At 250k Miles, This Suspension is Killing Me

[altreezy]

Hello all -

I have a 1997 SR5 2WD with 250k miles as my daily driver. I've had it for almost a year now but I think it's time to replace the suspension. After reading a lot of threads here I have decided to go with the Bilstein 5100 all around. I am in a pickle as to if I need new springs as well. Would the stock springs, at 250k miles, still hold up for another 25-30k or would it be wise to purchase new springs? I have no intention to hit any trails since this is my DD but I do want a quality ride. I will also address the bushings and lower ball joints at this time.

So keep the stock springs or replace them?

Here she is...

(She's a beaut, Clark)

 

[MtnT4R]

Do it right the first time, get new shocks AND springs. Your stock setup is now pretty much 20 years old.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66976-3rd-gen-4runner-lift-information-faqs.html

 

[JayRolla]

Most people that replace just the shocks on an old rig like this have negative feedback. I would get some new OEM 99 coils to pair with the bilsteins. You could save some money on the shocks by going with some OEM shocks. They tend to sell pretty cheap and the ride of OEM is pretty amazing. Not even Billy can touch OEM springs and shocks for ride quality IMO. Even the TRD Toyota's with stock Billys are known for rigid truck like ride quality as where the non TRD's had a smoother over all ride. But I think thats more the coil used than the shock.

 

[nobb]

I love my OME's because I prefer it stiff, but if you're looking for smoothness I would stay away from them.

 

[NotKewl]

Most people that replace just the shocks on an old rig like this have negative feedback. I would get some new OEM 99 coils to pair with the bilsteins. You could save some money on the shocks by going with some OEM shocks. They tend to sell pretty cheap and the ride of OEM is pretty amazing. Not even Billy can touch OEM springs and shocks for ride quality IMO. Even the TRD Toyota's with stock Billys are known for rigid truck like ride quality as where the non TRD's had a smoother over all ride.

Ditto!!! Old Man Emu are a great ride!

 

[JayRolla]

Ditto!!! Old Man Emu are a great ride!

I was talking OEM toyota coils are a good ride.

OME is a lot more stiff. I have ome up front on my rig and its pretty stiff. Loosened up with some weight from my winch but lost a good inch of lift.

 

[altreezy]

Most people that replace just the shocks on an old rig like this have negative feedback. I would get some new OEM 99 coils to pair with the bilsteins. You could save some money on the shocks by going with some OEM shocks. They tend to sell pretty cheap and the ride of OEM is pretty amazing. Not even Billy can touch OEM springs and shocks for ride quality IMO. Even the TRD Toyota's with stock Billys are known for rigid truck like ride quality as where the non TRD's had a smoother over all ride. But I think thats more the coil used than the shock.

The plan is if my DD ever goes out of commission I would like to swap the parts over to a 3rd gen. Which is why I want to go with the Bilstein.

 

[NotKewl]

I was talking OEM toyota coils are a good ride.

OME is a lot more stiff. I have ome up front on my rig and its pretty stiff. Loosened up with some weight from my winch but lost a good inch of lift.

HA! I guess I got a little dyslexic and saw OME instead of OEM . lol

Well I might be nucking futs, but I didn't find the Old Man Emu springs to be too stiff. Of course I had a ton of weight in the back end too.

 

[chanson]

I was in the same boat with my 99 T4R and bit the bullet and put in all new parts and I can't believe the difference in ride now.

That old 18 year old suspension needed some upgrades big time! :banana:

 

[altreezy]

I was in the same boat with my 99 T4R and bit the bullet and put in all new parts and I can't believe the difference in ride now.

That old 18 year old suspension needed some upgrades big time! :banana:

Nice upgrade! That's too rich for my blood.

 

[68whiskey]

That paint is in amazing shape for the age, was it ever painted? She's a good looking T4R. I have nothing to offer in terms of suspension because I'm in the exam same situation. I keep thinking OEM shocks and '99 coils. Still maintain the same quality ride, get a little lift/get rid of the sag. Mine is a DD as well. It would be able to handle come obstacles should the need arise, but still ride nice. Thats how I'm looking at it anyways.

