Best value suspension refresh for on road use?

[TFin04]

Hi guys,

Picking up a well cared for 2002 tomorrow with 220k on the clock. It has some rear end sag and is just generally worn out and I'd like to clean up the suspension.

This isn't going to be built for off road use. Our goal is to drive it for a year or two and bank some money from the payments we're making on a current vehicle, then decide whether to invest that money back into this 4r or buy something bigger like a GX470.

I was going to do OME 880/906 with 5100's all around (priced from Wheeler to be around $750 total), but I was wondering if there are better value options. I know the 99 talls are popular but they seem to cost just as much or more as the OME springs.

It's a daily driver, and taken down some two tracks here and there, and it's going to get my favorite highway tires (Michelin MS2) in 265/75/16. 1-2" lift over stock in fine, but I don't need more than that. It will be heavily loaded for a road trip or two, and I'm considering just adding cheap airbags to the rear for those occasions.

How would you spend your money on this truck? Fluids, LBJ's, Tundra brakes and other common things are already budgeted for.

 

[AntleredRuin]

I'd start with 99 Tall Moog rear springs. Under $40 for a pair on amazon

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[JayRolla]

Hi guys,

Picking up a well cared for 2002 tomorrow with 220k on the clock. It has some rear end sag and is just generally worn out and I'd like to clean up the suspension.

This isn't going to be built for off road use. Our goal is to drive it for a year or two and bank some money from the payments we're making on a current vehicle, then decide whether to invest that money back into this 4r or buy something bigger like a GX470.

I was going to do OME 880/906 with 5100's all around (priced from Wheeler to be around $750 total), but I was wondering if there are better value options. I know the 99 talls are popular but they seem to cost just as much or more as the OME springs.

It's a daily driver, and taken down some two tracks here and there, and it's going to get my favorite highway tires (Michelin MS2) in 265/75/16. 1-2" lift over stock in fine, but I don't need more than that. It will be heavily loaded for a road trip or two, and I'm considering just adding cheap airbags to the rear for those occasions.

How would you spend your money on this truck? Fluids, LBJ's, Tundra brakes and other common things are already budgeted for.

Ome ride stiff no madder the shock. I would do 99 talls with those shocks or oem shocks.

 

[Spunky1]

Hi guys,

Picking up a well cared for 2002 tomorrow with 220k on the clock. It has some rear end sag and is just generally worn out and I'd like to clean up the suspension.

This isn't going to be built for off road use. Our goal is to drive it for a year or two and bank some money from the payments we're making on a current vehicle, then decide whether to invest that money back into this 4r or buy something bigger like a GX470.

I was going to do OME 880/906 with 5100's all around (priced from Wheeler to be around $750 total), but I was wondering if there are better value options. I know the 99 talls are popular but they seem to cost just as much or more as the OME springs.

It's a daily driver, and taken down some two tracks here and there, and it's going to get my favorite highway tires (Michelin MS2) in 265/75/16. 1-2" lift over stock in fine, but I don't need more than that. It will be heavily loaded for a road trip or two, and I'm considering just adding cheap airbags to the rear for those occasions.

How would you spend your money on this truck? Fluids, LBJ's, Tundra brakes and other common things are already budgeted for.

I just did this refresh on both of my 4Rs. They are also daily drivers and never go off road (2wd). I got overwhelmed looking through all the suspension recommendations that all seem to cost close to $750-1000. Figured I would just try the cheap route and see for myself. I know this is NOT a popular choice on this forum but what the heck. So i purchased the shocks and springs for the rear to see if that would fix the sag. I thought anything new would be better than the worn out and sagging setup I had. I am very happy with the result. Big improvement and for the cost it's a win win situation. Installed them myself with help from a friend in about an hour with hand tools only. We also trimmed the bump stops one notch. Rides so much better for about $100. This gave me 2 inches in the rear and definetly fixed the sag. Im sure they will settle a bit. I will have to wait and see how long this lasts but I think this will buy me some time until I can upgrade. I was planning on replacing the front as well and will probably do Moog with something similar to OEM shocks. But honestly it rides so much better I feel I can delay the front a little longer now. I do plan on selling mine eventually and upgrading to a 4wd at which time I will sink some money into a real lift and proper suspension. Just my opinion. Let me know what ya think or if I can answer any questions.

Here are the parts and some pics


48531-80693 Shock absorber (rear) from Toyota dealership for about $60 for the pair

Moog 81041 Coil spring set rear (similar to talls) for about $35 for the pair off Amazon

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[whyzee125]

I agree with the above advice. Moog 99 tall springs, OEM or KYB shocks, and matching struts for the front. OEM shocks are quite good and will ride well and last a long time.

 

[absalom]

OEM talls (Genuine, not aftermarket), OEM shocks, and then check out the link in my signature titled Lift Advice. There is a complete guide to OEM refresh on first page!

