1997 2WD 4Runner front shock 'blown' (need parts, suppliers, & 2wd-DIY-steps advice)

[mom]

1997 2WD 4Runner front shock 'blown' (would love experienced advice on the repair)

1997 Toyota 4Runner 2WD (base model), 235x75R15 wheels, 115K miles, never been off the pavement, used as a kid-transport vehicle.

The last two sets of front right tires wore out prematurely (mostly the right front tire tread was worn off the outside few inches).

Since the wear was non-cupped, I was told a year ago it wasn't the shocks so I had an alignment done each time I replaced the front tires.

But, the wear continues, mostly on the right front tire (outside edges mostly).

This time, when I had the tires replaced, I asked the mechanic what could cause just one tire to wear so much. He said my front right shock was 'blown'. He showed me grease running down the shock which wasn't on the other front side.

He pushed "Monroe" shocks really hard, but I said I wanted to ask you guys first before selecting shocks and having them installed (I hate the hard sell). He was very disappointed, warning that irreversible tire wear will continue right from the start.

So, I need to select the 'right' front shocks & tools for my 1997 2WD 4runner (I drive sedately, and only on pavement, so I don't need anything fancy).

Searching here for what you guys put on 3rd-generation 2WD 4Runners, I can't find much, surprisingly, I guess because most of you do off roading and use 4wd systems.

But I do find the following (mostly 4WD) threads with suggested (mostly offroad) shocks, suppliers, & tools:

• 93 Front Shocks ==> Bilstein HD, OME,
• Front struts replacing ==> top plates, OME springs, Bilsteins, Conicelli
• 2009 4Runner front shocks ==> Autozone strut compressor, castle nuts for the two tie rods, two cotter pins for the tie rods, 100 ft lbs on the lower shock bolt, Red LocTite, Bilsteins, OME
• Replace shocks ==> OME HD
• where to buy new front shocks ==> Billstein, KYB, Monroe Reflex, Tokico, www.shox.com, toyotapartscheap.com, cheaptoyotaparts.com

May I ask if this summary is correct, and, if not, for corrections?

The shocks:

• OEM (Tokiko?)
• Bilsteins
• KYB
• Monroe Reflex
• (what do you recommend?)

The suppliers:

• Conicelli
• www.shox.com
• toyotapartscheap.com
• cheaptoyotaparts.com
• (which suppliers you recommend?)

The tools:

• Autozone strut compressor
• Red LockTite
• (what else do you recommend?)

The procedure:

• No-spring-compressor front shocks installation DIY
  
• Toyota suspension
• Sonoran steel
• (the problem is I can't find a 2WD procedure!)

In summary, can you advise me what shocks you'd suggest, from where, and where a better front-shock 2wd DIY is located?

 

[Singtoe]

Just go with tokico.It is the OEM shock and functions just fine. As far as your tire wear. Sure , it looks worn on the outside but your tire is also worn all the way across too. Bad shocks would produce a cupping affect on the tires. your tires look smooth and no cups.

You tires look worn out. Maybe making a lot of left turns.

Get an Alignment and have them check you tie rods and ball joints for wear. Replace what is needed and have it re-aligned.

 

[JWaldz]

2wd or 4wd, the removal procedure is the same.. You will need to remove the coil/strut from the vehicle. Compress the coil until you are able to remove the top nut to safely remove the strut. Then, replace the strut and install everything back in the vehicle. Takes some time and strut compressors can be very dangerous if not used correctly.

I also second Tokico shocks. You can contact your dealer for part numbers or look them up online. As far as the wear goes on the tire, are you rotating the tires at all? The shock may fix your problem but if you're not rotating the tires then you can always expect to see more wear on the fronts due to turning. Like Singtoe said, inspect your tie rod ends and upper and lower ball joints for evident wear.

 

[mom]

Just go with tokico

Thanks you for taking the time to help me.

I wasn't sure 'what' shocks you guys put on these things so I was leaning toward OEM Tokico myself (I didn't know if there was anything bad you guys knew about the OEM front struts). This helps me make my decision. I'll go with OEM Tokico (at the best price I can find).

your tire is also worn all the way across

Yes. You are observant. I've waited about 5 months too long to replace all four. They are all new now. But, the front right ALWAYS wore more than the rest. It was an outside edge wear, even after alignments.

