What shocks for an on-road FJ60? - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

DLenzmeier · 03-11-2004, 08:33 PM

It looks like the shocks on my 1985 FJ60 (130,000 miles) have never been replaced. From the bouncing, it seems like the time is now. I use it as my daily driver, it's completely stock. I use it on gravel roads and a little (slowly) in plowed fields in the Fall during hunting season. What shocks do you suggest for the best street ride--original replacement or a "new tech" shock?

cruiserbrett · 03-11-2004, 09:04 PM

I will make a recommendation as what not to get! Bilstein 5100 series are too soft for an FJ40 onroad and would be way to soft for a DD FJ60, IMHO.

Landpimp · 03-12-2004, 02:40 AM

For $20(or less) each the OEM shocks work really well IMOP, they are made by Tokico. I had a new set on a stock fj62 and like them.

Deep South Cruisers · 03-12-2004, 05:10 AM

I put Bilsteins on my 60 (Autozone) and it helped the ride and reduced body roll quite a bit. I like them

dd113 · 03-12-2004, 05:20 AM

Stay stock. Cheap and last a long time. Nice ride. If not stock go OME. Very expensive. Firmer ride last forever

waggoner5 · 03-12-2004, 05:39 AM

I have had new stock OEM, Bilsteins, OME and the Doestech. I would say that the Bilstein had the best ride, maybe a little mushy, but far better than stock. The OME were Ok, but not any better than the Bilsteins. The Dostech seem to handle better off road, but the sreet handling is similar to the others maybe a little stiffer, which is hard to believe because they are a hydraulic style shock without the gas charging. I am running the Doestech on both my wagons and will not go a different route.
Now if I was putting them on a basically stock truck and doing what you say you are doing, I would definately go with the Bilsteins. Overall ride quality is good, far better than stock, as I said, and they have a lifetime warranty. My .02
Gary

cruiserbrett · 03-12-2004, 06:20 AM

Are you talking the yellow bilsteins or the 5100 series? I ran the 5100 series and it is softer than the dt3000 series...and 3 times as much $

Deep South Cruisers · 03-12-2004, 06:42 AM

I run the Yellow ones, supposedly you lose some articulation with the "steins" but I doubt you'de notice on a daily driver

kling-on · 03-12-2004, 07:36 AM

I had KYB's on mine before and liked them firm but not hard helped body roll alot ..never ran "new" oem but tokicos for $20 I would be all over that

oh ya and Monroe and gabiral SUCK my in-laws replaced there 300k old oem and the truck rolled more

so we went with KYB's there too

Cruzzr · 03-12-2004, 07:39 AM

Definitely gas shocks. Don't care brand.

hullendersauce · 03-12-2004, 11:01 AM

i put the rancho 9000's on mine. THEY F'N ROCK!!! fully adjustable. when my BDS springs started to break in this year, i was able to adjus the ranchos to fit the ride. very, very nice!!!

theSherpa · 03-12-2004, 12:14 PM

Hey, Gary, what specific part number/length Doetsch Tech shock are you running? I can attest to the fact that they work great on his SO'd HJ-61!

Steve

Quote:

Originally posted by waggoner5
I have had new stock OEM, Bilsteins, OME and the Doestech. I would say that the Bilstein had the best ride, maybe a little mushy, but far better than stock. The OME were Ok, but not any better than the Bilsteins. The Dostech seem to handle better off road, but the sreet handling is similar to the others maybe a little stiffer, which is hard to believe because they are a hydraulic style shock without the gas charging. I am running the Doestech on both my wagons and will not go a different route.
Now if I was putting them on a basically stock truck and doing what you say you are doing, I would definately go with the Bilsteins. Overall ride quality is good, far better than stock, as I said, and they have a lifetime warranty. My .02
Gary

waggoner5 · 03-12-2004, 03:28 PM

The yellow ones are what I was talking about. I am not crazy about gas shocks on my off road truck. They are better on the street though.

Steve, I am running the 8403s F&R on both trucks.
Colorado this year?
Gary

theSherpa · 03-12-2004, 03:45 PM

yep, Gary, planning on August...can't wait!

