97 Shocks and struts replacement question

[02SE]

That's my exact suspension as well. New stock height springs (not OEM though, too pricey), I'm pretty happy with it.

You forgot to mention that KYB's are way cheaper than other brands and they last (unlike Monroe). That's what sold them for me.

No, I didn't forget. There are certainly more expensive options, but there are also a lot of cheaper options.

There are lots of opinions on shocks out there. I just based my choice on my own experience with products when I worked in consumer car repair. And the opinions of friends that still do.

At any rate, after a couple days since I installed everything, I'm pleased with the outcome.

 

[2nd3rdGen]

Sounds like you definitely want OEM.. when I switched to stock replacement Bilsteins, the ride was firmer, nice and controlled, but firmer. Plus you know you like the ride already in your wifes truck, so real world experience is hard to beat there, and new parts are probably going to ride even nicer than those old ones.

Also seems its going to be difficult to find any differences in ride characteristics between the two OEM choices, unless you can find someone that has tried both out in person..

That being said, I would opt for the OEM part # with the smaller price tag!!

 

[02SE]

I will look into replacement springs. I don't think I have a problem with rear sag. Even with a trailer and a decent load it remains pretty level. But, worth looking into while I'm pulling things apart.

All springs eventually sag. I had sag all around. The springs sagged pretty evenly, so it still sat level, just lower than when new. With little suspension travel left, it would ride harsh over bumps.

Now it's back up at original ride height, and rides much better, since the suspension isn't constantly bottoming out.

I might just keep the old 4Runner for another 18 years.

 

[fblainen11]

I think I've settled on 5100s up front and OEM in the back and pick up some new springs for the rear.

 

[gamefreakgc]

If you're getting a lot of side to side sway, look to replace the bushings on the sway bar end links front and back and the sway bar bushings on the bar itself if they are mashed to bits. Adds even more stability at highway speeds.

 

[fblainen11]

If you're getting a lot of side to side sway, look to replace the bushings on the sway bar end links front and back and the sway bar bushings on the bar itself if they are mashed to bits. Adds even more stability at highway speeds.

Not getting any sway, but my bushings are shot and I am ordering some soon. I also have power steering bushings that are sitting around that will be replaced when I do the shocks and struts.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Not getting any sway, but my bushings are shot and I am ordering some soon. I also have power steering bushings that are sitting around that will be replaced when I do the shocks and struts.

Surprisingly, changing the sway bar bushings made more of a difference than the shocks for mine! And cost like $20.

I did the steering rack bushings but didn't like the outcome. It will make it really stiff and you'll feel every little bump through the wheel. Unless you can visibly see the rack move side to side when someone is turning the wheel, you might not like the outcome.

My rack failed and I've got a new one in the garage. I will not be putting the poly bushings on the new one.

 

[Bstrom]

Surprisingly, changing the sway bar bushings made more of a difference than the shocks for mine! And cost like $20.

I did the steering rack bushings but didn't like the outcome. It will make it really stiff and you'll feel every little bump through the wheel. Unless you can visibly see the rack move side to side when someone is turning the wheel, you might not like the outcome.

Nice thread on some key areas of inspection I need to make on my '99 Limited with 184k. Runs and drives like a new vehicel, but it isn't obviously. If any of these wear areas show up I'll have a little front end maintenance for Spring 2016.

 

[ralatkins]

Total speculation, but it seems to me that SR5's tend to sit a little higher/differently than Limiteds. I've only seem limited and base models ever sag, not so much with SR5's.

Then again, it just might be the fender flares that throw me off.

Try calling a Toyota dealership and see what they say.

I have a 97 SR5 and it's ass in the grass lol...... at least I have the fix on a big brown truck