 

[T4R2014]

Skip the Bilsteins and stiff ass OME springs. No need for that outback stuff if the closest you get to the outback is the steakhouse. Get KYB's and Moog springs if you don't want to buy OEM Toyota springs.

 

[BrianK14]

Moog suspension components have a pretty poor rep around here.


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[JZiggy]

I recently replaced my stock suspension with the following:

Bilstein 4600's
99 rear coils
Kept original front coils
New KYB strut mounts and OEM top bushings

Kept the ride height normal and it rides very well now. Not cushy, but I wouldn't say stiff or harsh. Feels controlled and I'm happy with it overall. The Bilstein 4600 kit was like $300 on eBay.

 

[altreezy]

That paint is in amazing shape for the age, was it ever painted? She's a good looking T4R. I have nothing to offer in terms of suspension because I'm in the exam same situation. I keep thinking OEM shocks and '99 coils. Still maintain the same quality ride, get a little lift/get rid of the sag. Mine is a DD as well. It would be able to handle come obstacles should the need arise, but still ride nice. Thats how I'm looking at it anyways.

The pait is all original. It has some spots on the roof that need some attention to but it's all original. When she gets a bath she really shines.
Regarding your suspension decision - Let me know what you have been contemplating on your setup.

 

[T4R2014]

Moog suspension components have a pretty poor rep around here.


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Sounds like a credible place. Moog ball joints suck, but the springs are great.

 

[reelamin]

Really??? It is dark out and I will show you some worn out suspension tomorrow! LOL....I have just over 250 on my 96. I WISH mine looked as good as yours! Mine washes and wallows all over the place. Oil all over struts and shocks. I just live with it...but it is getting so bad my snow chains won't clear. So, an investment is eminent if the engine keeps running. I just blew a radiator....so I hope it was only that. If after a few 1000 miles and she is running normal....I might spring for a new suspension. When i do it it will be all new shocks and springs....probably Old man EMU.

 

[amalik]

Really??? It is dark out and I will show you some worn out suspension tomorrow! LOL....I have just over 250 on my 96. I WISH mine looked as good as yours! Mine washes and wallows all over the place. Oil all over struts and shocks. I just live with it...but it is getting so bad my snow chains won't clear. So, an investment is eminent if the engine keeps running. I just blew a radiator....so I hope it was only that. If after a few 1000 miles and she is running normal....I might spring for a new suspension. When i do it it will be all new shocks and springs....probably Old man EMU.

Keep her goin brotha!

 

[BamaDrewski]

Hello all -

I have a 1997 SR5 2WD with 250k miles as my daily driver. I've had it for almost a year now but I think it's time to replace the suspension. After reading a lot of threads here I have decided to go with the Bilstein 5100 all around. I am in a pickle as to if I need new springs as well. Would the stock springs, at 250k miles, still hold up for another 25-30k or would it be wise to purchase new springs? I have no intention to hit any trails since this is my DD but I do want a quality ride. I will also address the bushings and lower ball joints at this time.

So keep the stock springs or replace them?

Here she is...

(She's a beaut, Clark)

I was in a similar situation as you and replaced with Bilsteins all around. I bought Moog rear springs at Advance with a 30% off code and also added the AirLift airbags in the rear. That was 3+ years ago and I am really pleased. Got a good deal on the AirLift on Amazon.com

 

[Franky_Dabbs]

There was a Re-call in 2002 for 96-98 T4R "Rear Suspension Components"

Before you spend your money on the rear suspension.. have you done a maintenance history check to see if your vehicle was ever maintenanced for the "Rear Suspension Re-call" in 2002 at a Toyota Dealer?? I just came across it in another thread..

Here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/48552-about-rear-sag-14.html

There's a link in the link above for you to type in your Vin to check.. if your vehicle does not pop up, you are still eligible to get your rear suspension fixed by your local Toyota dealer free of charge.

I called Toyota Corporate and they re-assured me that my local dealer has the obligation to fix this issue with no excuses and free of charge.. they called my local Toyota dealer while I was on hold and they set up an appointment for me to take my 20 year old T4R (1996 Sr5) in to get this re-call fixed.

This could save you a few bucks.. I know I could use that extra cash for the holidays.