Another suspension thread, but now I'm buying.

[TejasRunner01]

How much have you driven since using the new springs? And how was it compressing the springs on the front? One of the benefits for me with the OME or ToyTec kit is that I can get the front assembled, making the change much, much easier. Although it would be nice to save about 700 dollars with the route that you went.

I have driven it around 500 miles. It was my first time using a spring compressor and it really wasn't difficult. Lots of videos on how to use it. I wouldn't spend more money just to keep from having to use it.

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[68whiskey]

I have driven it around 500 miles. It was my first time using a spring compressor and it really wasn't difficult. Lots of videos on how to use it. I wouldn't spend more money just to keep from having to use it.

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How difficult was the upper bolt on the rear shocks?

 

[TejasRunner01]

That's bogus; you can absolutely get a nice soft ride in a 3rd gen! The 4th gen and up might have more sound deadening, but as far as actual ride, you could definitely make a 3rd gen ride comparable to a "4th gen+". Like you said though- suspension is very subjective, and up to the person's preference.
OP-
You make it sound like you want a firm ride for the trails- why is that? Generally speaking- firmer is better for on-road handling, and softer is better for off-road. That being said, you need to have your spring rates correct for the weight you're carrying. If you have lots of steel armor, you'll want a higher spring rate than if you're maintaining a mostly-stock weight.
The rear coils are super easy to swap, and I think 5th gen rear coils might be a good option for you. You can usually pick up rear 5th gen coils with super low miles on Craigslist for cheap. They're made for a slightly heavier rig, so they have a higher spring rate.
To swap rear coils, you just pull the bottom of the shocks off, pull the end links off at the frame, jack one side up, and the drooping side coil will fall out. Using that method, I had zero issue getting my tall 3.75" lift Superflex coils in.

Thanks for your input. As far as suspension goes, in my research I haven't heard anybody say they had soft suspension. However I can always be wrong! I was under the impression the tire wall size would be the thing to make it take bumps greater. That is assuming of course that you have some sort of fresh suspension of any kind.

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[SoFloT4R]

I personally had no problem compressing the springs for the front. Just make sure theyre lined up properly on the shock. The rear top snapped like twigs coming off.

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[68whiskey]

Just talked to a tech from Low Range Offroad. Their light load 2" OME lift kit comes with 880s in the front and 890s in the rear with their "soft" shocks. ToyTec had the 890s listed as 3" rather than the chart that ARB provides which shows the 890 at 2". Basically, this kit will give about 1.5" up front and 2" in the rear.

I also asked about trim packers. I had originally planned on getting one for the drivers side to keep from leaning. He had stated that 4Runners do not lean like Tacomas do, and that if my truck isn't leaning now, it most certainly won't with stiffer springs. I was also told that with a lift this minor, a from diff drop is not necessary, saving another 30 or so.

They also don't charge for shipping or the cost of assembling the front struts/springs, you simply pay for the top mounts. In short, the kit minus the front diff drop kit and shipping is $931 with PA tax, where from ToyTec it was $1055 I believe, with the recommended diff drop kit. So, a little over 100 bucks saved.

I hope this research helps someone else looking to do something similar in the future. Thanks for everyones help, and feel free to chime in if you feel the above
information is not correct. Thanks.

Link to ARB size chart for OME suspension:https://v2uploads.zopim.io/2/H/8/2H8GP3OCsflnRcDy9UYZB1FasnnSaGCz/c694b3dcdc1660eaea1f3b8e826be655b2bdc3db.png

Link to Low Range Off-Road OME Kit:
http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/toyota-off-road-parts/1996-2002-4runner-surf-sw4/suspension-kits/1996-2002-toyota-4runner-old-man-emu-suspension-lift-kit-light-load-ome4ru96lksb.html

 

[TejasRunner01]

How difficult was the upper bolt on the rear shocks?

So you have to take everything said on these forums with a grain of salt as far as dramatization goes lol. Yes there wasn't a bunch of room, however I had no problems getting a 3/4 inch ratchet and socket up there. It might be nice to have an extra hand to hold the shock body as it might turn as you loosen the bolt. It took me about 15 minutes.

How difficult was the upper bolt on the rear shocks?

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[68whiskey]

So you have to take everything said on these forums with a grain of salt as far as dramatization goes lol. Yes there wasn't a bunch of room, however I had no problems getting a 3/4 inch ratchet and socket up there. It might be nice to have an extra hand to hold the shock body as it might turn as you loosen the bolt. It took me about 15 minutes.



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Yeah, everything is subjective. I guess I've heard it from both ends of the spectrum in terms of difficulty. Only one way to find out for myself, and I will when this kit arrives. Thanks for your input.

 

[TejasRunner01]

Yeah, everything is subjective. I guess I've heard it from both ends of the spectrum in terms of difficulty. Only one way to find out for myself, and I will when this kit arrives. Thanks for your input.

Does your truck have rust on it? Mine doesn't really do that may have been a factor

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[68whiskey]

Does your truck have rust on it? Mine doesn't really do that may have been a factor

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Hardly any at all. Some surface rust on the metal surrounding the gas tank, but pretty much every bolt underneath is clean rust free. Of course I can't see the shock bolt right now so I can't be 100% sure, but I'm thinking its fine.

 

[TejasRunner01]

Yeah I'm sure you will be fine. Goodluck sir. Pm me if you need help. I found Timmy the tool man's video on YouTube to be helpful

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[68whiskey]

Yeah I'm sure you will be fine. Goodluck sir. Pm me if you need help. I found Timmy the tool man's video on YouTube to be helpful

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Thanks man, i appreciate it.

 

[Tyler James Inc]

I thought the upper shock mounts would be easier to get to with the axle dropped down, but- after doing it with the suspension loaded- I found that isn't the case!
The upper shock nuts aren't difficult in my opinion either. 17mm socket on a 1/2" ratchet worked perfect for me. Once you break it loose, you can just spin the shock body out. Really not tough at all. I think having the spare tire out might be necessary.
I swapped shocks with the rig on all 4 tires, and found this was the easiest of all the methods I've used in the past. I've done shocks 6 times now between my '97 and '01.

 

[tx_shooter]

Do you have the 3" ToyTec/Bilstein kit?

Yes, think it is the Ultimate kit but they are all really good. @tex just put ToyTec under his 5th gen 4runner and loves it as well.