I just bought a 99 4Runner with about 184k miles on it. The engine and drivetrain seem to look pretty good. However, the suspension sucks ass. I was thinking about replacing it with either an OME suspension, doing a 3" lift (must be a smooth ride, less likely because I wont be off-roading for a while, as in a year or 2), or an upgraded suspension at stock height. My budget is around $800, I would like to shoot for lower price if possible and would be willing to go a reasonably higher if the suspension is worth it. Shocks AND springs need to be replaced.

Also, during the replacement, is there anything I need (or should) do during that time (something that would be easier done with the suspension off)? I'm planning on doing the Tundra brake replacement in the future, but I'm not sure if I can throw that into the budget. I want to do a full service of the vehicle and replace anything that is bad and needs to be replaced. I allotted $1500 towards the vehicle including the suspension and any upgrades or maintenance.

What do you guys think I should do?

Read ALL of this and then ask specific questions if you still have any

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...w-members.html

Concur with 98White4TR and would add it is alot of information to take in. So here's what i suggest.

Always take care of the 'danger zone' stuff - in a 3rd Gems case the pink milkshake potential, any other issues & maintenance (fluids-plugs/wires) and address the somewhat weak brakes these trucks come with.

Then tackle the 'extras' like suspension, interior and paint for example.

While i do suggest reading the above high level link (with lots of sublinks) here is one i suggest reading first: 3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

Then for your suspension read this one: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...er-builds.html

And as always - just search - many topics covered well over different posts so read and read. Luck and enjoy.

Sway bar bushings and end links if the links are broken. Makes a huge difference with body roll.

Suspension however, has been over-discussed. Totally depends on what you are using it for and what kind of ride you like.

Replace the lower ball joints with Toyota OEM.

I have read it pretty thoroughly. The suspension thread really helped me decide what I wanted but it didn't help me decide what to get (in terms of which company to go with) and where to get it. I need a little help with the details. My cousin suggested the bilstein 5100s

I will definitely look into the milkshake thing. I read about that and totally wouldn't want that to happen to my t4r. I'm holding off on the breaks right now because I need to save up for them and will be doing the fluids, plugs and wires after a good seafoam treatment. I'm also planning on buying a service manual and going through all the different mileage inspections, but right now, I need to focus on the suspension (and anything I may change along with the suspension, like the lower ball joints) because it's unsafe.

Thanks! I'll totally be looking into this because the body seems to roll a little bit, will probably do it for safe measure. Also, the suspension is unsafe, therefor it needs to be addressed immediately.

This is totally on the docket! After I asked this question, I went out to readjust my headlights (one was pointing up to roofs of houses, weird) and decided to inspect the whole undercarriage and saw the lower ball joints and the U-Joints have some grease leaking around them.


Thanks for the input guys, and sorry for not being specific enough. This will be used as a family vehicle and we're away from extended family, so we have to drive 6 hours to visit them. I don't want to take an offroader on a 6 hour drive (I've done it before when I had a Tacoma with mudders, I hate mudders now) unless I'm going to a really badass offroading location. I want this ride to feel like a brand new, high end SUV when I drive it. I was hoping you guys would throw out suspension systems that I could go research.

I really should have read through both links before I responded (lesson learned). I've already come across that 1st link, but I bookmarked it this time and will refer to it when I start ordering parts. The 2nd link is just plain awesome! That's pretty much exactly what I was looking for! It seems that unless you want to do some great good wheelin, the OEM suspension is really good. I really want to thank you for the thread!

I'll be looking around for a place to order the stuff, but where can I find a good place to order this stuff?

Its hard to go wrong with the OME suspension, mine is just about to turn 300,000 miles and the old suspension was sagging like no other and just plain felt soggy. I bought a used OME lift off Craigslist and the difference in handling and comfort is insane.

I'm going for it. I think the ride height is good. I just hope it drives how I want it to. Thanks for the input.

I would spend some time poking around on the forum for a bit first (like I didn't lol). Absorb some more opinions etc. Absalom's link is great and I really like a suggestion he made to another member at one point. He said maybe you can find somebody in your area with the lift you were thinking about purchasing and if you ask really nice they might let you drive it a bit to see what it's like.

Mine actually lifted up quite a a bit buy my lift has the heavy springs front and rear. I didn't mind because I plan on heavy bumpers/winch/camping trips with 2 people, 3 dogs and a ton of gear. If those weren't the plans I'd have gone with OME still but lighter spring rates.

Just finished mine and the ride is much better...smoother, better on bumps. This is stock with 265/75/16 on top and below is OME 881/890. The shocks are Rancho 5000's. Minus the tires, should be close to your budget.

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That's a pretty good idea! I like the idea of test-driving a new suspension. Those thicker springs sound like a stiffer ride, it's something I would do if I were installing a front bumper/winch, but (like my wife likes to point out) that wont happen for years... if ever... It sounds like it's the right setup for you. Thanks for the input man. I really appreciate!

Thanks for the input bro. I really like that height, it looks really good. I think I may take the plunge and go up 3. I just don't look forward to the diff drop (must at 2, so I read), I've never done it before. Edit: Did you get the spacers on the 881s?

Diff drop is optional, but recommended. Your cvs will be fine without a drop.

I had a 98 Tacoma with a 3" lift and no diff drop and everything was fine. Never had a problem. But I've read here on the forum that you need it.

You don't. I've got 3" of lift front and back and my cvs are fine (knock on wood). I wheel pretty hard too.