Steve

DLenzmeier · 03-13-2004, 07:58 AM

Thanks for all the info. Tokico is my choice, mostly because their site has the fronts on close-out for $29.95. The rears are used on many other 80s trucks--that may be why the rears are not available on close-out for the 81-87 FJ60s. There are rears for the 88-91 available, though, also for $29.95. I was told late yesterday that plenty of each are available. I now have to either find the "older" rears (HE3604) which are blue like the fronts, or go with the more available new version (GE3604 TrekMaster) which are green. Since I rarely look to see what color my shocks are, I think I'll find the best price and fastest delivery and pretend that I'm color-blind. Thanks again!

03-11-2004, 08:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
DLenzmeier Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Member # 19078 Location: Fargo, North Dakota Posts: 15	What shocks for an on-road FJ60? It looks like the shocks on my 1985 FJ60 (130,000 miles) have never been replaced. From the bouncing, it seems like the time is now. I use it as my daily driver, it's completely stock. I use it on gravel roads and a little (slowly) in plowed fields in the Fall during hunting season. What shocks do you suggest for the best street ride--original replacement or a "new tech" shock?

03-11-2004, 09:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
cruiserbrett Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Member # 6863 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,797	I will make a recommendation as what not to get! Bilstein 5100 series are too soft for an FJ40 onroad and would be way to soft for a DD FJ60, IMHO. __________________ I have enough projects for the next decade. Need two?

03-12-2004, 02:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
Landpimp Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Member # 16085 Location: Gig Harbor WA Posts: 4,101	For $20(or less) each the OEM shocks work really well IMOP, they are made by Tokico. I had a new set on a stock fj62 and like them. __________________ 2000UZJ100/92FJ80/90FJ62/86FJ60/82FJ40mustard/82FJ40green/78FJ55/67FJ45LBP/65FJ40LV/65FJ45LV/64FJ45LV/87 Chevy 3/4 ton beater

03-12-2004, 05:20 AM	#5 (permalink)
dd113 Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Member # 19837 Location: atlanta Posts: 1,371	Stay stock. Cheap and last a long time. Nice ride. If not stock go OME. Very expensive. Firmer ride last forever __________________ If it does not go easy just force it David Dearborn Atlanta GA www.urbanlandcruisers.com TLCA Associate member Got a question, need an opinion, do you love puppies, just want to talk or stage a cage match? For all of these issues and more PM Mark, 65SWB45.

03-12-2004, 05:39 AM	#6 (permalink)
waggoner5 Wheeler Join Date: Oct 2003 Member # 23312 Location: Golden, Colorado Posts: 353	I have had new stock OEM, Bilsteins, OME and the Doestech. I would say that the Bilstein had the best ride, maybe a little mushy, but far better than stock. The OME were Ok, but not any better than the Bilsteins. The Dostech seem to handle better off road, but the sreet handling is similar to the others maybe a little stiffer, which is hard to believe because they are a hydraulic style shock without the gas charging. I am running the Doestech on both my wagons and will not go a different route. Now if I was putting them on a basically stock truck and doing what you say you are doing, I would definately go with the Bilsteins. Overall ride quality is good, far better than stock, as I said, and they have a lifetime warranty. My .02 Gary __________________ Gary Coberly-Waggoner 1983 FJ40, DOA 1965 FZJ45 LWB pickup 80 series chassis. Now with 2UZ power 1963 Land Rover custom www.powerplayracing.net TLCA # 10689 LSLC 2000 Rising Sun 2006

03-12-2004, 05:10 AM	#4 (permalink)
Deep South Cruisers Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Member # 3514 Location: Jasper, Alabama Posts: 5,543	I put Bilsteins on my 60 (Autozone) and it helped the ride and reduced body roll quite a bit. I like them

03-12-2004, 06:20 AM	#7 (permalink)
cruiserbrett Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Member # 6863 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,797	Are you talking the yellow bilsteins or the 5100 series? I ran the 5100 series and it is softer than the dt3000 series...and 3 times as much $ __________________ I have enough projects for the next decade. Need two?

