What makes an expensive shock expensive?

Looking to replace the rear shocks. They're black and rusty. I'm assuming they're original shocks that came from the factory. I don't see any leaks.

Shopping for new rear shocks from RockAuto, what exactly sets the $20 shock apart from $120 shock? Is it different oil used inside or stiffer springs or beefier housing?

As someone that will not be doing any rock crawling. But, mostly paved roads and maybe gravel and dirt roads 5% of the time, do I really need to go with expensive ones?

 

What makes a Briggs and Stratton different from a Chevy LS?

What makes a quality laptop different from the $250 one from Costco.

Better shocks will use higher quality components, and more of them, tighter machining tolerances, larger components,more oil,better oil, smoother and longer lasting seals, etc. They will give a better ride while also improving handling.

I just installed Bilstein 6112s up front. They ride much firmer, yet at the same time are far less stiff. Handling is tighter but road imperfections float by. There is a speed hump leaving my work, previously the truck fet uncontrolled hitting it at anything over 15mph, now I can do 20 and you hardly notice driving over it (no, seriously)

 

$120 is cheap...

 

You don't want a 20 dollar shock. It would prob. be defective right out of the box.
Like the worst factory in China making everything from shocks to shower rods and using the same steels for both.

 

I would choose something in the middle....
I went with KYB......again like the akebono pads ...
......made by Japanese for Japanese vehicles......

 

Yeah I paid about 10x that for just my front shocks.

 

$380 a piece for rears and damn near $700 a piece for fronts .. RIP in peace

 

Hmm...Fox 2.5 front/2.0 rears on the Tacoma, King 2.5 front/2.5 rears on the 4Runner, and Icon 2.0 front/2.0 rear on the Land Cruiser...

Not really wanting to total it all up





































































































































































Just a bit shy of $5k just for shocks and that doesn't include leaf pack or coils for said vehicles

 

Did it include lube? Or at least a well hocked glob of spit?

 

The reach around is coming...or so I was told

 

No but really, I know the number is rather generic

I got the Fox 2.5 and 2.0 in a group buy here in the forum; regularly $1700 for both front and rear I saved quite a bit there

The King 2.5 front and rear I got with a military discount of 10% otherwise regular price would've been about $2100

And the Icon 2.0 front and rear I got from another vendor with a military discount, can't remember if it was 5 or 10% but regularly would've been $760

Much easier (and cheaper) buying coils (4Runner or Land Cruiser) than buying a leaf pack (Tacoma)

 

But I would know...

 

Well if was gonna spend 5K on shocks.....I wouldnt stop halfway there....
or in this case 17% of way there.....might as well get rid of the frame and increase it to 200hp.....

 

To answer your question - No. You don’t need expensive shocks, just decent ones. Since you have been running rusty old shocks any decent quality shock will suit your need. KYB’s, bilstein 4600, Bilstein 5100 or inexpensive take-offs from any nearly-new Tacoma on Craigslist.

Decent shocks have better seals and will last longer. High performance shocks have bigger pistons, bigger bodies, more/better oil, handle high heat dissipation and can have extended shock travel options. You don’t need that based on your use description.

Agree you should skip the cheap made-in-China shocks.

 

Just about every single person I've met on a trail that drives one of these is a turd of a human being

 

Is Rancho brand decent?

 

Garbage.

Just get yourself Bilstein 4600's.

Proven and affordable.

 

And those things are fucking lame to drive, you're exposed to everything and no matter ho much you spend on the suspension they're rattly and uncomfortable. I'd rather have the AC on in my truck if I'm gonna bomb trails all day, plus then I have tires big enough to climb obstacles and terrain rather than just ruin it like most SxS guys do

 

Yeah I can't imagine getting my nose or mouth stuffed with dirt, and god forbid the sun is out so you're left baking too.

I do love my AC that's for sure.