OK to Use Shock Absorber for 4WD on My 2WD?

re: my 2007 Limited 6-Cyl 2WD 4Runner.

I want to replace my front struts/springs with KYB strut+coil/spring units, but for some inexplicable reason, RockAuto does not have the unit that I'd really prefer to use for right side (KYB Strut-Plus, SR4119) that are suggested for RWD drive trains in stock, just the left side units available...lol. WTH!? Who's buying just the right side units?

Other places that seem to have these units are ~(40-45)% more...no thank you.

So, I see that R/A has some items on offer that are tagged as for 4WD vehicles (KYB Gas-A-Just, Truck-Plus). Are these specifically for 4WD and specifically not for 2WD? Or is it just that the ride might be a little stiffer, but they will install and work just fine?

 

me personally I would use shock absorbers that match your application of 2 WD. Four-wheel-drive has a front diff which the suspension will be a little more stiffer to support that weight. Probably would not ride well with your 2 WD set up

 

The difference is the ride height
A 4wd is right at 3/4" to 1" higher in the front than a 2wd.
This is done with different front springs. You would be surprised, there are like 20 different front springs. A 2wd v8 has different springs than a 4wd v8, same with v6, 2wd and 4wd are different. Right and left side are different.
The shocks are physically the same on a 2wd and 4wd, the spring rates and spring heights are different. The springs length on a 4wd is longer, thus the vehicle sits a little taller up front. If you put 4wd shocks on your vehicle you will effectively raise the front end about 1'ish inch in overall height. This height change will actually throw your caster and camber off slightly and over time you will notice the inside of the front tires wear a little more than the outer edge. If you do run 4wd shock/spring assemblies it wont hurt anything, but i would recommend getting a front end alignment.

 

Thanks, @Airdam ...this makes sense. I guess I'll wait a while and see if the right side KYB units that are recommended for my vehicle show up at R/A...hopefully sometime soon.