[crespoh69]

Hey guys, I just got my new Bilstein 5100 kit in the mail today and was wondering what springs I should go with for my 99 4runner as I have a couple of options available to me. I recently got some used $40 Bilsteins that came with the clip set to the 3rd notch and is where I want to keep the new ones on as well as I liked the way it feels. That being said, the options I have are:

Stock 99 springs from original shocks - Red/White color code visible on only 1 spring
1st gen Tacoma springs - Blue color code visible on both springs
Unknown Toyota truck springs from used 5100's - Yellow color code visible on only 1 spring

Does it really matter? The Tacoma springs do appear to be taller than my stock springs by about half an inch but those are on what looks like some Roadsensing shock that doesn't appear to be adjustable, if that matters.

The reason I'm moving away from the $40 ones is that they're used and I honestly don't know their age and just needed them in a pinch to get to and from work as it's about a 100 mile trip each day but would rather have new and have peace of mind for the next few years.

[JoeT4R]

Originally Posted by crespoh69

Hey guys, I just got my new Bilstein 5100 kit in the mail today and was wondering what springs I should go with for my 99 4runner as I have a couple of options available to me. I recently got some used $40 Bilsteins that came with the clip set to the 3rd notch and is where I want to keep the new ones on as well as I liked the way it feels. That being said, the options I have are:

Stock 99 springs from original shocks - Red/White color code visible on only 1 spring
1st gen Tacoma springs - Blue color code visible on both springs
Unknown Toyota truck springs from used 5100's - Yellow color code visible on only 1 spring

Does it really matter? The Tacoma springs do appear to be taller than my stock springs by about half an inch but those are on what looks like some Roadsensing shock that doesn't appear to be adjustable, if that matters.

The reason I'm moving away from the $40 ones is that they're used and I honestly don't know their age and just needed them in a pinch to get to and from work as it's about a 100 mile trip each day but would rather have new and have peace of mind for the next few years.

Depends on what your objectives are with the truck. You wanna lift it? Keep stock riding quality? Plan to wheel it at all if presented the opportunity?

Sounds like this is a DD, so if you plan to keep it stock just go with your standard replacement springs. Heck, you could even get new OEM springs from Toyota if you really want that OEM feeling. Not even being funny, like I would seriously consider that if that's what you were going for. Just some food for thought.

[poisedforflight]

Originally Posted by JoeT4R

Depends on what your objectives are with the truck. You wanna lift it? Keep stock riding quality? Plan to wheel it at all if presented the opportunity?

Sounds like this is a DD, so if you plan to keep it stock just go with your standard replacement springs. Heck, you could even get new OEM springs from Toyota if you really want that OEM feeling. Not even being funny, like I would seriously consider that if that's what you were going for. Just some food for thought.

I put a lot of thought into what I wanted out of mine and ended up going with OEM springs and shocks. I went with the 99 talls for my 98 so a little lift but should be smooth OEM feeling.

[crespoh69]

Originally Posted by JoeT4R

Plan to wheel it at all if presented the opportunity?

Honestly, I'm new to the whole off-road idea even though we've had the thing since 99 and it's only 2WD, I would love to use it to get the family to further out locations around California to experience the outdoors now that I have my own little ones. What would the recommendation be for that?

[gamefreakgc]

Originally Posted by crespoh69

Honestly, I'm new to the whole off-road idea even though we've had the thing since 99 and it's only 2WD, I would love to use it to get the family to further out locations around California to experience the outdoors now that I have my own little ones. What would the recommendation be for that?

Ok, so with 2WD that means you aren't going crawling or anything intense. If it is a '99 model year you'll want to go with '99 height springs or taller as anything else could make it lower (although the springs compress over the years).

Personally, and this is just a personal opinion, the 4Runners I have rode in with off-road coils have been much too harsh for driving on the road. It feels every pothole, dip and crack in the road as the springs rebound and compress too quickly. Great for traction offroad but as you commute almost 100 miles each day I think it would be too much and could start to dislike driving it. If you have aftermarket plate bumpers, rooftop tents and other heavy accessories then that's a bit different and the higher rate coils will feel much softer.

I agree with the Toyota OEM '99 talls recommendation. Toyota did design this vehicle to be very capable off road from the factory.

[TheDurk]

As someone who ran the OEM 1999 tall springs for 13 years, I fully endorse their use in front (In fact, I am still running the factory talls in front after 24 years and 225,000 miles. ) In back, they sagged with weight new, and it got lower and lower every year. I highly recommend pairing the front '99 talls with the OME 906s in the rear. Slight rake, and no more sagging with weight. I have eleven years on them now, and the ride only got better. In fact, new they were a little harsh, but it got better. I wish I had dumped the rear '99 talls a lot sooner than I did.

I do know the 2WDs did not get the talls from the factory. I don't know how they or the 906s work on a retrofit into a 2WD.

[JoeT4R]

Originally Posted by poisedforflight

I put a lot of thought into what I wanted out of mine and ended up going with OEM springs and shocks. I went with the 99 talls for my 98 so a little lift but should be smooth OEM feeling.

That's good. You'll probably yield the best on road quality overall plus a bit of ground clearance. Nothing substantial, but enough over your standard replacement springs. Happy to hear it.

Originally Posted by crespoh69

Honestly, I'm new to the whole off-road idea even though we've had the thing since 99 and it's only 2WD, I would love to use it to get the family to further out locations around California to experience the outdoors now that I have my own little ones. What would the recommendation be for that?

I just wanna back what @gamefreakgc mentioned, that the off road suspensions are typically going to give you a harsher ride quality and way more feedback from potholes, bumps etc in the road.

2WD is fine as long as you're careful about what you're doing. A good set of A/T's will serve you well for this kind of endeavor also. Your easy to moderate trails can usually be done in 2WD although having 4WD makes it much easier obviously. No biggie though. It's still a 3rd gen 4Runner (aka a beast) so just take it nice and easy on the trails.

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[phattyduck]

Originally Posted by TheDurk

I do know the 2WDs did not get the talls from the factory. I don't know how they or the 906s work on a retrofit into a 2WD.

'99 2WD's were just over 20" fender-to-hub all the way around (maybe 3/4" short of a 4WD of the same year). Front 4WD springs on a 2WD will lift an extra 3/4" or so, more if stiffer springs than stock (so, 99 talls will lift the front of a '99 2WD ~1.5" from stock). Rear springs should nearly match - the rear end is basically the same weight.

-Charlie