Please Recommend Shock Absorber and Suspension Kits for Old Fortuner

[Nordlys]

Hi.  I'm looking for a new, after market, third party-made shock absorbers for 2005 Toyota Fortuner, if that's an appropriate thing to change after 12 years and 185,000km (never replaced them and one of them is leaking oil).  I was recommended adjustable shocks from either Old Man Edu or Pro Comp, rather than the same old, now--obsolete standard shocs that came with the car when purchased new.  My main aim is not to improve drivability and corner handling but the comfort.  The ride is too stiff and bumpy now after 12 years.  If Toyota genuine parts that came with the car can better improve the comfort and ride quality I'll consider genuine parts too, even if it's old.  Can anyone recommend if I should get a genuine parts or after market, and if latter what and where?  

Also, does replacing "upper mount" improve ride quality and comfort?  I read a lot of reviews says it does but the Toyota dealer says otherwise and unnecessary.  

Also what brand tire do you recommend for Fortuner (road tire for highways)?  Any point being picky on brand?  

[JoeW]

Aftermarket Shocks

- Ironman: change the springs at the same time. You will be happily surprised. 

- If you're on a budget try Tokico Power X or Alpha series shocks. They only cost 2,000 a piece and will improve your ride tons.

 

Tires

- Bridgestone Alenza H/L Plus. I had them on my old Pajero sport and they were seriously good.

- Pirelli Scorpion STR

 

If you want to buy from my shop...you can. I'll ship them to you ;-)

[Nordlys]

Thanks, JoeW.  

Aftermarket Shocks - No, I'm not exactly on budget and can and willing to spend more than 2,000 Baht per piece for shocks.  
Ironman - I'll look into it but I don't think I'll need new coil springs.  Can I have the model name or # and the price anyway please?  Is it an adjustable shock?  

What do you think of Pro Comp and Old Man Edu?  

Tires - I just ordered Bridgestone D840.  Is Alenza H/L Plus a better tire than D840 and does it come in right size for 2005 Fortuner?  I have a standard rim on my car.  

Where's your shop located?  

[Kwasaki]

A Cockpit or similar outlets will have all your needs and answers at a more reasonable price than original dealers. 

[transam]

B-quik have stock replacements that are gas.....I put the heavy duty ones on my Vigo and the ride turned into a nightmare, to harsh, they took them off and replaced with the stock gas ones...All OK now..Rears were 850bht each fitted..Yours will be about 1000bht each for the rear..Not sure about the front, probably around 2000bht each fitted.

[fredob43]

Toyota spend thousands working out what Shocks to fit. If it was me I would go with the Toyo ones at least you'll know they are designed for your lump. As TA said he changed his and they were crap had to go with normal ones in the end. Don't faff about got to your local Toyo garage and leave the quick fit and the likes well alone.

[transam]

3 minutes ago, fredob43 said:

Toyota spend thousands working out what Shocks to fit. If it was me I would go with the Toyo ones at least you'll know they are designed for your lump. As TA said he changed his and they were crap had to go with normal ones in the end. Don't faff about got to your local Toyo garage and leave the quick fit and the likes well alone.

B-quik fit gas stock shocks for peanuts or heavy duty for a little more....It will cost bundles at Toyota...My post was aimed at stay away from "heavy duty" stuff, they take over the springs job..

[JAS21]

Yes ... be careful buying shocks/struts ...

 

Somewhat less than two years ago our local car guy fitted RICCO struts to my wife's Mazda Lantis ... afterwards the ride was 'rather firm' to be more accurate 'kin awful.

 

A few weeks ago I noticed that the ride had improved, look underneath and found that both fronts were leaking! ... as JoeW had supplied me with a full set of engine mountains, at a fraction of the price that Mazda charge and they are still going strong after more than two years I asked him if he could resource anything.

 

He supplied me with AMD Amada at a little under 2000thb each. They are actually for an Astina which you could say is the slightly less sporty version of the Lantis. The ride is now hugely improved.

 

His place is in Kalasin but he sent the stuff down using Kerry Express.

 

    

[JoeW]

2 hours ago, fredob43 said:

Toyota spend thousands working out what Shocks to fit. If it was me I would go with the Toyo ones at least you'll know they are designed for your lump. As TA said he changed his and they were crap had to go with normal ones in the end. Don't faff about got to your local Toyo garage and leave the quick fit and the likes well alone.

