Originally Posted by spartacus (Post 3404368)

It will be better if you replace both fronts instead of just one corner.Just get bilstein 5100 and you can raise them up to 2.5 inch lift up front with ome springs for a lift . Kyb or bilstein hd4600 would also be good. Creaking up front could be a lot of things but make sure it's not the lower ball joints if they haven't been replaced in a while could lead to a failure.

Originally Posted by EvilMole (Post 3404376)

I do plan on replacing both up front. I'm assuming the Bilstein 5100s are adjustable? I don't plan on doing any lift at this time so I need to match my current ride height. Have Tokico shocks on the back that I don't plan on replacing yet.

Also, the creaking sounds like it's coming from the strut mount area. I don't believe its the LBJ. I was planning on replacing those next year.

Originally Posted by EvilMole (Post 3404357)

I need to tear into it but could this be a seized up strut? If so, what would be an adequate (read inexpensive) replacement to hold me over until I get the urge to lift it.

Thanks

Originally Posted by Bad Luck (Post 3404499)

Your strut is locked up. No bushing is going to suddenly cause a restriction in movement like that. I recommend 5100's or 4600's. 4600's are a bit smoother than 5100's.

Originally Posted by EvilMole (Post 3404609)

My initial thought, when I started hearing the noises, was a bad bushing somewhere. The truck is 23 years old so the bushings should probably be replaced, but I don't think this is my problem right now. As I said I need to tear into it to make sure, but I've got another sick car I have to fix first. Can't have two of my three cars down at once. One of these years I'll buy a new car.

Also, last night I reached in and noticed one of the three strut mount nuts was loose. Could be removed by hand. I don't know if this could have caused a problem during my last trail visit or not. I did not install these struts. I'm pretty anal about torques when I do any car work. Guess it could have come loose over time.

Originally Posted by EvilMole (Post 3408437)

Ok, I have the strut assembly removed from the truck and was wondering what is the best way to check for binding elsewhere in the system. Anything to remove before I can freely lift the control arms (sway bar link, etc..). Can I safely jack from under the lower control arm with the strut assembly removed? Disconnect the sway bar link and you can articulate the suspension with a floor jack under the lower control arm with the strut out.

I took the strut assembly apart and it looks like that loose mount nut my have caused the strut to go wonky or something. The piston rod isn't exactly smooth and that top washer that rides on the rod is deformed a little. It appears it smacked into something at a slight angle. I was able to push the strut rod down once it was removed from the assembly but it wasn't extending back out own it's own. Had to put it in the vice and tug quite hard a multiple times in order to get it to fully extend. Wanted to reassemble the strut so I can return the spring tool. That strut is shot. There was very little dampening happening on that side. I wonder how it got so beat up and bent. What does the other side look like?

I think I'm going for the 4600s and new mounts. Just want to make sure there's nothing else in the system causing any binding.

Originally Posted by Bad Luck (Post 3408582)

Answers in bold.

Originally Posted by 4Runner4Leon (Post 3408593)

Your shocks sound like mine that had 195K miles on them - they would take a long time to extend after compressing them. I replaced them with KYB Gas-a-just shocks, which are OEM equivalents (Monomax are stiffer). They were $51 each at Amazon, and they have some for $30 if you look at the "new and used" items, I got mine for $25 each) - Amazon.com: KYB KG9025 Gas-a-Just Gas Strut: Automotive

As for creaking, when replacing my struts, I noticed a lot of creaking coming from the lower control arm bushings. So I replaced those, no more creaking. Since your creaking is coming from the upper area, it could be the upper control arm bushings, or the upper strut mount bushing, especially if it was loose. There are also some rubber cushions around the shock top, those can creak too especially if the mount nuts were loose.

Originally Posted by EvilMole (Post 3408662)

One other thing. Dumb question alert. Should I be ordering a '96 strut for a '99 spring? Rockauto shows them as the same. If they are the same, then how do you gain the extra 1" or so in extra height the '99 springs supposedly give you.

Sorry, probably over complicating this. I just did the struts on a old optima. Bought the cheap Monroes, slapped them in and put no other thought into it. Just want to make sure the 4runner stays level after changing things.