Matagtag ba ang Fortuner mo? Gawin ito (Shocks replacement)

Melvin Magadia for Automart.PH

Wow naka Toyota Fortuner ka pala. Astig naman ng wheels mo. Pero matagtag ba ang SUV mo? May pwede bang gawin para maging mas malambot ang ride nito? Read on para mas lalong maging astig ang ride mo.  

When manufacturers design cars, they try to cater to the wants and needs of many people, unfortunately, they cannot cater to everyone. A good example of this is the design of the Toyota Fortuner.

The Toyota Fortuner is designed with ruggedness in mind. What this means is that the stock shock absorbers (we will call them “shocks” from now on for the purpose of this article) from the factory are tuned towards the heavy-duty side without much bias for comfort. The good news, if you do not want yourself and your passengers bouncing around all day, you can easily replace the shocks with comfort-oriented ones.

Knowing when to replace your shock depends on several variables, such as the mileage, the kind of roads it’s driven, and whether it’s driven gently or with reckless abandon, but

even if your Fortuner is still new and you find that the stock shocks of your Toyota Fortuner is giving you an unpleasant ride, you can always replace it with aftermarket shocks from brands such as Old Man Emu, Rancho, and Bilstein, to name just a few, to make the ride more comfortable for you. Finding the right replacement shocks for your Toyota Fortuner is the key to a comfortable ride.

Things To Consider When Buying Aftermarket Shocks

While some will argue that OEM is still the best choice, aftermarket shocks will make a difference in improving both your Toyota Fortuner’s handling at high speeds or rough terrain and in normal city/highway driving conditions. When buying aftermarket shocks, always make sure that you do your research before making the purchase. Here are the most important factors to consider when buying aftermarket shocks for your Toyota Fortuner.

1. Compatibility

When buying aftermarket shocks, you must ensure that it is compatible with your SUV. You may have the best-performing or most durable shocks, but if they do not fit your vehicle, they will just be paperweight at home. Most manufacturers provide a list of compatible vehicles, but if there is none, compare the specs of the OEM shocks with the aftermarket one, and see if it will be an exact, or at least a close fit..

2. Type

There are several types of shock absorbers designed for use for a specific vehicle type or purpose. You can select between multiple types including designs that are mono-tube, twin-tube, and tri-tube. Each type will give you different driving and riding characteristics both on, and off-road, so make sure you select ones that will suit your needs.

Additionally, there are some aftermarket shocks that offer adjustability. With the twist of a knob, you can adjust the damping level between extremely firm, to extremely soft and comfortable.

3. Durability

Changing shocks often can be costly. Even if you get some aftermarket shocks for cheap, you also have to factor in labor costs. You, therefore, want shocks that are durable and made from top-quality materials. Most shock absorbers will have a lifespan of about 5 - 7 years, but good ones can last up to 10 years.  

4. Use

How you will use the vehicle is another important consideration in choosing aftermarket shocks. Will you be carrying light or heavy loads? Will you be driving on smooth roads or rough terrain? You want to choose shocks that can give you adequate levels of on-road handling, while still being soft and comfortable enough.

Take note, the softer the shocks, the less handling they will give you. For those who love pushing their large SUVs into corners, and for times of emergency maneuvers, a firmer set of shocks will be favorable.,

5. Installation

If you like to DIY the installation of your shock absorber, look for ones that come with instruction manuals with detailed directions on how to install a unit. Bolt-on units that require no modification whatsoever will be the best choice. However, for shocks that require modification for installation, it is always best to have a mechanic work on them.

Content Editor Kyle Liong contributed to this story.

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