What steering shock should I get?

[Woesman]

Hi,

I need to replace my Hilux's (2001 2.7i Hilux) steering shock. What brands should I look at and what prices should I expect? I am not doing heavy 4x4ing with the bakkie.

Thanks in advance

[Mr_B]

A Gabriel shock should be fine. Used one on my SFA Hilux for 5+ years.

[JohanW]

Its a bit funny, this is now the third thread i am replying on to a issue I had or something I worked on in the last 3 weeks.

Hanlo, I replaced my stock one with a gabriel one. I wanted the monroe one since its a better fit and comes with a boot. unfortunately neither midas or autozone could supply me a monroe one within a week. I stupidly broke my stock one while trying to remove it.

Also a note, the stock toyota steering dampener on the kz and 2.7 has a lovely ball joint on the one end. Neither the gabriel or monroe have a ball joint. You are stuck with a pin and two rubber bushes. This results in a more jerky steering wheel feel when you go from lock to lock (ie standing still and moving out of a parking bay ). It does however not feel jerky when moving. Road vibration is noticeably less through the steering system and steering feel is better.


The pain however comes in removing the stock unit. You will need a 2 leg gear puller. period. Or go to hi Q or some place with a pickle fork. You can try a hammer. But run the risk of damage.

I could not get the stock damper with its tapered pin out using gear pullers while the steering rack was still assembled. I eventually resorted to pulling the tierods, pitman etc. A 5 pound hammer and 2 whacks on a bench removed the offending pin.

EDIT: Gabriel units are priced around R500 with the monroe being a bit more.

[Woesman]

Thanks Mr B and Johan.
Johan, thats some very good advice. I am indeed replacing the stock steering damper. With regards to performance, is there any difference between Gabriel and Monroe steering dampers?

Kind regards

[Mr_B]

Johan, you're right. The Monroe unit is a very good option. It's a heavy duty unit, especially good for the guys that do the hard offroad obstacle bashing. I did buy one of them just before I sold my SFA... sold to Hoppy... think it's now on Luxster. I ordered the shock through SupaQuick Brackenfell.