Actually I tend to disagree with you regarding OEM shocks. Toyota might spend money on research and development, they also cannot fit the car with the best shocks on the market as this would make the car more expensive. So they take the middle road -> best price/quality. However, the OP is not really on a budget therefore, I think it's safe to say that we can recommend an upgrade from the OEM shocks.

 

For example:

1. Tokico Alpha series over the normal Tokico (OEM) shocks. 

Better quality, better durability and more comfort over long drives than the OEM shocks.

Price: OEM Tokico will set you back around 700 to 850 THB bought at our shop. Not sure how much Toyota charges.

Tokico Alpha series with 40,000 km warranty cost around 1,600 THB.

 

2. Ironman Foamcell over Tokico Alpha series

Bigger tube and 3 year full warranty. 

The ironmans will set you back 5,000 to 6,000 THB / piece.

 

He wants greater stability on highway driving so I didn't recommend him to go for Old Man Emu, profender or anything in the like of that. Those shocks are for offroading and will completely ruin the ride quality of the car.

[JoeW]

59 minutes ago, JAS21 said:

Yes ... be careful buying shocks/struts ...

 

Somewhat less than two years ago our local car guy fitted RICCO struts to my wife's Mazda Lantis ... afterwards the ride was 'rather firm' to be more accurate 'kin awful.

 

A few weeks ago I noticed that the ride had improved, look underneath and found that both fronts were leaking! ... as JoeW had supplied me with a full set of engine mountains, at a fraction of the price that Mazda charge and they are still going strong after more than two years I asked him if he could resource anything.

 

He supplied me with AMD Amada at a little under 2000thb each. They are actually for an Astina which you could say is the slightly less sporty version of the Lantis. The ride is now hugely improved.

 

His place is in Kalasin but he sent the stuff down using Kerry Express.

 

    

Thanks for the good review :-)

[fredob43]

2 hours ago, JoeW said:

Actually I tend to disagree with you regarding OEM shocks. Toyota might spend money on research and development, they also cannot fit the car with the best shocks on the market as this would make the car more expensive. So they take the middle road -> best price/quality. However, the OP is not really on a budget therefore, I think it's safe to say that we can recommend an upgrade from the OEM shocks.

 

For example:

1. Tokico Alpha series over the normal Tokico (OEM) shocks. 

Better quality, better durability and more comfort over long drives than the OEM shocks.

Price: OEM Tokico will set you back around 700 to 850 THB bought at our shop. Not sure how much Toyota charges.

Tokico Alpha series with 40,000 km warranty cost around 1,600 THB.

 

2. Ironman Foamcell over Tokico Alpha series

Bigger tube and 3 year full warranty. 

The ironmans will set you back 5,000 to 6,000 THB / piece.

 

He wants greater stability on highway driving so I didn't recommend him to go for Old Man Emu, profender or anything in the like of that. Those shocks are for offroading and will completely ruin the ride quality of the car.

So Toyo supply middle of the range stuff do they. How come my last Fortuners ones lasted nearly 100th km and 8 years without any problems. Still plodding on as far as I know.

Your 40th KM guarantee is child's play.

[JoeW]

10 minutes ago, fredob43 said:

So Toyo supply middle of the range stuff do they. How come my last Fortuners ones lasted nearly 100th km and 8 years without any problems. Still plodding on as far as I know.

Your 40th KM guarantee is child's play.

You really believe that toyota is providing you warranty for 100,000 km? Toyota doesn't even cover shocks (wear and tear part) under any warranty. They break, you pay.

As for 40,000 KM warranty. They break within that period of time, you get a new set, without questions. My PJS had Tokico Alpha series from the first month I bought it.

After 120,000 km they were still in good condition. However, they were well passed their warranty period.

[JaseTheBass]

Toyota spend thousands working out what Shocks to fit. If it was me I would go with the Toyo ones at least you'll know they are designed for your lump. As TA said he changed his and they were crap had to go with normal ones in the end. Don't faff about got to your local Toyo garage and leave the quick fit and the likes well alone.

Maybe they should've spent a little more?

Sent from my Cray II supercomputer

[fredob43]

12 hours ago, JoeW said:

You really believe that toyota is providing you warranty for 100,000 km? Toyota doesn't even cover shocks (wear and tear part) under any warranty. They break, you pay.

As for 40,000 KM warranty. They break within that period of time, you get a new set, without questions. My PJS had Tokico Alpha series from the first month I bought it.

After 120,000 km they were still in good condition. However, they were well passed their warranty period.

I didn't say I got a 100.000km guarantee. I said they lasted that long without any problems.

