tracks. I anticipate the same driving patterns going forward.

I've overcome my denial and accepted that the shocks/struts need replacing. For example, the nose dives sharply under hard braking, and the vehicle fishtails badly on washboarded roads at low speeds.

So far I've gathered quotes from a Toyota dealer and from a shop near my home. The dealer quoted $2123, though I can save $150 with a deal listed on their website.

The local shop quoted $2164 for KYB all around, including a 4-wheel alignment which was not part of the dealer quote. The same shop quoted $1387 for FCS all around, still including the 4-wheel alignment.

I've seen mixed reviews for FCS on this site. And the situations where they were regarded as okay seemed to be lower-mileage passenger cars or other vehicles that rarely if ever see dirt. OTOH, KYB seems to be well-regarded.

Another data point is that right now, I don't expect to keep the vehicle past 125K miles (when the extended warranty runs out). So, is it worth spending the extra for the KYB? Even if I only drive it another 25K-30K, will FCS hold up to four-wheeling?

Having said all that, I'm open to thoughts and suggestions from the forum. :)
 
Bilstein 4600 if stock height, or Bilstein 5100 if lifted

If you want quick struts, consider Rancho or KYB Truck Plus (quick struts with their Gas-A-Just Monotubes instead of stock type shocks)

Stock replacement type aftermarket shocks cannot handle the demands you put your truck thru, so an upgrade is a must.
 
I put bilstein 4600s on the rear of a 2019. They were on the softer side but all in all are a very good shock. They stay a little tight until theres a bump and then let the suspension move until it settles again. For that kind of labor, I’d want a high end shock.

I think the 4600 is a better valved shock than the 5100, having had both.

These trucks are known for going soft quickly. I’m not sure theres good value in the OE units for this reason.

I don’t always suggest bilstein. In this application I think they’d be the right choice.
 
702_SR5 said:
I have a 2021 4WD 4Runner SR5 with 93K miles on it. This includes a lot of off-highway driving, including truly rough tracks. I anticipate the same driving patterns going forward.

I've overcome my denial and accepted that the shocks/struts need replacing. For example, the nose dives sharply under hard braking, and the vehicle fishtails badly on washboarded roads at low speeds.

So far I've gathered quotes from a Toyota dealer and from a shop near my home. The dealer quoted $2123, though I can save $150 with a deal listed on their website.

The local shop quoted $2164 for KYB all around, including a 4-wheel alignment which was not part of the dealer quote. The same shop quoted $1387 for FCS all around, still including the 4-wheel alignment.

I've seen mixed reviews for FCS on this site. And the situations where they were regarded as okay seemed to be lower-mileage passenger cars or other vehicles that rarely if ever see dirt. OTOH, KYB seems to be well-regarded.

Another data point is that right now, I don't expect to keep the vehicle past 125K miles (when the extended warranty runs out). So, is it worth spending the extra for the KYB? Even if I only drive it another 25K-30K, will FCS hold up to four-wheeling?

Having said all that, I'm open to thoughts and suggestions from the forum. :)
Click to expand...
Bilstein, or, wait, Bilstein.
 
If you have time, look in the classified for oem takeoffs from the guys who can't stay away from the fancy stuff.

Sachs if you can get it, maybe KYB monomax.
 
702_SR5 said:
Another data point is that right now, I don't expect to keep the vehicle past 125K miles (when the extended warranty runs out). So, is it worth spending the extra for the KYB? Even if I only drive it another 25K-30K, will FCS hold up to four-wheeling?

Having said all that, I'm open to thoughts and suggestions from the forum. :)
Click to expand...
Is there some reason why using the warranty is not an option?
 
For a few bucks more the Eibach is a much better choice than the 5100’s or anything Bilstein truthfully. I had both on my 2017 4Runner in which I commuted in to NYC daily, do about 30k mileage a year.

All Bilstein’s are very firm by their valving design UNLESS it’s a Bilstein labeled OEM shock (generally). Additionally they become very stiff in colder weather. I have used Bilsteins on a Suburban, multiple generation Tacoma’s, a 4Runner, a Tundra, and a RAV4. Check out the Eibachs..

I have a wife and one kid that get extremely car sick, think projectile vomit. I am hypersensitive to ride quality and Eibach has been the best for entry/mid level aftermarket suspension. The shock 4Runner shock are very undamped IMHO.
 
Oey12 said:
For a few bucks more the Eibach is a much better choice than the 5100’s or anything Bilstein truthfully. I had both on my 2017 4Runner in which I commuted in to NYC daily, do about 30k mileage a year.

All Bilstein’s are very firm by their valving design UNLESS it’s a Bilstein labeled OEM shock (generally). Additionally they become very stiff in colder weather. I have used Bilsteins on a Suburban, multiple generation Tacoma’s, a 4Runner, a Tundra, and a RAV4. Check out the Eibachs..

I have a wife and one kid that get extremely car sick, think projectile vomit. I am hypersensitive to ride quality and Eibach has been the best for entry/mid level aftermarket suspension. The shock 4Runner shock are very undamped IMHO.
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Valving of a certain shock is one thing. However, Bilstein quality-wise is a much better option.
It is a go-to shock for off-roading here if replacement is what the owner is doing.
I have B6m, which is the car equivalent of 4600 on BMW, and it is my daily and track vehicle. I personally don't see much difference between hot and cold weather. Actually, it is a perfect balance between performance and comfort.
Edit: once Tokico on my Sequoia are done, it will be Bilstein.
 
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Years ago my dad had an FJ Cruiser and worked at a dealer where he got brand new take-off OEM Bilsteins from a TRD model that got a lift kit, it rode incredible on and off road.

I then rode in a family member’s FJ Cruiser and she mentioned a shop had just replaced the struts, I’m sure some sort of cheap aftermarket ones, and it rode horrible. Bouncing over speed bumps bad.

Maybe you can find some take-offs from a TRD on FB Marketplace etc. or even just buying them new.
 
The Critic said:
A lot of policies exclude shocks and struts. Of the ones that include them, significant leakage (i.e. hemorrhage) is the only coverage trigger.
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And they'll usually only replace a grossly leaking ONE if in warranty.

Funny, the service department will say you should always replace in pairs, but once it's warranty they'll only do one if they can get away with it ;)
 
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