 

[Xntrik7]

I agree with JayRolla. The most smooth ride would be OEM coils with the OEM Tokico shocks. Another good alternative to the Tokicos would be KYB. I had Tokico struts and KYB shocks when I first purchased the 4Runner and the ride was really smooth.

 

[NegroTundra]

I use my 4runner in pretty much the same fashion as what you've oulilned. I did 99 talls (toyota) and kyb shocks with air bags in rear. Love the set up.

 

[phattyduck]

Bilstein 4600's are a good stock-style option too. Maybe small spring spacer in the rear and leave the rest completely stock.

Check for worn bushings, etc. to improve ride quality too.

-Charlie

 

[tystaco]

I was going to do OME 880/906 with 5100's all around (priced from Wheeler to be around $750 total), but I was wondering if there are better value options. I know the 99 talls are popular but they seem to cost just as much or more as the OME springs.

It's a daily driver, and taken down some two tracks here and there, and it's going to get my favorite highway tires (Michelin MS2) in 265/75/16. 1-2" lift over stock in fine, but I don't need more than that. It will be heavily loaded for a road trip or two, and I'm considering just adding cheap airbags to the rear for those occasions.

I went through Wheelers and got the exact same set up and I really like it. I don't think it is stiff at all, so I think that really depends on what you are accustom to (for me an '04 Tacoma since 2011).

The 906's so far in the rear have held up great to almost always having a 60lb dog in the cargo area and a bike or two on the hitch rack. No more sag.

For cost, there may be better solutions out there, but as far as ride quality goes, I personally think my rigs cruise the roadways quite nicely.

 

[TFin04]

I went through Wheelers and got the exact same set up and I really like it. I don't think it is stiff at all, so I think that really depends on what you are accustom to (for me an '04 Tacoma since 2011).

The 906's so far in the rear have held up great to almost always having a 60lb dog in the cargo area and a bike or two on the hitch rack. No more sag.

For cost, there may be better solutions out there, but as far as ride quality goes, I personally think my rigs cruise the roadways quite nicely.

I'm driving a 2011 Xterra with OME HD springs and E rated tires. It is....very firm. So the OME stuff probably wouldn't bother me at all. I'm more looking for cheaper price now, but it seems the aftermarket stuff isn't all that great. May still land at 880/906 afterall.

 

[yella]

I am also doing the moog springs with KYB shocks all around. Also have a set of airbags for the back as I haul a dirt bike and carry tools.

My head just stopped spinning from the amount of opinions and options out there. My advice, pick a budget, and find something that fits that budget; along with asking yourself "what do I use the vehicle for". No need to go 3" lift with all the best suspension out there if this is an on-road vehicle; and you said you were saving money. So dont go crazy with new parts.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Soulman]

I like this option a lot. Looking to refresh the suspension on my daughter's 98 with 225K. So what is a decent but inexpensive option for the front that would match this set up (Moog Talls/OEM or KYB shocks) well? Does Moog make a tall for the front? Anyone have a part number or better yet some experience with this set up on all four corners?

 

[TFin04]

I like this option a lot. Looking to refresh the suspension on my daughter's 98 with 225K. So what is a decent but inexpensive option for the front that would match this set up (Moog Talls/OEM or KYB shocks) well? Does Moog make a tall for the front? Anyone have a part number or better yet some experience with this set up on all four corners?

I just ordered ACDelco 99 springs and KYB'd fromRock Auto. I checked part numbers against a 2002 4runner list on Rock, and they were different.

No idea if ACD is any better than Moog, but since Moog doesn't get great marks around here, and I have used a lot of ACD stuff on a GM truck, I went that route. Plan to install this week.

 

[yella]

take before and after measurements.
some Moog parts don't get good reviews, others are fine.

I have some conflicting reviews on the rear springs. some people say they sagged within a year, others were running them for 3 years with no issues. I figure for the price, and the fact that I will have airbags, I cant go wrong for within my budget.

 

[Soulman]

Anyone have any input for a low budget FRONT suspension refresh to go with these rear options?

 

[yella]

Again, im doing Moog / KYB fronts as well. For the price and my usage, i think it will work well


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sc0rp]

How has the Moog/KYB setup held up for you? Thanks.

 

[tee-bone]

Considering that you aren't looking to get this to last forever, moog-talls and whatever shock (KYB/Tokiko/etc.) floats your boat at all four corners seems like just the ticket.

I did OEM-talls and Bilstein 4600 HDs at all four corners. I am happy with it, but if I only was looking to get 2-3 years out of it, all on the road, I'd have gone with a cheaper option (although you can find the billy's are pretty cheap too).

 

[BrianSD_42]

Our goal is to drive it for a year or two and bank some money from the payments we're making on a current vehicle, then decide whether to invest that money back into this 4r or buy something bigger like a GX470.

If you are only keeping it for 1-2 years then I wouldn't spend more than $500 on front and rear suspension parts. Something cheap from Napa or Bilstein that is a direct factory replacement for 99 (talls) springs and shocks. Definitely no need for a lift. That trucks are very capable at stock height with the running boards removed. And a lift will only lower the value.