Are new springs really needed?

[sb253]

Hey guys. Im getting ready to do shocks, tires, OEM LBJ's/ITE/OTE's. My 4runner sits a height I like and doesnt have any rear sag, so is there a reason to replace springs? I understand new springs will have 0 miles on them and Ill be into the suspension already, but id rather do the steering maintenance and ball joints with my left over budget after tires and shocks. I come from a racing/sports car background and have really only purchased coilovers and have never had to buy springs and shocks separately. If I have access to a shop and lift, it wont be a big deal to install OME's or 99's in the future if I decide I want a small lift.

Will I be fine with throwing new shocks at it, or will I have still have the "gooey" feeling if I dont replace the springs?

Thanks

 

[jasonoflivingston]

As long as your springs aren't heavily rusted out, damaged, or saggy, I don't think it would be a bit deal at all to just replace the shocks. Others will chime in I am sure.

 

[Bama_Runner]

If you are trying to save some cash and your current springs aren't sagging you should be fine with just shocks. I went with just shocks on mine with my sagging springs for a few months before I replaced springs and it was a big improvement.

 

[BrianSD_42]

After 150K miles .... I would FOR SURE replace the springs and the shocks. Do them together.

I don't have specific evidence but since you have to take the front apart to get to the shocks that is the best time to replace the springs, not 2 years later.

 

[Gerdo]

Honestly the fronts usually are don't have sag issues. The rears do. Is the rear lower, the same or higher than the front? Stock, the rear should be about an inch higher. Also (crawl under the back of the rig) how much space is between the big rubber cone inside the coils and the bottom of the spring perch? When this hits, that is that hard hit on bumps.

"Gooey feeling", good shocks will fix that. Cheap shocks won't. I put the M brand shocks on mine, took them off after a week. I went Bilsteins and have put Bilsteins on all my vehicles since, even my new F150 with 5000 miles. Yes they ride great and increase handling.

This is the perfect time to do a suspension lift (with longer shocks) if you ever think you will want to lift it.

 

[sb253]

Thanks for the replies, guys