Alex replied:

G'day,
not being a 100 series owner, I can't comment on the original shockies fitted to them, but in my experience
original shocies are at best a compromise, and while they do last a fair while, their damping leaves a lot to be desired.
The originals on my (coil sprung) 4wd were not gas pressurised, and only had rebound damping. Not surprisingly
they faded very quickly on corrugations or rough tracks. I replaced them (at about 100 000km, and still working fine) with monroe gas magnums which totally
transformed the vehicle. It now rides and handles much better than before, and I have never regretted the purchase.
I hope you are similarly pleased with your choice. Cheers, Alex

All Terrain 4WD Adventures replied:

Peter,

I have fitted Bisltein Shocks and King springs to my 100 Series and as a package about $1100.00 I think. These products are excellent giving long travel when needed and good handling on road. I would recommend them to anyone and I think they are good value for money. The one thing you haven't mentioned is you type of 4WDriving this makes a big difference in your setup. Let us know and we can go from there.

Stuart.

John replied:

I just picked up my 100 series this afternoon after having fitted King springs and Konis all round. It had 55k on the clock. The handling has improved no end on the road. I expect the same off road and look forward to the Easter break.

Nigel replied:

In my experience you be crazy to spend money on a second set of genuine shocks. They are designed to cope with speed bumps in the supermarket carpark. They aren't even very good on the highway. If anyone is fleecing the customers it is the vehicle manufacturers who design inadequate suspension systems.

Peter Gordon replied:

Thanks to everyone who replied, but the point is, how do the premium shock suppliers justify the exhorbitant prices they charge. We all know OE shocks are a big compromise at best, but are the manufacturing costs that different? I haven't heard any stories of Toyota OE shocks tearing their eyes or studs out, or pulling apart, as I have with comparable priced budget shocks! If the you beaut after market shocks lasted for 150,000 km I wouldn't complain, but my experience with many brands of shocks is the best of the shock is gone about the same time as the new tyres wear out! Has anyone else experienced this phenomenon? And while on this forum, most other spare parts fall into this category too! Cheers.

David replied:

Peter I would be really interested to know how your vehicle responds to the Ranchos after you have fitted them, I am also thinking about fitting these shockers to my vehicle.
thanks David

Nigel replied:

I don't think the price difference between OE and real shocks is due to manufacturing costs. It's due to volume of sales. The more volume of a product that you sell, the less effect setup and overhead costs have on the final price.