1998 4Runner front suspension questions

[San_Diego_Matt]

I took a pretty hard hit to the passenger side front wheel of my 1998 SR5 4Runner about 10 days ago. I've since taken delivery of a 2013 Tacoma 4x2 Double Cab Limited. Insurance has totaled the vehicle and offered it back to me for $600. It's in near perfect shape other than the damage from this recent accident so it was a no brainer to buy it back and at the very least I can get more than $600 for it on the open market myself.

I haven't seen the car, but the insurance adjuster said it needs a new tie rod, control arm, steering knuckle (?) and I'm thinking traditional suspension components like spring and shock. The one alarming thing I was told was that the tie rod "pulled out of the steering rack" I'm not sure if the adjuster meant where it connects to the actual steering rack or where it connects to the spindle assembly. At the most it'll need a new steering rack and everything outside of it on the passenger side. Nearly all of my automotive experience comes from the Volkswagen world. Both watercooled and aircooled so I don't have a lot of experience with front engine, rear wheel drive cars, but front suspension can't be too tough can it?

I'm guessing most of these parts will be available in the salvage arena and I want to make sure I'm looking for the correct parts when I start my search.

Are there different suspension levels for the 4Runners? Mine is a 3.4L V6 4X2 automatic so I'd look for one of those to scavenge from, but as long as it has the V6, is any 96-02 acceptable for parts? Are there pickup trucks I can look at for parts as well?

Finally, while I'm at this, are there any suspension upgrades from later model 4Runners/Trucks that might be worth looking for?

I hope I've included everything needed in this post. If you need more detail, just let me know.

Thanks

Matt

 

[San_Diego_Matt]

Come on folks. I need some help here.

 

[Rockdawg84]

Matt everything you need will be available at junk yards. any 96 through 2002 4x4 or 2x4 4runner or Tacoma will have the same suspension and steering components. I would suggest bringing everything back to stock since its a 2x4 and if it is really in good shape put it up or sale and use the money to mod your new Tacoma or best of all pick up an 85 runner and wheel the snot out of it

 

[Singtoe]

Matt everything you need will be available at junk yards. any 96 through 2002 4x4 or 2x4 4runner or Tacoma will have the same suspension and steering components. I would suggest bringing everything back to stock since its a 2x4 and if it is really in good shape put it up or sale and use the money to mod your new Tacoma or best of all pick up an 85 runner and wheel the snot out of it

Now only Tacoma that you can use parts from will be the one's with 6 lug wheels.


You will not be able to use a 4x4 hub as there is no cv joint to hold things together.


Springs for all the different years and models seam to be different. If you change your strut, keep your original spring.

 

[mforce]

Matt everything you need will be available at junk yards. any 96 through 2002 4x4 or 2x4 4runner or Tacoma will have the same suspension and steering components. I would suggest bringing everything back to stock since its a 2x4 and if it is really in good shape put it up or sale and use the money to mod your new Tacoma or best of all pick up an 85 runner and wheel the snot out of it

I totally agree.

 

[San_Diego_Matt]

Thanks for the help guys. I'll keep my eye out for a 89-ish 4x2 that's come in that I can scavenge parts from. I'll probably just contact a few of the local yards and let them know what I'm looking for and have them call me when one comes in. I've got a couple interior parts I need to help.

I'll post pics of the damage when I get it back.

Matt

 

[Singtoe]

Thanks for the help guys. I'll keep my eye out for a 89-ish 4x2 that's come in that I can scavenge parts from. I'll probably just contact a few of the local yards and let them know what I'm looking for and have them call me when one comes in. I've got a couple interior parts I need to help.

I'll post pics of the damage when I get it back.

Matt

89 ish parts won't fit at all.

 

[San_Diego_Matt]

typo 98-ish parts

 

[Rockdawg84]

Now only Tacoma that you can use parts from will be the one's with 6 lug wheels.


You will not be able to use a 4x4 hub as there is no cv joint to hold things together.


Springs for all the different years and models seam to be different. If you change your strut, keep your original spring.

Great points!! I was thinking of things like lower control arms which should be the same but your totally right, thanks for the clarification.

 

[San_Diego_Matt]

We're back in business and the 4Runner is back on the road. Needed a new steering rack, a passenger side tie rod and a lower control arm. Got it all bolted in, aligned and I'm all set. Thanks for the help!

 

[T4R_MTL]

If it's not too personal, how much did that set you back?