Bad shocks would produce a cupping affect on the tires.

You are definitely observant. There are no cups. So, I do agree. Bad shocks would normally cause cupping which I don't have. But, the shock does have leaks all over and it's the original shock from 1997.

You tires look worn out. Maybe making a lot of left turns.

I think it's more that I drove on them half a year longer than I should have.

Get an Alignment and have them check you tie rods and ball joints for wear.

That's good advice. But, I had multiple alignments already.

I'm surprised the 4Runner goes out of alignment that easily.

I do not drive off road ever. I don't drive fast. And, the roads here in California are about as good as anywhere in the country as there are almost no potholes to speak of.

2wd or 4wd, the removal procedure is the same.

Aha! Thank you very much for assisting me with advice.

When I searched, almost all the procedures said it was so simple that anyone could do it (having someone else compress the springs). So, I'm leaning toward doing it myself for everything EXCEPT the spring compression part.

Knowing that the procedure is the same for the 97 2wd and the 97 4wd helps a lot because there are few 2wd 4runners out there with DIYs on them for front struts.

You will need to remove the coil/strut from the vehicle. Compress the coil until you are able to remove the top nut to safely remove the strut. Then, replace the strut and install everything back in the vehicle. Takes some time and strut compressors can be very dangerous if not used correctly.

When I read the search record, it seemed almost every person broke or bent their coil compression tools. That's amazing. These must be STRONG coils. I 'might' tackle that myself (renting the Autozone coil compressor); but I think I'll find a shop that will just do the coil compression for me.

I also second Tokico shocks

Thank you also. I trust you as you guys aren't making any money off of me like the Goodyear guy was pushing Monroe shocks. I'll go with the OEM Tokico. Tonight I'll look for a good price and post that to see what you guys think of it.

As far as the wear goes on the tire, are you rotating the tires at all?

I feel like lying and saying that I did; but the only times they were rotated was when I did the brakes. I do realize that's my fault ... but even so ... the front right tire 'does' wear faster than all the rest (a lot faster).

inspect your tie rod ends and upper and lower ball joints for evident wear.

Thanks for that advice. I will first look up the shock replacement information, and then, I'll look up how to tell if a tie rod end or upper and lower ball joints are worn.

Thanks and please keep advice coming as I need your help!

Here is a picture of the leaking strut (I think it's a strut, right ... not a shock)...

 

[Singtoe]

If you're not rotating tires much it is possible and normal for the right tire to be more worn. Even though you are in California and have the most perfect roads in America, the issue is that almost all roads have an ever so slight slope to the right. This helps shed rain water off the highway.

Looking at your pictures. You really don't have a problem. If belts were showing, and you had an excessive amount of tread left on the left side of the tire, I would say you have a problem. Coincidentally, How many miles did you get out of that set of tires?

 

[JWaldz]

If you're not rotating tires much it is possible and normal for the right tire to be more worn. Even though you are in California and have the most perfect roads in America, the issue is that almost all roads have an ever so slight slope to the right. This helps shed rain water off the highway.

Looking at your pictures. You really don't have a problem. If belts were showing, and you had an excessive amount of tread left on the left side of the tire, I would say you have a problem. Coincidentally, How many miles did you get out of that set of tires?

HAHAHAHA

I'm thinking the same thing. While yes there is evident uneven wear, the tread seems to tell me you got the most out of those tires. I bet you if you rotate your tires as much as you're 'suppose to' you would see A LOT less wear like that. Ragardless, if you have a busted front strut then it obviously needs to be fixed. I doubt it has much of a play factor in the uneven tread your getting though.

 

[mom]

How many miles did you get out of that set of tires?

They were Dunlop A/T Radial Rover tires, P235/75R15 (10mm wider than the original Firestone tires).

They had a 105S weight rating & a UTQG of Traction=A, Temperature=B, and Treadwear=500 (i.e., about 500% of 10K miles which should be about 50K miles).

They are the third set of tires for this 4Runner so I'm not sure how many miles, but, since the 4Runner only has 112K miles, then each set averaged only 37K miles, which is atrocious based on the treadwear rating of 500.

