'04 Highlander shock recommendations?

I know someone here in Toyota fan land has to either own or have owned an early Highlander. Mine is a 3.3 2wd.

Any recommendations for replacement shocks in the rear? Unladen on smooth roads it's ok, but with rear passengers or cargo it's beginning to bottom out on sharp bumps. Time to fix that.

I'm willing to pay a bit more than parts house cheapos, but don't need some gold plated race grade product either. Really looking for something that performs like OE did, both in use and longevity, but not at OTC dealer prices.

Any real world experiences?

TIA!

 

KYB P/N 334395 (left) / 334394 (right) struts from Rock Auto (less than $200 for the pair). Just getting new struts probably won't be enough to prevent bottoming on bumpstops, though. You'll want longer/stiffer springs:

King 1.5" lift springs P/N KTRR-112 from eBay (Highlander is called Kluger in Australia) http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...ing+KTRR-112.TRS0&_nkw=king+KTRR-112&_sacat=0

 

Thanks. I'm a Rock Auto fan. I'd considered the KYBs, as I think they are the best model Rock is offering for the Highlander. And of course their price is 30% less than a local parts house. So I've gone ahead and ordered those.

I don't think springs are needed. The vehicle does not sag when sitting or move any more than normal loaded (when static), the bump hitting is only loaded and moving over pavement irregularities. As in the damper is not controlling the spring. IE it rides like an old coil spring car where the bottom of the rear shocks have been disconnected.

If I'm wrong, and the struts don't fix it completely, I'll order up some springs. I've got 6 more months left on a 3 year unlimited alignment package I bought, so that's not an issue............

Thanks for the input!

 

Just a follow up.

I installed the KYB struts, new body mounts and new bump/boots.

Vehicle rides as new. Quite nice to have a restored ride.