5k update on Moog springs and KYB shocks set up

[TejasRunner01]

Hey guys I just wanted to give a 5,000 mile update for all of you wondering how the Moog and KYB suspension set up has been. I have 97 sr5 that had been on the factory suspension for 172k miles. Here is my current setup:

Moog springs 81401 and 81088
KYB gas a just shock kit
New sway bar bushings

Total: $330 with self installation (5 hours).

It brought me to a little taller than the 99 tall springs would have. This suspension set up is on the firm side but to me it feels great.

 

[TejasRunner01]

The springs are still great 10k miles later!

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[absalom]

Loving my Moog 99 tall fronts, the backs are just as weak as OEM springs tho. Highly recommend the 906's out back if you ever carry more than a box of tissues.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Also happy with the KYB gas-a-just shocks and struts, though I went with slightly stiffer no-name springs from Rockauto and they have held up very, very well despite towing and extremely heavy load in the back (500+ lbs).

 

[boma23]

Are these the linear rate Moog springs? as opposed to the rising rate ones they do? numbers look familiar

If so I've got them paired with the KYN Monomax heavy duty shocks, and yes they are very firm on harsh surfaces at low speed, like rutted concrete, but the truck now also out-handles most standard family cars through the twisties, even though it it's on 32" Hankook ATs! It has serious grip, and the tyres are wearing evenly despite my attempts to round them off.

Lots of control off road too, although that firmness can make it feel a little uncompliant at times. Maybe a very slight sag in the rear after 2 yrs, but still sits level, and no noticeable loss of performance either.

I can't imagine a better budget choice, if you're OK with a firm low speed ride. I've just bought Monomax fronts again (up to 2" lift) for my 2nd gen, with Eibach rears (no +2" option for the rears in the Monomax for some reason), fitting them soon and will report back.

 

[TejasRunner01]

I completely agree with all of your statements! If I need to tow or carry a large load, I would be needing a more heavy duty rear spring. The front strut combo seems to be great however. This has to be the best budget setup that there is. By the way, I have about 200 lbs of gear in the back of the truck in the latest picture!

I am actually unsure if these are the linear rate springs. Sorry!

 

[gamefreakgc]

I completely agree with all of your statements! If I need to tow or carry a large load, I would be needing a more heavy duty rear spring. The front strut combo seems to be great however. This has to be the best budget setup that there is. By the way, I have about 200 lbs of gear in the back of the truck in the latest picture!

I am actually unsure if these are the linear rate springs. Sorry!

They are linear, I don't know if I've seen very many progressive rate springs for the rear, only thicker gauge coils like what I got. Even it will sag if I put gobs of weight back there (which I have).

 

[TejasRunner01]

Update.. 20k miles later, still happy with my choice. No lean or sags and would do this again if I was never going to need to tow a small trailer.

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[Boognish96]

Looking at doing this same setup as it is very budget friendly. Are you still happy with it? I use my Runner (1996) primarily for hunting and scouting and at times carry a solid bit of gear, how much weight do you get in before you start to sag? to be fair anything would be better than what I'm running now which is the fully original suspension. lol. Thanks.

 

[TejasRunner01]

Looking at doing this same setup as it is very budget friendly. Are you still happy with it? I use my Runner (1996) primarily for hunting and scouting and at times carry a solid bit of gear, how much weight do you get in before you start to sag? to be fair anything would be better than what I'm running now which is the fully original suspension. lol. Thanks.

Well this is obviously a bit late on the response, I was very happy with it while I had my rig. I sold it ( wish I never did ).

I think a couple hundred pounds of gear you will be in just fine. These were not heavy duty rated so if you need to tow, these probably aren't the best. For carrying camping gear and regular travels, these are great for the money.

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[Blute]

Hey can you confirm the part numbers on those Moog springs? At RockAuto it shows #81041 for the rears. Thanks!

Hey guys I just wanted to give a 5,000 mile update for all of you wondering how the Moog and KYB suspension set up has been. I have 97 sr5 that had been on the factory suspension for 172k miles. Here is my current setup:

Moog springs 81401 and 81088
KYB gas a just shock kit
New sway bar bushings

Total: $330 with self installation (5 hours).

It brought me to a little taller than the 99 tall springs would have. This suspension set up is on the firm side but to me it feels great.

 

[Drew76]

Hey can you confirm the part numbers on those Moog springs? At RockAuto it shows #81041 for the rears. Thanks!

That is the right # for the rears

 

[shadow247]

Hey can you confirm the part numbers on those Moog springs? At RockAuto it shows #81041 for the rears. Thanks!

Honesty just spend a little extra for the OME 906's. These are known for sagging out. The 906s are a little bit stiffer, but will sag a whole lot less over time.


I am on my 3rd suspension setup on this 2001 Limited.

Original was Stock Rear Springs with Sensatrac shocks - Rode like absolute ass and bottomed out everwhere. Front was Monroe QuickStruts. Front was about an inch higher than the rear.

2nd Setup - 5th Gen Rear Springs and KYB Monomax (red) shocks. Better, but still not great. Rear was level with the Front with KYB Monomax and the Monroe Springs. Harsh, wallowy, and unconfident in curves. I hated driving on backroads.

3rd Setup. OME NitroCharger 861/906's. Front CV's are flat, rear about inch above. I also put in a Panhard Correction Kit and set it so the panhard is perfectly level at ride height. I just spend 4 days driving backroads all over Oklahoma and Arkansas and it was amazing.

I would also recommend getting SPC arms and dialing your caster to about 3.8 to 4.2 degrees. This will give you a much better on road feel. OEM caster is a little low on these trucks, feels like a sports car with the caster at 4.2!