Good morning folks,

I am a relatively new owner of a 2001 T4R SR5 Sport Edition. Auto, 191K, 4WD.

I am going to be looking to replace some of the suspension parts here in the near future, mainly springs and struts. I am looking to keep it mostly OEM or equivalent. I have read that 99 springs sit an inch or so higher than my stock springs. That would be okay with me, though my 5' wifey may not like that.

I know there are oodles of threads about lift, suspension, etc.

Keeping OEM in mind, would I be best suited to just get the parts from a Toyota dealership (overpriced I am sure)? Or are the aftermarket parts (bilstein, etc) a viable option as well?

I mainly use the rig as a daily commuter, though I am open to some offroading, nothing super crazy. I also am getting the old lady accustomed to "overlanding" and hope to do more of that moving forward.

Is there a thread/post that can answer these questions? What about part numbers, etc? I am absolutely not looking for a hand out here. I will be doing considerable research prior to purchasing. I was just hoping that you all might be able to get me pointed in the right direction as I am still a newb.

Thanks in advance.

I did find some threads specific to OEM suspension replacements. I may opt for the 99 springs assuming they are still available online or from a dealer (just looking for new not used).

So either OEM or 99 springs (no lift vs 1" lift). What about shocks? I assume the OEM shocks are probably as much if not more expensive that some aftermarket. Does anyone know what the OEM shocks are from an 01 SR5 SE? Just looking to do some comparisons online...IE price, reviews/reliability, etc.

You might as well upgrade it but leave at 0 or 1". Less nose dive and bodyroll, etc, I like a more firm ride but maybe your wife won't appreciate it. The '99 coils are about $130 each I think, whereas Old Man Emu will be $170 for both. OE Tokico front shocks $160 each.

Thanks for the reply, repo. That was basically what I was thinking as well. If the OEM parts are just an expensive, I would opt to just upgrade for that exact reason. That would leave the lift option open if I ever wanted or needed it.

does toyota sell the entire strut assembly (springs already installed) as one unit? I'd like to stick with OEM parts but it looks like I'd have to assemble it myself.

No they don't. Just the separate parts, sadly.

There are aftermarket "quick struts" that you can get but as far as I am aware they are pretty low quality companies such as Monroe. I'm pretty sure they'd be short lived.

The fronts are not too difficult to rebuild if you are using stock springs, the tension on the compressors will not be 'that great'. The 99 tall stockers are the longest and they are a bit of a bear. Anything shorter will be easier.

You can buy oem springs and shocks have a shop put them together for like around a 50 bucks using your oe top hat , runner spacer. or you buy after market springs and struts from wheelers, toytec and pay them to assemble it.

oh so I could buy those separate parts from toytec, for example, and they'd assemble and ship them assembled?

I'm mostly trying to avoid those spring compressors to rebuild them. That seems dangerous as shit to me.

You might also want to consider toyota tacoma 1st gen TRD front shocks and springs (I believe those came in 2000 and 01). I installed a set in the front on my 97 and it ride like a car. The springs are progressive so it improves the riding quality. The shocks are Toyota Bilstein.

you can call toytec in Denver they aré really helpful.

You running the Tacoma shocks too? Or just the springs?

Fwiw, I'm running the Tacoma Billies on the second (out of three) perch with 99 talls in front. 99 tall springs in rear with Airlift 100 airbags.

1-1/2" lift depending on airbag pressure. Cv and pinion angles are totally acceptable.

I purchased some basic complete struts and rear shocks/coils for about $211 from Amazon.
My 1998 suspension was never replaced so it was SHOT. I was scared to drive on freeways. After I installed this setup it rode great. I'm sure there are way better options that roll like a caddy, but this was SUCH an upgrade that I was satisfied with!

Rear Shocks (2ea)
Amazon.com: KYB KG54317 Gas-a-Just Gas Shock: Automotive

Rear Coils
Amazon.com: Moog 81041 Coil Spring Set: Automotive

Complete Front Strut Assembly
Amazon.com: OREDY Front Pair Complete Shocks Struts Coil Spring Assembly Kit Compatible with Toyota 4Runner 4WD 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002#171351L 171351R 11561 11562: Automotive


I paired all of this with a $70 DayStar 1.5" Spacer lift kit, put on a $29 Revtek Differential Drop (took me 10 minutes to put on with simple tools) and I was set.

1.5" Spacers
Amazon.com: Daystar, Toyota 4Runner 1.5" Lift Kit, fits 1996 to 2002 2/4WD, all transmissions, all cabs KT09112BK, Made in America, Black: Automotive

Diff Drop
Amazon.com: Revtek RTDD1-KB Differential Drop Spacer Kit: Automotive


Best of luck!

Do tell, how do those fronts ride? Any experience comparing them to the 4runner billies?

I've read that the Tacoma Billies are "too soft", but they're just fine for what I do. I installed them before Bilstein started offering the 3rd gen 4Runner specific struts.

The only true comparison I have is to a friend's 2002 4Runner Limited with stock suspension. My truck is much stiffer. The Limited rides more like a car. The ride of my 4Runner compares to the ride I had with my '98 Tacoma TRD.