The most noticeable upgrade I did on mine was a better set of shocks and struts. You don\u2019t have to do a leveling kit, just something higher quality like a set Bilstein 4600s.
Running bilsteins in the rear and KYB gas-a-just in the front. Compared to the stock shocks in my 06 ranger 3.0L, feels so much better (also replaced front end).
Hey I have a 4th gen 4Runner and I put Bilstien 5100s on it and it rides like a gem, don't feel bumps or pot holes at all!
If it was mine and I was willing to put some money in it, I'd replace the shocks if they haven't been done in a while (front and rear), they could be a big help in ride quality as long as you get quality parts (KYB, Bilstein, etc). KYB is factory provider for GX460 shocks, Bilstein are a gold standard as well. Monroe/Gabriel are meh OEM equivalents. Ranchos are overrated.
Bilstein 6112/5100 leveled at 2” (I was so excited about the leveling, and was stunned at how much better the overall ride is. This is incredible.)
Mine's a 330i auto, but the three best mods I've done is:
1. Suspension: B8 Bilsteins, Eibach Pro-kit springs & sway bars, Z4M FCA offset bushes, CMP Auto E46/Z4 Suspension Bundle (solid subframe bushes, monoball RTA bushes, adj. camber arms).
Have Bilstein yellow on my 02. Came with them and they handle great on a 400k suburban
I replaced my old worn out KYBs with some Bilstein 4600s and it's a night and day difference. The Bilsteins give it a way comfier ride and they're a little firm but they aren't harsh, I'd definitely recommend Bilstein.
I got a set of Bilstein 5100's with OME 886 coils after reading numerous posts on tacomaworld forums saying that set up produced a 2.5" lift for 3rd gens, and the other OME coils all sagged too much. I just picked it up after getting that installed and I'm pretty sure I got 4" of lift.
Got Bilstein coilovers Summer 2024, new socks mounts, the whole 9 yards...the other day I heard reaaly bad clanking thought maybe it was a bad sway bar end link...NOPE. Completely obliterated shock absorbers. They were brand new too.
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If choosing shock absorbers across many manufacturers, check the part ranking. If your choice is down to two brands, the PartReview part comparisons help.
We compare shock absorbers across these categories:
In March 2026 on PartReview, shock absorbers Bilstein were overall better than OEM Volkswagen.
In March 2026 on PartReview, shock absorbers Bilstein were overall more popular than OEM Volkswagen.
By vote balance, shock absorbers Bilstein surpassed OEM Volkswagen:
By number of reviews, shock absorbers Bilstein surpassed OEM Volkswagen:
In March 2026, according to PartReview, shock absorbers Bilstein led more car-specific ratings than OEM Volkswagen:
Bilstein are chosen by owners of cars such as: Chevrolet Silverado, Ford Ranger, Lexus GX, Toyota 4runner, Audi TT, Chevrolet Corvette, Jeep Cherokee, Volkswagen Caddy, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Jetta, and others.
Shock absorbers OEM Volkswagen have not yet taken leading positions in car-specific ratings. You can help by adding a review and specifying your car.
If this comparison didn’t fully answer your question, there are many others on PartReview.
For example, comparisons of shock absorbers Bilstein with: KONI, KYB, Monroe, Sachs, Rancho, Dobinsons, FOX, GABRIEL, OEM Toyota, OLD MAN EMU.
Also available: comparisons of shock absorbers OEM Volkswagen with: KONI, KYB, Monroe, Sachs, Rancho, Dobinsons, FOX, GABRIEL, OEM Toyota, Rough Country.
You can also see who is better among other shock absorbers manufacturers: Bilstein or KONI, Bilstein or KYB, Bilstein or Monroe, Bilstein or Sachs, Bilstein or Rancho.
