1998 4x4 Limited w/ 230k and a 02 RWD Limited w/180k both on factory suspensions and are really rough riding. I’m looking to do replacements in my garage for both front and rear on the 4x4 and I need to look closer at the 2Runner to see what it needs but I feel like it should be front and back as well. 4x4 also needs a complete brake rehaul and a few other things need to happen while I’m down there.

I want to raise clearance a bit for both, as the 2Runner is a road trip and camper and the 4 is my daily and snow driver with possible light overlanding in the future. One has 17s but both will eventually. Same setup on both would be great so I know what’s happening on the second go around but I am willing to do different mods if it makes sense.

Including all suspension and brakes for the 98 I’d like parts to be under $1k if possible.

Do I have suggestions? My main goal is just a bit of extra clearance and to affix the last suspensions these 2 cars will ever need with a smooth ride. I’m capable of anything that has a YouTube tutorial but please let me know if I’m mistaken if thinking installing proper lifts will fix my issues.

I just recently replaced the stock struts/springs with 5100's/OME on my '02 with ~240k. Its like driving a completely different vehicle in the best way. You can find 5100 kits for around a grand, will likely be a bit over with all the brake components. Sounds like the suspension will clear up some of your issues but they also reveal hidden weak points, so be prepared to replace a bit more than just your struts and springs moving forward.

If you've never done any work on the suspensions on either, you're going to need to replace upper and lower Ball Joints in the front, and bushings all-round on everything at a minimum. Full suspensions + brakes on both vehicles isn't going to fit within a $1k budget. You won't be able to do a complete suspension, plus replace all the worn out bushings and ball joints plus brakes on one vehicle for under $1K. You need to change your expectations and budget accordingly.

I know that sounds kinda harsh, but that's reality.

Kind of depends on what you mean by extra clearance. If you want to lift by an inch or more, you probably wanna go with the classic 5100/OME package which takes up your entire budget.

However if you're running original shocks and springs, even an OEM replacement or aftermarket "equivalent" will give you a bit of height just due to the 25 years of sag you're eliminating. That would leave you money for LBJs and control arm bushings at least. If you aren't really wheelin it too hard, you probably won't get a ton of benefit from the 5100s or extra clearance anyways. If you are gonna be wheeling it, you'll need to raise that budget for sure.

5100 shocks all around, two notches up on the front. OME2906 rear springs. New OEM (only!!) lower ball joints, likely new upper ball joints (not as critical). New bushings all around. Might need swaybar end links front and rear.

Hope that budget is $1k for each truck...

-Charlie

Yeah the budget is really for the 98, the 02 is really fine as is for a while while i get this other one in better working order. but it seems like im still low on my budget if i want to do it right because the 5100/OME is going to run me about 1k it seems? And thats without BJ and not to mention the brakes

It also has a leaky CV joint in the rear.

Is there a reason you are only suggesting rear OME? Can I do without fronts if im raising the 5100 up a couple notches like you suggested?

I'm not here to get told what I want to hear.. I'm trying to get the info i NEED to hear. So I appreciate the input. $1k was just hopes and dreams i suppose but I'll do what I need to do to keep this car on the road another 150+ miles because in reality it'll be way cheaper in the long run and thats why I own 2 of these currently.

How stiff are the OME front coils? Factory bumper or something heavier?

Being 2 wheel and located in south Florida I'm on pavement most of the time. I ended up getting Bilstein 4600s (which I've been told ride smoother for on-road applications than the 5100s) and coupled them with Moog springs and KYB mounts. All in all I paid about $620 for it all back in 2020 and couldn't be happier for my application.

I should also add to that though that I'm basically stock. Not too many trails around here to warrant building everything up. Maybe I'll move up north one day 😁

$2xx for rear springs, $5xx for front/rear shocks. You don't need new front springs, the 5100's will lift the front just fine. $250 for ball joints. DIY install. Then you just need an alignment. Its a bit over $1k...

Or, stay stock height, do 4600's with stock springs and new front lower ball joints.

There are no CVs in the rear. What is actually leaking?

-Charlie

I have the OME 881's up front with stock weight (for now). I've read some people say they think they're stiff and a bit harsh but I couldn't disagree more. They feel softer than the stock set up but more firm, if that makes sense. Hard to compare to "stock" since mine had 220k on them when replaced, but its buttery smooth, no jarring response when going over a pothole or rocks on the trail at speed. I'm really pleased with them. I think they'll only ride smoother when I eventually add a winch