1998 4Runner Small Mods

[CoCoCo4Runner]

Hello all. I finally got my 1998 Limited on the road again, replacement engine completely resealed and it's running very well. First engine swap I ever did on my own, and surprisingly it just worked when I was done, nothing major to fix that I can see after a few days of driving. I also have a set of LBJ I am planning to install before doing any major trips or wheeling it.

Now that the hard work is done, I can focus on the fun stuff, modding. One thing I noticed right off the bat is that the rear suspension is tired and needs to be addressed. All four corners sit about 35" off the ground empty (measured at the center cap and from the floor to the edge of the wheelwell) but when loaded up the rear end squats very notably. The PO replaced the front end with some OEM spec Bilstein suspension so I'd prefer to keep that as is. I've heard good things about OME springs and Bilstein shock combo, what is the preferred spring if I want a good mix of capability and livability, leaning toward capability (I don't really care if it rides somewhat rough unloaded, it's a truck).

Another consideration, it currently has some street friendly 265/70 r16 tires and I am highly interested in upgrading to some A/T 265/75 r16 that can clear Tundra brakes down the line. Will there be any fitment issues with 32" wheels and stock ride height?

Thanks all!

 

[that3rdgen]

it will rub in the front rears should clear but you will probably scrub at full lock at least i do. but definetly still drivable. i offroad mine a decnt amount and have issues with the bumper scrubbing before the tires do.

 

[Bad Luck]

Hello all. I finally got my 1998 Limited on the road again, replacement engine completely resealed and it's running very well. First engine swap I ever did on my own, and surprisingly it just worked when I was done, nothing major to fix that I can see after a few days of driving. I also have a set of LBJ I am planning to install before doing any major trips or wheeling it.

Now that the hard work is done, I can focus on the fun stuff, modding. One thing I noticed right off the bat is that the rear suspension is tired and needs to be addressed. All four corners sit about 35" off the ground empty (measured at the center cap and from the floor to the edge of the wheelwell) but when loaded up the rear end squats very notably. The PO replaced the front end with some OEM spec Bilstein suspension so I'd prefer to keep that as is. I've heard good things about OME springs and Bilstein shock combo, what is the preferred spring if I want a good mix of capability and livability, leaning toward capability (I don't really care if it rides somewhat rough unloaded, it's a truck).

Another consideration, it currently has some street friendly 265/70 r16 tires and I am highly interested in upgrading to some A/T 265/75 r16 that can clear Tundra brakes down the line. Will there be any fitment issues with 32" wheels and stock ride height?

Thanks all!

906 or 890 springs for the rear. Some people find the 906 springs to be a little harsh when unloaded and they provide 1.5-2" of lift in the rear over factory. 890 springs will be softer but you will get 2-3" of lift in the rear over factory with stock weight.

Tire size does not affect brake caliper clearance, only wheel size/design does. The current wheels you have will clear the 199mm Tundra brakes but will not clear the 231mm Tundra brakes.

I have 265/70R17 tires which are the equivalent of 265/75R16 tires and will only rub if turned and flexing. You might not rub at all depending on your ride height which looks a little higher than factory. OEM hub to fender height is 20 inches. Hub to fender measurement is easier to compare because it takes the tire size out of the equation.

 

[phattyduck]

I have 265/70R17 tires which are the equivalent of 265/75R16 tires and will only rub if turned and flexing. You might not rub at all depending on your ride height which looks a little higher than factory. OEM hub to fender height is 22 inches. Hub to fender measurement is easier to compare because it takes the tire size out of the equation.

Quick correction - OEM ride height is 20" not 22" for comparison sake. '99's will be a bit higher, others right at or lower than 20" The OEM rear springs are quite soft...

265/70-17 or 265/75-16 (same rolling diameter, etc.) will fit on a stock height 4Runner, but you do have to make sure the alignment is done correctly. You need 'max caster' which pushes the wheels farther forward in the wheel well to clear the wheel well liner. Here is where it rubs if you don't:

(the inner plastic fender liner is a bit 'darker' where the tire was rubbing)

That's with 265/70-17 AT's at stock height and original alignment.

-Charlie

 

[Bad Luck]

Quick correction - OEM ride height is 20" not 22" for comparison sake. '99's will be a bit higher, others right at or lower than 20" The OEM rear springs are quite soft...

265/70-17 or 265/75-16 (same rolling diameter, etc.) will fit on a stock height 4Runner, but you do have to make sure the alignment is done correctly. You need 'max caster' which pushes the wheels farther forward in the wheel well to clear the wheel well liner. Here is where it rubs if you don't:

(the inner plastic fender liner is a bit 'darker' where the tire was rubbing)

That's with 265/70-17 AT's at stock height and original alignment.

-Charlie

Thanks for the correction! Original post edited.

 

[Devbot]

Were you the one complaining in some thread last week about how difficult the swap was for you? If so congrats on seeing it through!

 

[CoCoCo4Runner]

Were you the one complaining in some thread last week about how difficult the swap was for you? If so congrats on seeing it through!

Yeah that may have been me haha! Unfortunately it's not running as well as I'd hope, running very rich with a high idle. Trying to chase down vacuum leaks to see if that's the cause.

 

[jross20]

Yeah that may have been me haha! Unfortunately it's not running as well as I'd hope, running very rich with a high idle. Trying to chase down vacuum leaks to see if that's the cause.

What symptoms make you think it's rich? Not disagreeing just curious for my own knowledge... Haha

 

[CoCoCo4Runner]

What symptoms make you think it's rich? Not disagreeing just curious for my own knowledge... Haha

Exhaust smells gassy, visible smoke when cold