Not looking for the cheapest option - but best bang for the buck for rear suspension. Saw the large post from Ark Swamp Rider - but a little too much info for me to absorb tonight and I need to decide ASAP.

See below for background. My 05 V6 4x4 Sport has 330k miles and I already replaced the factory rear suspension once and engine has been rebuilt. Tire guys think rear suspension is going bad again and I do not want to invest tons of money if it is not a better option or less $ for an aftermarket that is just as good as factory. Looking for some simple suggestions so I can take this trip ASAP because the season is winding down and I may have a job opportunity I can't postpone.

So background - skip if you don't care: Was laid off a few months ago and been trying to do a lifetime trip of 3 weeks fishing off my kayak throughout Baja before taking a new job. But have had a bad rattle somewhere in the undercarriage on driver's side. Tried the trip a month a ago and blew a tire and asked the shop to assess the rattle. Sent me somewhere else and screwed up sensors. Went to a 3rd and blew 2 days waiting for a support arm bushings and fixing sensors and ended up driving a day back home to reassess and get 2 new tires after also loosing a part of the kayak (6 days and $1.5k down the drain - to bad it wasn't pesos. Rattle is still there under certain road conditions and some other slight hesitation or oscillation (almost like a torque converter) under other conditions that I can't consistently repeat for mechanics. But noticed cupping on rear tires and a maybe a small old leak on the rear driver's shock. So they think it is the suspension. I now have a much heavier kayak with a support arm coming out of the rear hitch and load the vehicle up for my trips to Baja. Yet still drive dirt roads like it is empty because the 4runner drives smoother than going slower and I stay more alert - so I am sure the suspension has taken a beating - not to mention all of the stop and go traffic in LA. I don't think I need a lift - plenty of clearance and doesn't seem to sag in the back when loaded up. But want something that will take the abuse of both LA and Baja roads with the yak loaded - but hopefully not as rough on speed bumps, etc. I may have to change vehicles once I get established in a new job - so another reason I don't want to invest tons on a truck w/so many miles.

Thanks for any suggestions in advance.

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Kinda a tough decision if you are selling the truck in a couple months. If you planned to keep it I would recommend full 2.5" diameter shocks all around. If your current shocks are obviously dead, it may help resale barganing a bit if you swapped shocks for a more entry-level option like bilstein 5100's. You might be able to get a bit stiffer rear coil that will help with your kayak load but not raise your truck any.

Thanks - not planning to sell - but I am in outside sales and it might be required to go newer to get proper reimbursement from some companies - too old/many miles for certain tax programs. Or may get a company car or a position requiring less driving. Just don't know.


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Not sure what your budget is, but assuming it's a bit tight, you could find some FJ springs at a junk yard and pair them with some Bilstein 5100 or 4600 (the 4600 are more stock)

set of bilstein 5100s and some moog springs/fj springs.. is your entry level good suspension. i'd say at 330k add sway bar bushings and end links..

Thanks all - went on Tuna trip In the meantime. I have a newer 4x4 shop in the area w/a 4th Gen 4Runner and thinking of just using XReas in front and the 5100 and bags in the rear for now for a quick and lower $ fix. Then look at FJ or other Springs later w/5100s in the front. Looking for feedback if this sounds viable


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Xreas is all or nothing.

Thanks - that is what I was trying to find out. So I'll need front shocks as well, even though It appears that I am only having issues in then rear. So wondering if 5100s and airbags when I have the kayak and ice chest full. Or upgraded springs and shocks in the back


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Thanks Again. Went to a Local shop That has already done a few Xreas replacements and just did an FJ Cruiser upgrade - so getting those springs for $100 pair and 5100s all around. If Anyone else that has done that conversion would like to chime in on suggestions of any other minor tweaks (bushing/joints/etc.) that we need to be prepared to replace or upgrade - would appreciate the advice. Specially w/my hi miles.


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