Economic$ Options to Bilstein 4600 HD Shocks

Im looking to replace the Bilstein 4600 HD shocks on my truck with a cost effective alternative to the 4600s based on the fact the truck has high mileage and don't want to spring up the money for them. Ive searched this subject on the 1st GEN forum and found some hit or miss reviews on other brands such as KYB Mono Max and the KYB models some love them, some hate the ride they give as Buckboard Wagon like(any input on KYB appreciated). Also have seen some going with some Monroe Sensa Tracs, but most stick with the Bilsteins. And I have say that Ive gotten my monies worth out of the 4600 HDs,I had them installed after the Factory equipped Bilsteins crapped out very fast. My records show the 4600s were installed at 71,860 miles and my truck now has 248K miles so do the math,the shocks still seem OK? but are blasted and rusted to hell and no visible leaking which is amazing. The initial price on all 4 in 2007 was total $289.80. If anyone has any input on decent shocks at reasonable prices I really don't want to pay around $400 for replacements cause I don't know how much longer the truck will go or how much longer I will have it. Also its stock setup no lift,stock OEM size tires.

 

Pulling this one back out of the weeds three and a half years later, but just curious what did you end up doing? I only ask because I figure my truck is going to need new shocks/struts and I just found the Monro Sensa-Trac's and OESpectrum on Rock auto for a good price. I don't like the idea of renting a spring compressor, but will if I have to.

 

Mush Mouse seems to have been banned from TW. For how long and since when? I have no idea. He may or may not be back to answer your question.

 

OP was banned. From my experience the Monroes are kind of junk, wouldn't waste my time putting those in. The OESpectrum are OK at best. My recommendation would be the KYB's solid stock replacement for not a whole lot more than the others.

Call around to local shops. I had a shop do the spring swapping for me before I had a real compressor. Saves a lot of headache and only cost me 30$ for the pair when I brought it all in.

 

I just noticed the slash through his name. Now I know what that means. Thanks! The KYB were the other brand that I was going to look for, just didn't know if they were going to be too stiff for my light tacoma...
Mostly looking for something to make it so I don't bounce sideways on the freeway when I go around corners with bumps in the road like I do now

 

You'll likely notice a huge difference with any new shock, a lot of Tacomas are getting to the point where the stock shocks and the bushings in them are super worn so the ride is awful. Just having those bushings back will save your back. We put a set of the silver bodied KYBs on my cousins truck and I was thoroughly impressed. They ride every bit as good as all 3 sets of bilstein 5100s I've had.

 

Awesome. Thanks for the quick response! Yeah, after replacing the power steering pump, I'm going to be doing the shocks for sure. This is what I have had in mind so far. I'll look into the KYB's . Still not sure if I'll go with the quick strut, or rent a spring compressor from Autozone. I will probably save money by getting the spring compressor, just deciding if it's worth the headache

 

I managed to get two rear 5100s for $55(warehouse used like new or used very good [I forgot] and $64 each. I just looked and Billy 4600s are $59.93 for the Rear Left, $64.44 for the Rear Right (new), $75.71 (used very good) or $84.64 new for the Fronts. Amazon has some good deals! I use Keepa to track pricing and get an idea of what's the lowest/highest an item as sold for.

 

Yeah, with a little bit more searching I found KYB Gas-a-Just

$34 KG5462 Gas-a-Just Gas Shock

KG5462 on Amazon for $42.68/each. I've got a $50 gift card to Amazon so I might just have to go this route for the rear. They've also got the Gas-a-just for the front struts (without the spring) for $60/each. I might have to go this route...

 

I bought out of necessity KYB gas adjusts when I first got my truck because the rear suspension was so clapped out that those mediocre shocks made the truck less squirrely on the 405 or the 10. Take my advice as you see fit but, buy once cry once. I'd save up and get the bilsteins because comparing the two: the bilstein are not as harsh or jarring.

 

Thanks for the good review. I guess I won't jump the gun quite yet on these. I'll keep doing some research

 

Of course! The members here are are good people and are willing to help!