The new tires are Hankook Optimo H727, which I picked because they are stronger tires at 108T weight and they have a UTGQ of 700, A, B ... which means they 'should' last 700% of 10K miles or 70,000 miles. We'll see.

I bet you if you rotate your tires as much as you're 'suppose to' you would see A LOT less wear like that.

How often would you rotate these tires?

I'm guessing every 5K miles (or every oil change).

if you have a busted front strut then it obviously needs to be fixed. I doubt it has much of a play factor in the uneven tread your getting though.

Interesting that the shock isn't the cause of the right-front tire wear. These tires should get at least 50K miles and they didn't get anywhere near that (more like half that) ... so I MUST have something wrong.

Not rotating them must be killing me (taking half the life of the tire)?

BTW, here is a picture of the left front original strut (you can see "Toyota" and "Tokico" stamped on the strut, along with a partial part number it seems).

And, below that is a picture of the right front strut (it seems to be leaking but I never noticed a difference in driving).

 

[Singtoe]

Yep, That strut has seen better days. Another issue that you might have is that your spring seams to be sagging a lot. Just looking at the bump stops, it definitely varies from one side to the other. You Probably have a bad spring too.

You will need to replace them in pairs but new struts and springs will fix your excessive wear problem.

Don't forget to get a new alignment after working on the front end.

 

[Gumballf355]

You are in luck. I have a pair of front OEM shocks that I took off of my 4runner when it had 43k original miles. I also live in San Jose. Email me at [email protected] and you can have them for $50. If you'd like to raise your 4runner to 4x4 height I will also give you my stock springs front and rear with rear shocks for an additional $100. It's up to you.

You can check the mileage of my 4runner to varify. It currently only has 48k original miles.

 

[Nelsonmd]

I would go with all new stuff, not shocks and springs that already have 43k on them. It will cost more, but especially when hauling kids, I err on the side of paying more for something I know the history of.

You can look around at some other options, and if you are replacing both fronts, then you might consider sonoran steel's 3.0 kit and just replace all around. The rears aren't that expensive anyway.

 

[mom]

looking at the bump stops, it definitely varies from one side to the other. You Probably have a bad spring too

I don't know what a 'bump stop' is.

Googling, for "Tokico bump stops", I find these pictures; but I don't see them in my photos above.

Are they hidden from view on the top or bottom of the shock?

 

[mom]

I would go with all new stuff

Me too.

I called Tokico (actually Hitachi) in Los Angeles (800-548-2549) to ask about the following shocks (see pic below) - but I'm still waiting for them to call me back.

With the information about the 'bump stop', does this look like the stuff I need to test for?

1. Replace both front shocks with OEM equivalents (Tokico GU3564 TREKMASTER SHOCK)
2. Test spring for sagging (bump stop?)
3. Test tie rod ends
4. Test control arm ball joints
5. Alignment when all done

Are those the tests I need to research to figure out how to perform?

 

[mom]

I have a pair of front OEM shocks ... I will also give you my stock springs front and rear with rear shocks

I appreciate your offer ... as it is very kind of you; but I've never bought used parts and, even the dealers say there are three or four different shock/spring combinations for my particular 2WD 4Runner ... (although Tokico lists only one part number ... so I'm not sure if the dealers are handing me the straight scoop or not).

Plus, I have a bit of vibration at speed so I'm going with all new parts as I'm not sure 'what' is causing the vibration.

Calling the three closest dealers first, to get a price/availability on these two parts:

• Front shock: Toyota P/N 48510-39406
• Front spring: Toyota P/N 48131-35170

I find the following:

• Sunnyvale Toyota, 888-719-8683
  • $197 each front shock, $125 each front spring (+ 10% tax)
• Stevenscreek Toyota, 800-496-4307
  • $181 each front shock, $109 each front spring (+ 10% tax)
• Piercey Toyota,408-240-1400<nobr></nobr>
  • $181 each front shock, $118 each front spring (+ 10% tax)

Interestingly, even though the dealers asked for my VIN and for my tire size (P235/75R15), the latter two would NOT provide the part numbers!

None of them had the parts in stock, all said they could get the shocks in a day (since they were a Toyota "B stocking" category, which apparently means the Toyota Los Angeles warehouse keeps them in stock at all times) ... while all said the springs would take a few days.