03-12-2004, 06:42 AM	#8 (permalink)
Deep South Cruisers Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Member # 3514 Location: Jasper, Alabama Posts: 5,543	I run the Yellow ones, supposedly you lose some articulation with the "steins" but I doubt you'de notice on a daily driver

03-12-2004, 07:36 AM	#9 (permalink)
kling-on Kool Arrow Join Date: Sep 2002 Member # 13666 Location: pimpin parts in San Antonio, TX Posts: 2,827	I had KYB's on mine before and liked them firm but not hard helped body roll alot ..never ran "new" oem but tokicos for $20 I would be all over that oh ya and Monroe and gabiral SUCK my in-laws replaced there 300k old oem and the truck rolled more so we went with KYB's there too __________________ 82 FJ60 5.3, 4L60E, SOA, 35's, 456's, lockrights, ARB bull & side bars and warn 12k 85FJ60 SOLD 82BJ42 3B,H55, Fj60 p/s.... And a boat load of parts in the garage GIT-R-DONE!!!! low riders want SWITCHES... 4 wheelers want SHIFTERS Last edited by kling-on; 03-12-2004 at 07:38 AM.

03-12-2004, 07:39 AM	#10 (permalink)
Cruzzr Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Member # 15969 Location: Dallas TX Posts: 291	Definitely gas shocks. Don't care brand. __________________ MUD.....It's whats for dinner Show us your BLING BLING Tommy 86' FJ60 V8/700R Auto ARB f/r rear discs 4:56 gears 13" SOA 36x14.5x15 TSL radials www.lslc.org

03-12-2004, 11:01 AM	#11 (permalink)
hullendersauce Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Member # 20545 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 438	hell i put the rancho 9000's on mine. THEY F'N ROCK!!! fully adjustable. when my BDS springs started to break in this year, i was able to adjus the ranchos to fit the ride. very, very nice!!! __________________ '87 efjaysixty...ARB/ARB...dual-transfers commin! TLCA #13624 [COLOR=DarkOliveGreen]"Venus light is risin..."-WSP[/COLOR] [COLOR=Yellow]shullender@agent.shelterinsurance.com[/COLOR]

03-12-2004, 03:28 PM	#13 (permalink)
waggoner5 Wheeler Join Date: Oct 2003 Member # 23312 Location: Golden, Colorado Posts: 353	The yellow ones are what I was talking about. I am not crazy about gas shocks on my off road truck. They are better on the street though. Steve, I am running the 8403s F&R on both trucks. Colorado this year? Gary __________________ Gary Coberly-Waggoner 1983 FJ40, DOA 1965 FZJ45 LWB pickup 80 series chassis. Now with 2UZ power 1963 Land Rover custom www.powerplayracing.net TLCA # 10689 LSLC 2000 Rising Sun 2006

03-12-2004, 03:45 PM	#14 (permalink)
theSherpa Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Member # 21374 Location: Columbia, Missouri Posts: 297	yep, Gary, planning on August...can't wait! Steve __________________ The carpet which is asked the interior company of the taxi. General covers the vinyl epidermis on the mat (the taxi) technique. With popularity skeleton pastel color. If it is shift of the underwater flower, invincible. -- from "Teaching Ingrish as a Second Language"

03-13-2004, 07:58 AM	#15 (permalink)
DLenzmeier Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Member # 19078 Location: Fargo, North Dakota Posts: 15	Thanks for all the info. Tokico is my choice, mostly because their site has the fronts on close-out for $29.95. The rears are used on many other 80s trucks--that may be why the rears are not available on close-out for the 81-87 FJ60s. There are rears for the 88-91 available, though, also for $29.95. I was told late yesterday that plenty of each are available. I now have to either find the "older" rears (HE3604) which are blue like the fronts, or go with the more available new version (GE3604 TrekMaster) which are green. Since I rarely look to see what color my shocks are, I think I'll find the best price and fastest delivery and pretend that I'm color-blind. Thanks again!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode