Hey guys I have a 2001 LE 4runner 2wd. My family also has a 2007 FJ Cruiser. I'm trying to get the ride quality on the 4runner somewhat like the FJ. (Good on-road and offroad) I'm just so new to all this. I don't know whether to replace shocks, coil springs, struts, etc...I also don't know what brand. OME, Monroe, Bilstein, etc. Its confusing. (I'm 19 and have pretty much 0 experience with these things) I definitely want a softer ride on road than now but don't want to lessen my 4runners off-road performance. Please give me the best options I have...sorry for my lack of knowledge...I still have a week off from college and want to get this done.
2001 le 4runner suspension help
- Thread starter vivek
- Start date
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Hepar
New member
I'm assuming that by LE you mean a Limited, correct? What is going on with your current ride? Sounds like you might be due for new shocks at minimum. How many miles are on it?
Dungeroo
New member
Match!
Hey V,
If you can find out about the fit, I may have the part(s) you are looking for.
see link:
https://post.craigslist.org/u/WK1cEToz4RGHg5xkhGGzTA/5fvvj
If you can find out about whether the shocks and springs from a 2007 fit your 2001, I can ship them to you by tomorrow. I might have a local guy who wants the wheels, but I know from many posts here over the years that the shocks from the sport/SR5 (Gen 4's) are the same as from the FJ 4x4. This should get you the ride you are after. Plus, replacing the springs from a 2wd with 4wd will give you a 3/8" higher ride and a better handling platform
Hey V,
If you can find out about the fit, I may have the part(s) you are looking for.
see link:
https://post.craigslist.org/u/WK1cEToz4RGHg5xkhGGzTA/5fvvj
If you can find out about whether the shocks and springs from a 2007 fit your 2001, I can ship them to you by tomorrow. I might have a local guy who wants the wheels, but I know from many posts here over the years that the shocks from the sport/SR5 (Gen 4's) are the same as from the FJ 4x4. This should get you the ride you are after. Plus, replacing the springs from a 2wd with 4wd will give you a 3/8" higher ride and a better handling platform
Yea I meant limited edition. It has 145,000 miles on it. The ride is just somewhat stiff and jumps too much over small things on road. also, offroad is bumpy..much more than the FJ. Its been like this since I got it at 109,000 miles. The toyota people told me my suspension was fine @ around 125,000 miles and that stock 3rd gen 4runners just ride this way.
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PitbullRescuer
New member
Sounds like the shocks are shot. Are you looking to lift it or just improve the ride quality at the current height? If it's just ride quality, any new shocks will help but some are stiffer than others. I prefer Bilsteins but there are certainly "softer" options out there. Tokico's offer a nice ride and even cheaper options like the Monroe Sensatracs offer a nice ride. The Bilsteins are a bit stiffer but I like the feel they give.
PitbullRescuer
New member
I'm 99.99% sure that these will not fit his 01. The 3rd Gen and 4th Gen parts are not interchangable as far as I know.
Hepar
New member
X2. The Bilstein 5100's are a great on and off-road shock.
jksmyers
New member
If you're looking for a plush/soft ride, I'll tell what NOT to go with - OME! My OME suspension paired with e-rated tires makes for a teeth rattling ride. Not that I'm complaining. I knew what I was getting into and I like it. 
You mentioned OME as an option in your original post, so you can effectively remove it now if "soft" is a word you'd use in describing your ride preference.
You mentioned OME as an option in your original post, so you can effectively remove it now if "soft" is a word you'd use in describing your ride preference.
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Gerdo
New member
The M brand shocks are dangerous in my opinion. They are way too soft and can't control the weight.
I love my Bilsteins.
Two things to look at.
*The air pressure in the tires, should be around 34-36 psi.
*Look at the big rubber cone inside the rear coil springs (jounce bumpers, they help carry heavy loads). When the rear coils sag, the jounce bumpers will be close to the lower spring perch. When you hit even small dips, the JB will come in contact and give a harsh ride.
And I agree, 99.99% chance that the 4th gen stuff will not work on our 3rd gens.
I love my Bilsteins.
Two things to look at.
*The air pressure in the tires, should be around 34-36 psi.
*Look at the big rubber cone inside the rear coil springs (jounce bumpers, they help carry heavy loads). When the rear coils sag, the jounce bumpers will be close to the lower spring perch. When you hit even small dips, the JB will come in contact and give a harsh ride.
And I agree, 99.99% chance that the 4th gen stuff will not work on our 3rd gens.