 

[Nelsonmd]

With the information about the 'bump stop', does this look like the stuff I need to test for?

1. Replace both front shocks with OEM equivalents (Tokico GU3564 TREKMASTER SHOCK)
2. Test spring for sagging (bump stop?)
3. Test tie rod ends
4. Test control arm ball joints
5. Alignment when all done

Are those the tests I need to research to figure out how to perform?

The bump stops are the rubber discs mounted to the lower control arm. You can see them in your pictures on the arm the bottom of each shock is mounted to. They have a hex collar around the bottom.

What he means is that it looks like there is less space between the bumpstop and the frame above it, suggesting that the passenger spring is more compressed than the driver's side. It could just be the angle of the picture though. You should be able to tell by actually looking at them.

You can test the TRE's and ball joints by jacking up a wheel and shaking the wheel for the sides (back and forth) and from the top and bottom. Play in either direction would suggest bad TRE's and ball joints respectively.

 

[mom]

Looking only at the suggested suppliers listed in the first thread from reading a bunch of shock threads here, we get the following for the front shocks (Toyota P/N 48510-39406):

• Conicelli Parts Center $128.15 each + shipping from PA
• Toyota Parts Cheap $131.44 + shipping + 10% tax
• Cheap Toyota Parts (does not seem to exist)
• Shox.com: Bilsteins $95.50 (monotube vs twintube) + shipping + 10% tax

It's interesting that the Bilsteins are 1/3 cheaper than the Tokico shocks. I would think it would be the other way around.

Are the Tokico shocks really so much better than the Bilsteins that Tokico can command a 33% higher price???

 

[mom]

Googling further, I continue to find KYB & Bilstein shocks at vastly lower prices than Tokico:

• Partstrain.com 888-251-1214 (+ shipping from NV)
  
  • KYB $64.43 (PART#: KYKG9025 MFR#: KG9025)
• AutoPartsWarehouse 800-913-6119 (+ 10% tax, no shipping)
  • KYB $78.75 (Part#:YKG9025 MFR#: KG9025)
  • Bilstein $77.95 (W0133-1849929)
• AutoPartsAuthority 800-458-0036 (+ 10% tax + no shipping over $50)
  • KYB $78.75 KYBKYKG9025

Before I google further, it seems that Tokico is the most expensive shock out there compared to the KYB and Bilsteins.

Am I doing something wrong? Should I just settle for the KYB or Bilsteins (since they're so much cheaper than Tokico)?

 

[Singtoe]

FWI, I am running Bilstiens on my 4runner. They offer a lifetime warranty and I am happy with the performance. Mine is lifted though.

 

[mom]

I am running Bilstiens ... and I am happy with the performance. Mine is lifted though.

That's good to know because I might have to settle for the Bilsteins over the Tokico if I can't get the Tokico price down to what the KYG & Bilsteins are.

The problem I'm having with Bilstein & KYG is I 'assume' they are stiffer. But, I actually have no idea if they are or not.

Is there a 'stiffness index' for shocks that I can consult which compares the various brands?

Seems to me, there should be, if there isn't. Sort of like how we compare motor oils (SAE 10w30, 10w40, 15w50, etc.) or headlights (30W, 40W, 50W, etc.).

If I get the (much) cheaper Bilsteins or KYG, what will that do to the ride?

 

[Singtoe]

I honestly don't know the answer to that. Does Bilstien sell a 2wd strut or is there one strut for all 4runners? Your ride might be stiff as you don't have the weight that the 4x4's have (front diff, axles, transfer case, and bigger 6 cylinder engine).

Thus the mentioning of sticking with the OEM Tokiko's at the beginning of the thread.

Anyway, Your ride will altogether be different (stiffer) once you replace your saggy springs. But you will have fixed your tire wearing problems.

 

[mom]

Does Bilstien sell a 2wd strut or is there one strut for all 4runners?

When I called, they said it was the right strut for the 2WD (but who knows what they really think).

Your ride might be stiff as you don't have the weight that the 4x4's have

Good point.

I'll see if google can get the Tokico price down a bit.

Does this seem to be the right shock to google for?

• GU3564 Tokico Trekmaster Shock