Billstein 4600's + '99 Highlander Coil Springs OK?

[eric_rosenwald]

I have a 2000 T4R 4WD 6-cyl with the ORIGINAL coil springs and shocks. The shocks are shot, of course. It's my daily driver, but I go 4-wheeling about once a month with a lot of weight.

Is it OK if I get those new (48231-35210 ) coils just on the rear, along with all 4 new Billstein shocks?

So I'm going with:

Billstein 4600's on all 4 wheels
nut / bushing kit to go with the new shocks

Both Rear Springs - Yellow / Red (48231 - 35210) --- I realized that this would be perfect for my uses. I read a lot about how the '99 Highlander springs are good for a bit of lift on the rear, especially considering the fact that I often carry a lot of weight.

***Is it OK to just replace the rear springs?

Does this sound like a good setup? Do I need to buy anything else? I'm taking them in to a mechanic to install.

 

[shiftmx]

Those coils do not hold weight very well. The set up will work though, if that is what you want.

 

[shadow247]

Put this airbag kit on instead - Amazon.com: AIR LIFT 60743 1000 Series Rear Air Spring Kit: Automotive

Install takes less than an hour if you've got a jack and stands. I ran the airlines separately so that I can adjust for weight difference from side to side. I am playing with the pressure, but 5lbs seems to be the sweet spot for no load. It adds a nice cushion to the rear end, and if you have a load you can just add some air and away you go!

 

[eric_rosenwald]

Those coils do not hold weight very well. The set up will work though, if that is what you want.

What do you suggest that will do better with weight?

 

[slapdappy]

yes, the 4600 bilstein and '99 Highlander springs (yup, the tallest stock ones) will work just fine. I know because this is what I have.
I have 4600 bilsteins on my '99 Limited, which has the same springs you refer to as the '99 Highlander springs.
I also have the AirLift airbags shadow247 points out. Installed them myself. They are great for heavy loads. They are simple to install. They are easy to use. Pump up to max pressure (35 lb.) before loading. Load. Release air until rear settles to level you want. My bumper happens to have 2 perfectly sized and located holes in which I mounted the air valves.
They expand outward within the coil and stop the coil from compressing. I assumed they were like soft but tough air bags which, when inflated, directly supported the weight of the truck. Not so.
So rolling around town I enjoy the ride and handling offered by the stock springs and bilsteins.
Loading up the truck for a road trip or camping in the mountains? Pump up the airbags, load truck, let air out to level rear of truck, etc.
Unload camping gear. Set up camp. Let out air. Wheel around as normal.
Time to go home? pump 'em up, load the truck, adjust level, etc. Head home.
They provide simple and easy to use flexibility. They will reduce compression articulation on the trail, but not a big deal for the kind of stuff your and my stock rigs will do.
Bilstein 4600, '99 Highlander Springs front and rear, AirLift 1000 airbags. Do it and be done with it.

 

[slapdappy]

Also,
the sway bars limit articulation noticeably and make for a rougher off road ride.
options:
1) remove them. This negatively affects on road handling. Truck leans more when turning, gets wobblier. Not dangerously so, but you'll need to get used to it.
2) Install quick disconnect end links. Kind of expensive, but convenient.
3) Un bolt the end links when off road. Do it a few times and it's a 10 minute operation.

Zip ties, 12 mm socket or wrench and 14mm wrench for rears. Fronts: 14 mm wrench x 2 Or 6mm allen wrench and 19 mm wrench. Ratcheting wrenches hasten the process.

 

[Majindan]

Those coils do not hold weight very well. The set up will work though, if that is what you want.

But how much better are they than the factory coils? Worth the trouble?

 

[rubbertoe]

you never said how much weight we are talking about ?

 

[jrm]

Ome

What do you suggest that will do better with weight?

OME 906s in back combined with the 99 talls up front worked really well for me. I'd rec replacing the rear shocks with OME 60028s.

 

[shiftmx]

OME 906s in back combined with the 99 talls up front worked really well for me....

^This

 

[shiftmx]

But how much better are they than the factory coils? Worth the trouble?

Not sure I understand the question, but the '99 coils are factory toyota coils. Not really better, just taller.

 

[jrm]

For the same amount

Not sure I understand the question, but the '99 coils are factory toyota coils. Not really better, just taller.

of new 99 coils up front you could just buy ome 800s that have a higher spring rate

 

[bspurs]

OME 906s in back combined with the 99 talls up front worked really well for me. I'd rec replacing the rear shocks with OME 60028s.

Old thread, new question...How would the ride differ if you had OME 880s in front, instead of the 99 talls?

 

[jrm]

Not as good

b/c theyd have been paired with the 4600s. If you can swing it, the tundra TRD coils and 5100s are well worth it