2002 4runner sports edition

titan34

New member
Just picked up a 2002 4runner sports edition thundercloud with 188k. It was maintained well. Timing belt, water pump. brake booster, o2 sensor and rear brakes all replaced. Should I replace the front struts and rear coil springs/shocks? If so would bilstein 5100 be good? Not looking to do a lift. As for the front strut coils and rear coils what would you recommend?

Thanks for your help!
 
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Have you tried searching the forum yet? There's a ton of good info out there, you should do your homework to narrow your inquires down to something that hasn't yet been asked before you post a thread.

That said, I know (from personal experience) that it can be overwhelming at times, as it often seems like everyone has a slightly different question than you.

I'm by no means an expert, but I've just gone through a similar process with my own new-to-me 02, so I'll give it a shot.

First, why do you want to replace the shocks and springs? Is the rear sagging? Do you want to improve the ride? Or are you just looking to do some preventive maintenance? I'm assuming your springs are stock, but what shocks are you currently running? When were they installed? Do you have reason to think they'll fail soon?

Unless you're having sag issues, if you're not looking for a lift, I wouldn't bother with new springs.

If you feel like the shocks should be replaced, 5100s are a good start. They work great on non-lifted trucks and allow for up to a 2" lift if you should ever decide to change your mind. Make sure to get ones for a 3rd Gen 4Runner. There's some info out there on old threads that will direct you to a different model (back before they made 3rd Gen specific shocks).
 
Thanks for the info! I did searching and it can get overwhelming. Everything is stock and the ride could be better and for preventive maintenance since I'm not sure when it should be changed out. Its at 188k so I'm assuming it should be change the shocks at least but not to sure about the front coils and rear coils.
 
If the truck isn't visibly sagging and you're not planning on hauling heavy loads, you should be fine. If you are planning on hauling, load the truck up with some weight to simulate what you'd haul, then see how it sits and handles on the road. If you don't like what you see, it might be time for new springs (in the rear at least).

If you want to keep the ride stock, get OEM springs. You can get those specific for your model year, or 99 springs which are an inch taller. Either way it'll run you about $170 new (for just the rear). New springs will handle a load better than old, but the stock set up isn't made for anything heavy. For that job you'll need something like OME 906s. Keep in mind that (in general) better a spring is for hauling, the harsher the ride is.
 
Oh ok.... I might just run the bilstein 5100 with it the 99 coils front and rear. What shocks are you running?
 
Front: stock coils / 4600s
Rear: 99 Talls / 5100s

I got a set of 99 Talls for the front sitting in the basement, but I want install them with 5100s (yet to be purchased) so I gotta hold off a bit. Been spending too much $$ on unnecessary upgrades in the past month.

You might also want to do a search for KYB shocks. IIRC, they give a stock-like ride.
 
Just picked up a 2002 4runner ...what would you recommend?

Thanks for your help!

Just pick up huh?

Have you read the Buyer's Guide?

If so you really should spend the time to find out if this vehicle has any of the common issues some of which can be deadly costly to deal with.

I'd Recommend looking at the age/condition of the radiator and consider replacing it if over 8 years old (check the age stamp on the top tank).

As Jidarin stated, the suspension may be just fine, the lbjs may not.

Luck and enjoy the runner. :cowboy:
 

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