That goes for my first Vigo I was having a pint with the man that brought it last night and asked how the old lump was fairing. Other than the normal service had to replace nothing. Well except for a rear light bulb.

That's now done nearly 150th and 12 years old.

 

Even the OP had got 180+th before one leaked.

 

My first reply was to your suggestion that Toyo only fit middle of the road stuff.

Even if they do it'll do for me.

[fredob43]

8 hours ago, JaseTheBass said:

Maybe they should've spent a little more?

Sent from my Cray II supercomputer
 

At least they spent enough on the gearbox and engine Oil seals. Unlike Ford who seem to have fitted 5th rate goodies on their lumps. Just wondering if Ford have shares in an Oil company.

[fredob43]

17 hours ago, transam said:

B-quik fit gas stock shocks for peanuts or heavy duty for a little more....It will cost bundles at Toyota...My post was aimed at stay away from "heavy duty" stuff, they take over the springs job..

TA your B-Quik garage might be good. But I can assure you my local one is at best crap I wouldn't trust them to fit a new tyre on my push bike.

Out of interest I will ask how much they charge to fit new shocks next time I'm in Toyo. That shouldn't be long as I have done almost 3.5th already, and off to BKK today yet another 700+ on the meter. Service at 5th as normal.

 

N/B have just checked the oil and bits. The Oil is still as clear as the day it was first put in. Big surprise to me as on the last two lumps it was black at 1.5th. Some peeps have asked what it's doing fuel wise. I'll let all know once I have done this 700km trip.

[transam]

1 hour ago, fredob43 said:

TA your B-Quik garage might be good. But I can assure you my local one is at best crap I wouldn't trust them to fit a new tyre on my push bike.

Out of interest I will ask how much they charge to fit new shocks next time I'm in Toyo. That shouldn't be long as I have done almost 3.5th already, and off to BKK today yet another 700+ on the meter. Service at 5th as normal.

 

N/B have just checked the oil and bits. The Oil is still as clear as the day it was first put in. Big surprise to me as on the last two lumps it was black at 1.5th. Some peeps have asked what it's doing fuel wise. I'll let all know once I have done this 700km trip.

If any of you have a genuine problem with B-Quik PM me....

 

PS. No I am not on their pay roll but l have connections....

[Kwasaki]

18 hours ago, JoeW said:

Actually I tend to disagree with you regarding OEM shocks. Toyota might spend money on research and development, they also cannot fit the car with the best shocks on the market as this would make the car more expensive.

Correct Toyota source as other car makers do and get a bulk deal with a shock manufacturers.

The 4 door Vigo l had was well know for an unstable back end if not loaded so changed to an upgrade at  'Cockpit ' who were aware of the problem,  l did notice difference so it wasn't just hype.

[NanLaew]

3 hours ago, fredob43 said:

At least they spent enough on the gearbox and engine Oil seals. Unlike Ford who seem to have fitted 5th rate goodies on their lumps. Just wondering if Ford have shares in an Oil company.

Cant resist can you?

 

"gushing" ROFLMAO

[JoeW]

2 hours ago, Kwasaki said:

Correct Toyota source as other car makers do and get a bulk deal with a shock manufacturers.

The 4 door Vigo l had was well know for an unstable back end if not loaded so changed to an upgrade at  'Cockpit ' who were aware of the problem,  l did notice difference so it wasn't just hype.

Yup Toyota asks Tokico (Hitachi Automotive) to manufacture them in bulk.

Your upgrade probably sports a larger tube and higher pressure gas inside.

Most brands in Thailand use either Tokico or KYB as their OEM supplier.

Only Chevrolet uses Valeo for some of their models (Captiva, Sonic). 

 

[fredob43]

On ‎8‎/‎8‎/‎2017 at 10:53 AM, NanLaew said:

Cant resist can you?

 

"gushing" ROFLMAO

I was replying to JTB. At the time I thought it apt. Still do come to that.

[Nordlys]

Thanks all for all the inputs, especially JoeW.  

In the end, I had Oldman Emu Nitro Charger Sport shock absorbers installed along with coil springs from the same brand at Asia Auto Shop in Bang Bua Thong (Nonthaburi).  Although coil springs might have been unnecessary, I was sold on the idea of changing it after talking with the ARB sales rep.  Turns out after 186,000km my original Toyota shock absorbers have completely worn out and not doing its job, and ANY new shock absorbers might have made a significant difference but the change prompted a difference of a night and day, although it's still on hard side.  ARB sales rep told me it's likely to get softer after 100km or so.  Hopefully he's right.  

