2002 coil springs & things

[mooremedia]

I have an 02 4WD with aprox 143k mi. Time for new rear coil springs. This last trip, the rear was bottoming out more than usual.

The rear & front shocks are KYB MonoMAx with just 10k mi.

I don't know if the rear springs are original - not sure if you'd expect them to last this long.

Can you guys and gals help me with these questions:

1. Are you supposed to replace front and rear coils together? The front coils seem to be performing fine.

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2. Specifically regarding the rear coils, I am curious if it's typical to also replace the rear coil bumper and or the rear coil seat. See my current coil here:
https://www.mooremediaone.com/T4RorgForum/rearRightCoil.jpg

Do these parts have the same wear-rate as the coils? I know that the rear coil bumpers have seen some action lately from my last loaded (mild) off-road trip.

Diagram here from toyotapartsestore.com: https://www.mooremediaone.com/T4RorgForum/rearSuspensionDIA.png

The coil seats and the bumpers are not cheap!

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3. Replacement springs: I know the issue of getting 2002 OEM springs or the 1999 OEM springs has been discussed to death.

And understand that the 99's will be better for the way I use my Runner: Loaded (on road and off road) trips - sometimes also towing a light weight popup camper.

This final question concerns ordering the coils through my mechanic. (I am not the DIY type like many of you are )

Can I simply tell him to order the 99 coil spring for my 02 and that's it? I thought that there were different versions of the coil for 1999 - and am not sure if there is much of a difference.

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Thanks everyone, I appreciate your insight. If there are other aspects that you think I'm overlooking, please bring them up. I seek to learn from the community.

 

[phattyduck]

Those coil springs are almost guaranteed to be original. The rubber parts look good still, no worries there.

Well designed and made springs should last the life of the vehicle unless they rust out. Sadly, the rear springs on the 4Runner sag more than springs on most other Toyotas. They don't 'wear out' in the traditional sense, but if they lower the ride height a bit (from the already low height of an '02), you can hit the bump stops more than you should.

Weak shocks can also cause bottoming - if the shocks don't control the axle travel sufficiently, you can also get bottoming. This may be partially the case with your current shocks if they were designed for comfort, even though they are new.

How much room between the overload bumper and the axle do you have (inside the coil spring)? How much room do you have to the bumper on the frame?

There are many threads on here for the right part number for the rear '99 coils that will get you up to the highest stock height...

-Charlie

 

[mooremedia]

Thanks Charlie,

Is it a mistake to just replace the Rear coils with the 99's? Would that create any problems with resulting rake?

Also:
"coils that will get you up to the highest stock height" - I'm glad you mentioned this because I'm not interested in doing a full lift - and this part of your reply articulates my priority exactly.

 

[Rayford]

Very similar question as OP. I need to replace rear shocks, coils, and the lateral control arm on my 1997 SR5. I am going with the tall 1999 coils, Bilstein 4600 shocks. I want it pretty close to stock, but I usually carry tools and gear in the back so looking for a little more support.

I would like to do the work myself- how long will this take me and a motivated buddy? Do I need any special tools? Am I likely to run into "unforseen problems" that will leave the vehicle incapacitated in my buddy's garage?

Also any recommendations on where to order (vendors) is appreciated.

 

[phattyduck]

Thanks Charlie,

Is it a mistake to just replace the Rear coils with the 99's? Would that create any problems with resulting rake?

Also:
"coils that will get you up to the highest stock height" - I'm glad you mentioned this because I'm not interested in doing a full lift - and this part of your reply articulates my priority exactly.

If you are happy with the front ride height, you can keep those springs, no problem. An inch or two of rake doesn't look bad and will work better when loaded down, back to level.

Replacing rear springs is quite easy. I did it this weekend to 10mm rear trim packers in to get a *touch* of rear height back since doing the 4WD swap added weight on the stock springs. Took about 1.5 hours, and I work fairly slow.

I also did a small spacer on the front, and that seems to be where more of my bottoming issues came from. The rear hard bump stops don't show any marks on the axle, but the front bump stops have been touching the frame. Overall, it has definitely improved the ride, and it was just ~5-.75" in the front and ~3/8" in the rear.

-Charlie

 

[mooremedia]

Follow up: Read springs installed

Just a follow up and a thanks to all that chimed in on this thread.

I ended up having a pair of Old Man Emu springs installed on the rear only.
These: (https://www.toyteclifts.com/ome-96024r-old-man-emu-rear-coils-96-02-4runner.html)

I brought the springs (unopened) to my local mechanic, they installed them, no issue.

I was able to keep the shocks that were already installed, so the entire process was a simple rear coils swap-out.

So, I've never experienced OME coils before, and, wow -where I have I been? The ride is so solid and firm, not harsh, and they just stay that way under a full load or no load.

The rear is now about 1.5 to 2 inches higher, but doesn't look odd or weird.

Its been about 6 months since the install, and several loaded trips. The old 02 drives like she's new. OME springs and coils highly recommended.

 

[HighDesert4Banger]

Glad to hear you found a good solution, MM. I've got 151k on my 98' and was just down in Santa Fe Toyota yesterday getting my rear coils, bump stops, bumper springs(?) swapped out for free There was a recall the original owner never took advantage of. I already had new stock rear shocks, but had no idea my coils sucked so bad. The ride in back is like a new car, friggin' amazing difference.
New Mexico shoutout to the dudes down there who also did a killer valve job on my 3rz; cyl head looks brand new, much better up hills, shifting lower rpms etc Strangely, I'm more psyched about the rear suspension; feels like me own butt is lifted an inch while in the driver's seat.

 

[Tyler James Inc]

So glad your choice was a good one that you're happy with! I have limited experience with OME coils, but I agree with you- they are great springs [emoji1360]