A (hopefully) unique suspension question

[hearno]

In the last 4 years, I've owned 2 4th gens, 1 5th gen, and 3 3rd gen 4Runners. I know the 4ths and 5ths back and front. The 3rds for some reason, I never own long enough to get to know much about. This has changed, I'd like to think. I recently scored a nice 3rd for cheap. I plan on making it a travel vehicle for the woman and me and our two dogs. Mostly towing my mc trailer to track days or heading out for a weekend adventure. MILD off roading, dirt roads, easy trails etc. It has 225k miles on it and the suspension needs a refresh. I'll be putting a/t tires on it, I don't plan on going bigger than the 265/75 16s it has on it now. To get to the question - I want to replace/upgrade the suspension without necessarily lifting the truck. I would like a mostly comfortable ride since we'll be going distances with it. I would like to level the front end with the rear though. Also, the 265/75s are slightly taller than stock and while the tires on it now fit, I'm worried that new duratracs might rub. I don't want to replace UCAs, I don't want to trim anything to fit, I don't want to replace the panhard bar which I think is more common a thing on the 3rds? What would you do to accomplish these goals? I priced new OEM parts and it's almost $800 for springs and shocks, I figured I'd add a daystar spacer to level everything out and then I'd be good with the new tires. BUT... for $800, I could get a lower end suspension lift kit, like this - 3" lift ToyTec/Bilstein kit for 96-02 4Runner and skip the daystar. Input would be appreciated.

 

[nat103]

Old man emu springs and bilstein 5100s

 

[HiluxSurf SSR-G]

You don't need the Toytec 3" lift kit because:

1. You don't need a 3" lift for 32" tires (265/75R16). The stock 1996-2000 4WD 4Runner can accommodate those tires without lifting. You'll be paying for something to do things that you don't need (3" lift for 32" tires).

2. You don't want to replace the UCAs and the panhard rod. With a 3" lift, you it is recommended to replace those parts.


My recommendation:

1. Front suspension:
--- 1996-2002 4Runner Bilstein 5100 shocks with the perch set at the lowest setting. This setting is equivalent to the stock spring perch position.
--- 1999 4Runner tall springs for comfort ride and about 1" lift, or,
--- 2000-2006 Tundra Bilstein 5100 shocks with the perch set at the lowest setting. These shocks are a bit firmer than the 1996-2002 4Runner Bilstein 5100s
--- 2000-2006 TRD Tundra (YY-YB) springs for a little bit firmer ride than stock and about 2" of lift

2. Rear suspension:
--- 1996-2002 4Runner Bilstein 5100 shocks
--- 1999 4Runner tall springs + the oem rubber bump stops inside the top end of the coils, or,
--- OME 2906 springs for a firmer ride (some say that this results in a harsh ride without cargo at the back) with about 2" lift. This will help with your towing needs.

... I plan on making it a travel vehicle for the woman and me and our two dogs. Mostly towing my mc trailer to track days or heading out for a weekend adventure. MILD off roading, dirt roads, easy trails etc. It has 225k miles on it and the suspension needs a refresh. I'll be putting a/t tires on it, I don't plan on going bigger than the 265/75 16s it has on it now. To get to the question - I want to replace/upgrade the suspension without necessarily lifting the truck. I would like a mostly comfortable ride since we'll be going distances with it. I would like to level the front end with the rear though. Also, the 265/75s are slightly taller than stock and while the tires on it now fit, I'm worried that new duratracs might rub.
...BUT... for $800, I could get a lower end suspension lift kit, like this - 3" lift ToyTec/Bilstein kit for 96-02 4Runner and skip the daystar. Input would be appreciated.

 

[hearno]

You don't need the Toytec 3" lift kit because:

That's what I was looking for. To confirm, for the front - if I go with the Tundra struts, I have to use the Tundra springs, correct?

For the rear - the tall springs are from the 99 Highlander, correct?

 

[HiluxSurf SSR-G]

although the tundra springs will fit on the 1996-2002 4Runner shocks or the 4Runner springs on the tundra shocks, the valving is not an exact match, but there are several here in this forum who have used the 1999 tall coil springs on the tundra shocks

I forgot to mention that you'll need to use the tundra rubber isolator for the tundra springs.

The 1999 tall coil springs (front and rear) are from the 1999-2000 4Runner Highlander edition

That's what I was looking for. To confirm, for the front - if I go with the Tundra struts, I have to use the Tundra springs, correct?

For the rear - the tall springs are from the 99 Highlander, correct?

 

[Killer Squirrel]

This is the same route I'm going and I have been off and on researching (I am 265/75/16 A/T and want just a little lift). I'm pretty sure I'm going '99 springs and 4Runner Bilsteins up front, but I'm still not sure on the rear. I plan on building a rear cargo/sleeping platform and keep it in there most of the time, but really want a somewhat comfortable ride since it will be mostly a long distance camping rig and pulling my kayak/utility trailer. I know I need something taller in the back to compensate for the sag from the extra weight of the rear platform and gear, is the OME still the best option or is there another set of springs that will give a decent ride even if the cargo platform is removed for a regular 4 person road trip?

 

[Kbuch1]

KS,
I am taking this same route.
Have the front 99 tall springs and Bilstein 5100 4Runner.
Leaning OME 906, to get 2 inch rear lift with extra load capacity vs ride of 99 Tallis in the rear with future sag potential.
Don't want to lift too much as my kids drive it more.