Also had the tires replaced with Michelin Primacy SUV (as recommended by JoeW).  The difference in feel isn't as significant as the shock absorbers but I have noticed improved fuel efficiency, though I have to clock more miles to ascertain on that.  

All in all, 64,410- Baht.  

[fredob43]

Sorry it took a bit long but have been in BKK.

If anyone wants to know Toyota shocks all round including shocks fitting & Vat comes to 5.700bt To late for the OP but others might be interested.

[DavisH]

On 8/11/2017 at 5:56 PM, Nordlys said:

Thanks all for all the inputs, especially JoeW.  

In the end, I had Oldman Emu Nitro Charger Sport shock absorbers installed along with coil springs from the same brand at Asia Auto Shop in Bang Bua Thong (Nonthaburi).  Although coil springs might have been unnecessary, I was sold on the idea of changing it after talking with the ARB sales rep.  Turns out after 186,000km my original Toyota shock absorbers have completely worn out and not doing its job, and ANY new shock absorbers might have made a significant difference but the change prompted a difference of a night and day, although it's still on hard side.  ARB sales rep told me it's likely to get softer after 100km or so.  Hopefully he's right.  

Also had the tires replaced with Michelin Primacy SUV (as recommended by JoeW).  The difference in feel isn't as significant as the shock absorbers but I have noticed improved fuel efficiency, though I have to clock more miles to ascertain on that.  

All in all, 64,410- Baht.  

The BIL has these on his pajero sport. We have been travelling in it over the last couple of days. I don't recall what his original shocks were like but he says these are much better. It's a firm ride and not at all bouncy like he said the originals were. Ironman "foam cell comfort" shocks are another good choice. 

[DavisH]

4 hours ago, fredob43 said:

Sorry it took a bit long but have been in BKK.

If anyone wants to know Toyota shocks all round including shocks fitting & Vat comes to 5.700bt To late for the OP but others might be interested.

Rubber mounts can add quite a bit to the cost if these are required. The standard shocks themselves are quite cheap.

 

[Nordlys]

The BIL has these on his pajero sport. We have been travelling in it over the last couple of days. I don't recall what his original shocks were like but he says these are much better. It's a firm ride and not at all bouncy like he said the originals were. Ironman "foam cell comfort" shocks are another good choice. 

Who's BIL and how does Foamcell Comfort compare with Nitro Charger Sport?


Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[DavisH]

11 hours ago, Nordlys said:

 

Who's BIL and how does Foamcell Comfort compare with Nitro Charger Sport?


Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

My brother-in-law. I'm not sure how the foam cell comfort compares as I've not been in a vehicle with them (just from reading online reviews). There are two types - foal cell comfort and foam cell comfort pro. The latter costs more as it had larger diameter tubing. I think the OME you got should work well though and better than the stock setup.

[Nordlys]

14 minutes ago, DavisH said:

My brother-in-law. I'm not sure how the foam cell comfort compares as I've not been in a vehicle with them (just from reading online reviews). There are two types - foal cell comfort and foam cell comfort pro. The latter costs more as it had larger diameter tubing. I think the OME you got should work well though and better than the stock setup.

 I was recommended both the Nitro Charger Sport and Foam Cell Comfort Pro and given prices of the two but when I actually got to the shop they only carried Nitro Charger Sport in stock, which is 3,000 Baht more expensive than Foam Cell Comfort Pro (for a set of 4).  They claimed Nitro Charger Sport is actually more comfortable and suitable for highway/expressway long cruise than Foam Cell Comfort despite Foam Cell bearing the name "comfort" but I wouldn't know as I never got to test drive the test vehicles they claimed they have.  

[Kwasaki]

34 minutes ago, Nordlys said:

 I was recommended both the Nitro Charger Sport and Foam Cell Comfort Pro and given prices of the two but when I actually got to the shop they only carried Nitro Charger Sport in stock, which is 3,000 Baht more expensive than Foam Cell Comfort Pro (for a set of 4).  They claimed Nitro Charger Sport is actually more comfortable and suitable for highway/expressway long cruise than Foam Cell Comfort despite Foam Cell bearing the name "comfort" but I wouldn't know as I never got to test drive the test vehicles they claimed they have.  

Well l would of taken the salesman's advice.  

[Ace of Pop]

TAs mention of make sure the shocks dont take over the springs job is relevant.... I had top Gabriel Gas 4 Settings fitted years ago,the hardest setting took over from the rear springs, good fun but wares em out fast.