02 SR5 Sport - Best springs/shocks for Daily Driver

[Sarki]

New to me 02 SR5 Sport with 180K miles in need of new springs as front coil on driver’s side is cracked.
Figured best to replace all 4 corners and also replace shocks. Looks to be the original setup, no lift and all stock.
This is a daily driver, no lift needed as will be on pavement only.
Best to go factory OEM or are there other options worth considering.
Also.....how difficult is this to do as an DYI?
Any special tools required?
Any advice and opinions much appreciated.....thanks!

 

[Capnemo]

I bought slightly used ‘99 tall springs with Bilstein 4600 shocks from a guy here and installed on my ‘98. Great ride. The Bilstein shocks are a little tricky in back as one needs to use a 5mm hex key in the top stem as well as a flex ratcheting wrench, up out of sight. Watch Tim’s youtube video. The stock Tokiko would be easier, just the one nut and grip the dust shild with channel locks to keep from turning

 

[Sarki]

Hey Cap thanks for response and sharing your thoughts.
Been reading lots of old threads on this over last few days.
I’m leaning towards your suggestion regarding the Bilstein 4600’s all around ($330) as the stock factory shocks are pricey ($175 a piece up front & $40 a piece rear).
Still a bit undecided which way to go on the springs though.
Basically no significant price difference (99 talls additional $40) between going with factory stock springs all around either 99 talls at all 4 corners or stock factory specific for model year 02.

 

[hamsandwiches]

Bilstein 5100s ride quality?

 

[phattyduck]

Best for daily driving (comfort?) - OEM all the way. They lasted ~20 years of NY winters, why not go that way again?

-Charlie

 

[Sarki]

Charlie - Thanks for jumping in and sharing your thoughts.
Just to clarify, are you suggesting OEM shocks and springs all around meaning replace with original 02 springs and not replace the springs with 99 talls.
Cost wise going with the Bilstein 4600’s at all 4 corners would save me a bit of change but not that significant if sacrificing on the ride quality.

 

[Bad Luck]

99 tall springs will be similar ride quality just taller than new 02 springs. both springs will likely be taller than whats on there currently

 

[shiftmx]

All OEM would be the best ride, but that's $$$. If you want something similar, look into AC Delco '99 4x4 coils (rockauto or amazon) and KYB gas-a-just shocks. It will get you very close for much less money.

EDIT: The 99 coils will provide a small lift of about 1-2" for your 02. If that's not something you want just get the coils for your year model.

 

[phattyduck]

Charlie - Thanks for jumping in and sharing your thoughts.
Just to clarify, are you suggesting OEM shocks and springs all around meaning replace with original 02 springs and not replace the springs with 99 talls.
Cost wise going with the Bilstein 4600’s at all 4 corners would save me a bit of change but not that significant if sacrificing on the ride quality.

I'd still consider '99 talls OEM. No personal experience, but I believe the '99's could actually be MORE comfortable - you are less likely to hit the bump stops (especially in front) on potholes, etc. Getting up off the bump stops added comfort on my 4Runner added to the ride comfort on my 4Runner (OEM rear springs are very soft, and with tired shocks it would bottom out too often).

4600's are a bit firmer than stock and won't last quite as long as OEM. I had a set on my 4Runner before I got the most recent 5100's. Still a good choice.

The KYB's are also a good budget choice for comfort.

-Charlie

 

[Yellowg]

My 4th gen has icon set up and it drives great

 

[Sarki]

So here’s where the bottom line is in terms of cost on the 4 shocks......
*$180 - KYB A-Just a shock
*$283 - Bilstein 4600
*$420 - Factory OEM specific for 02 Sport model

I will go with factory OEM springs all around, just haven’t made final decision if going with the 99 talls.
*$340 - factory OEM specific for 02 Sport model
*$380 - factory OEM 99

Leaning towards the Bilsteins as they seem to be reasonably priced and equivalent or better than OEM......unless someone has a convincing argument one way or another.
Also leaning towards the factory OEM springs specific for the 02 as not really interested in any lift. Thinking thatvif all new I should have no issues with hitting bump stops, etc.

 

[Sarki]

I was overly optimistic on the price of rear springs. Add another $80 to the total spring price for the factory 02’s or 99 talls

 

[WeAreSLO]

Rock Auto

I went with Moog '99 4WD coils and KYB Gas-a-just about a month ago when doing the front and rear refresh on my 2002 4WD and I have no complaints. Ordered everything (and sway bar end links and tie rods) from Rock Auto for a great price. Gained an inch and no more clunking or bouncy ride! Your original springs might be okay and don't sweat what people say about Moog springs. I would avoid Moog ball joints however.

 

[Sarki]

I went with Moog '99 4WD coils and KYB Gas-a-just about a month ago when doing the front and rear refresh on my 2002 4WD and I have no complaints. Ordered everything (and sway bar end links and tie rods) from Rock Auto for a great price. Gained an inch and no more clunking or bouncy ride! Your original springs might be okay and don't sweat what people say about Moog springs. I would avoid Moog ball joints however.

Already have a pair of factory LBJ’s and outer tie rod ends ready to go in once I order up shocks and springs.
When it comes to ball joints, etc I would only consider going OEM.
Just need to make final decision on the shocks and place order.