what shocks are good

I just bought a 99 prerunner 80k miles. How do I know if my shocks are out? What kind of shocks should I get. I'm planning to do some towing, keeping this in mind. And what other maintenance should i do to it.

If your shocks are out, your truck will bounce with a load (like when you're towing) and keep bouncing 4 or 5 times everytime you hit a rut or a bulge in the road. If the truck controls the load, your shocks are fine.

Now if you do need shocks I would highly recommend Bilsteins - 5100 series. Now, I am not so sure about the prerunner application. The website was vague on vehicle descriptions. I currently have them on my TRD Tacoma and on my Xterra. When I switched from the stock shocks to the Bilsteins on my Xterra it made a huge difference. I tow a ski boat about every other day. When I ordered them [Bilsteins] from my local 4 wheel off road haus, they asked whether I wanted a standard, 10 or 20% stiffer shock. Hope this helps.

Now if you do need shocks I would highly recommend Bilsteins - 5100 series. Now, I am not so sure about the prerunner application. The website was vague on vehicle descriptions. I currently have them on my TRD Tacoma and on my Xterra. When I switched from the stock shocks to the Bilsteins on my Xterra it made a huge difference. I tow a ski boat about every other day. When I ordered them [Bilsteins] from my local 4 wheel off road haus, they asked whether I wanted a standard, 10 or 20% stiffer shock. So they do have an application suitable for you. Hope this helps.

Koni makes great tough shocks too. You can buy them for some applications with adjustable damping rate

how much towing do you expect to do? if it's a lot, you should get new leafs and new shocks...shocks alone won't help...but I recommend Bilstein....they're good and cheap...cheaper than FOX, King, Sway-Away which are excellent shocks

If your trailer puts alot of weight on the tow ball, then consider getting shocks with helper springs. If your trailer doesn't put much weight on the ball, then new springs are unneccesary.

thanks everyone, I heard good things about rancho, should i get thoughs? Sometimes when i hit bumbs my truck shakes vigorously, like its about to fall apart is that normal for a truck. And does anybody already have tranny and drive shaft problems at 80k. Should I go with a manual tranny if it is bad.

See your other post

I've heard the Rancho 9000's are the only shocks really worth getting...they're adjustable too which would work well for your towing situations

Rancho 9000's are a higher-end, low-end shock if that makes any sense. Basically although they are somewhat nice, they are nothing compared to a Donahoe, Fox, Sway-A-Way or King. I also prefer Bilstein 5100's over Rancho any day.

For towing I would check out "Old Man Emu" (made by ARB), they sell complete suspension kits that allow you to choose the front and rear spring stiffness and valving (soft,med,firm,HD). A complete kit will run about $800-$1,000 but it also provides about 2" of lift and a better than stock ride. For a less expensive option, you might consider installing air-bags in the rear for towing.Old Man Emu Suspension (http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/ometoy.htm)

Bilstein 5100's.......

I would have to vote for Bilsteins also.

What's your recommendation for purchasing Bilstein's online? You can PM me if it's a violation of the board to post retailers.

Bilstein Shocks (http://www.bilsteinshocks.com) usually has good prices

also Wheelers off-Road (http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/trd.htm) has some deals right now, Gary is great guy to deal with!

If price is a major concern, go with the bilsteins.

If you are more flexible on the pricing, get the donahoe coilovers up front, and some bilstein 5100's in the back if you are going to remain unlifted. If you are going to lift it, get the donahoe coilovers up front, and some bilstein 7100's in the back.

It should ride AMAZINGLY with the coilovers up front... best shocks on and off road, best of both worlds.

Or, if you cant afford the donahoes, the SAW's and Kings are also good coilovers up front but are a lot cheaper than the donahoes.

Definitly go with some coilovers, though, if you are going to spend the money to replace them... will offer you the maximum in comfort for a truck.

Just remember that it is a truck, however, and not a car :)

the 7100's are better shocks, however they won't work in the stock shock location...some custom fabrication will have to be done...just another thing to keep in mind