Landcruiser 100 series shock choice

Submitted: Sunday, Apr 02, 2023 at 11:44
ThreadID: 145496 Views:1608 Replies:6 FollowUps:7
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Had another Bilstein shock fall to pieces on me so its time to be rid of the damn things forever.
Just wondering what modern shocks others are running now.
We mainly do extended dirt travelling with bad corrugations so fade resistance is important.
Enjoy a bit of rock climbing and serious off road stuff.
Usually towing a 2 tonne trailer, the truck is heavy.
Truck has a 2" lift.

My choices are down to:
Koni Raid 90's (~$1200 a pair)
Superior Engineering Adjustable 2.0 Monotube Remote Reservoir (~$780 a pair)
Dobinsons MRA59-A786 Remote Reservoir (~$1280 a pair)

I like the Konis but would like remote reservoirs for fade resistance.
Some Dobinson user say the shocks are too soft even though adjustable.
With LCOOL vanishing, I'm having difficulty finding user opinion so asking here.
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Reply By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Apr 02, 2023 at 14:00

Sunday, Apr 02, 2023 at 14:00
.
I had Koni's on the Troopy for years. Never a problem.
With Koni Raids you won't need remote reservoirs.
And they will likely be the last shocks you buy for the Cruiser.
Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: Malcom M - Sunday, Apr 02, 2023 at 14:02

Sunday, Apr 02, 2023 at 14:02
Thanks Allan.
Did you ever experience any fading from overheating?
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Apr 02, 2023 at 14:10

Sunday, Apr 02, 2023 at 14:10
.
Nope, even on extended driving on corrugated tracks such as Anne Beadell.
Never measured temperature but they maintained performance OK.
If it means anything to you, Mick Hutton of Beadell Tour fame uses nothing other than Koni.
Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: Bryan (WA) - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 21:05

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 21:05
I have the Koni Heavy Tracks, had them on my GQ patrol, and also on my GU. They are fantastic - big bore shocks with lots of oil that dont have fade issues. I've dont extended corrugations, dessert trips, never leaked or had problems..
Fully rebuildable - never had to - and adjustable for changing rebound rate if required...
I highly recommend them.
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Reply By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Apr 02, 2023 at 15:09

Sunday, Apr 02, 2023 at 15:09
.
Further to the above, you may care to read what Mick Hutton has to say about shockers here..
Mick reported on the shocks over a period from 2007 to 2016. I believe that he continued using them beyond 2016 but did not report further.
Extracts from his report were……………
"Koni Raid 90s have completed 242,818 kms (39 commercial desert trips & 9 private desert trips)"
"It has nearly got to the stage where I almost forget about our shock absorbers apart from checking the bushes and putting a hand on them after a rough bit to check the temperature."
"It’s really simple; these big heavy Koni’s seem to be verging on indestructible. Our results should speak to Koni’s reliability."

And I can guarantee that Mick is not a product endorser for reward. In fact, it is rare for him to recommend any product.
Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: Malcom M - Sunday, Apr 02, 2023 at 15:14

Sunday, Apr 02, 2023 at 15:14
Thank you Allan. Much appreciated
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Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Sunday, Apr 02, 2023 at 15:25

Sunday, Apr 02, 2023 at 15:25
Malcolm,

I’ve had a set of Ironman Foamcell Pro on a 2015 LC 79 since before a CSR trip in 2019. No problems on that trip, and have since done the Gibb, towing a 3T caravan, with no dramas, in 2022. Think there’s been a trip or two over the Simpson in that time frame as well?
They are a big shock, that seem to handle extreme corrugations well. Koni would probably be my second choice, they are fitted to a Mack prime mover I drive at work.

Bob

Seen it all, Done it all.
Can't remember most of it.

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Follow Up By: Member - Jim S1 - Sunday, Apr 02, 2023 at 16:11

Sunday, Apr 02, 2023 at 16:11
We also have the Foamcell Pro's on our DMax, since 2015, and no problems at all on all sorts of "roads".
Also have the Ironman foam cells ( not the Pro's) on the camper, and no worries there also.
Ride seems fine, and no overheating . Like the rubber bushes as well.
Cheers
Jim
"Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits." A fisherman.

"No road is long with good company." Traditional

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Follow Up By: Member - 2208mate - Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 at 17:11

Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 at 17:11
Also happy with Ironman foam cells for 6 years
Toyota 100 series.
There's better but not better value IMO.
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Reply By: Member - Jack - Sunday, Apr 02, 2023 at 19:38

Sunday, Apr 02, 2023 at 19:38
Koni Raids. Have done all the Beadell tracks and more and have not suffered any sort of fade. On two trips someone had a thermal thing that measured temperature and they were significantly cooler than ALL the other shocks. One the last trip, two travellers blew some shocks apart. I did not ask the brand. They are expensive, but you will only need one set, and they can be refurbished if (ever) it is needed.
OBJ
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Follow Up By: Malcom M - Monday, Apr 03, 2023 at 16:43

Monday, Apr 03, 2023 at 16:43
Thanks Jack. Good info there.
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Reply By: Member - Steve R (NSW) - Monday, Apr 03, 2023 at 09:29

Monday, Apr 03, 2023 at 09:29
I had 2 new rear Bilsteins fail on the road into Mitchell Falls. Yes I was a little overloaded but did take it slowly. Replaced all round with Koni Raids.
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Reply By: harry & the hobbit - Monday, Apr 03, 2023 at 09:51

Monday, Apr 03, 2023 at 09:51
I have run Konis on my 100 series for the last 4 years and previously on my 60 series. I would never consider any other brand. They are reliable ,repairable and seem to be indestructible.
We have done the Anne Beadell, Binns track and Madigan Line plus numerous others without problems.
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