Buying Coils

[jhumphrey]

Hey all,

I am looking to swap out my coils (the rear is sagging even after the replacement circa 2002). I have a 97, but am looking to put 99s on for the extra lift it provides. Where is the best place to get these that are not from a JY? At the same time I am looking to replace my shocks. What would be the best shocks to go with? IIRC, the front is a strut, correct? Basically Im trying to figure out how to replace my suspension with new parts since my 97 has 175k and Im pretty sure mostly original parts.

I did a search, but didn't see anything that was specific to where to get the parts.

 

[gamefreakgc]

The 99's assume you are buying them from Toyota. I would recommend getting the OEM shocks too, smooth ride (was designed perfectly for the 4Runner) and still capable off-road. Last I looked they are only $35 each. The struts are significantly more though, just a heads up. You could try something else up front if you're on a budget.

The 99 tall coils are something like $125 each though, so not exactly cheap. Junkyard coils will sag, unless you happen to find a 4Runner with less than 100k miles on the coil (not likely).

 

[jhumphrey]

Thanks. Budget really isn't an issue, I was just looking to keep it as OEM as possible (I don't really off-road my runner, so OEM is fine). Where is a good place to order the setup? Camelback? Somewhere else?

 

[ajonesnv]

I would buy a rear spring with a slight lift, say the OME 2906. The reason being is anything you buy will sag fairly quick. The OME 906 offer 2" of lift, which IMHO means 0"-0.5" with any weight. I have the OME 891's and they have sagged to maybe a 1"-1.5" lift in no time and that are supposed to be a 2.5"-3" lift.

BTW, I grew up in Nashville. Still get back once a year or so to visit.

 

[jhumphrey]

I would but a rear spring with a slight lift, say the OME 2906. The reason being is anything you buy will sag fairly quick. The OME 906 offer 2" of lift, which IMHO means 0"-0.5" with any weight. I have the OME 891's and they have sagged to maybe a 1"-1.5" lift in no time and that are supposed to be a 2.5"-3" lift.

BTW, I grew up in Nashville. Still get back once a year or so to visit.

Thanks for letting me know. My runner is seriously starting to drag in the back (with the hatch up I have to duck now to get into the cargo area) and need replacement ASAP. What do you suggest for the front?

Next up (before summers end) is a roof/hood painting. It looks awful and isn't far from rust territory in its current state...you know how Nashville weather is.

 

[jeremyc74]

Thanks. Budget really isn't an issue, I was just looking to keep it as OEM as possible (I don't really off-road my runner, so OEM is fine). Where is a good place to order the setup? Camelback? Somewhere else?

I've had good luck with this site:

https://parts.olathetoyota.com/2002toyota4runnerparts.html

All the internet prices seem to be within a few dollars one way or the other, and their website is pretty easy to use and has all the parts diagrams. They don't ship the same day usually, but within 2-3. If you're in a hurry for something you should probably call them instead of placing a web order.

I have the '99 coils in the back of mine, and a set of Monroe struts (whole assembly, screw taking that spring off!) from Rock Auto up front. The Monroes sit about 1/4" higher than the '99 coils. If you're interested in going that route I'll track down the actual part numbers. IIRC they were about $90/side.

 

[ajonesnv]

Thanks for letting me know. My runner is seriously starting to drag in the back (with the hatch up I have to duck now to get into the cargo area) and need replacement ASAP. What do you suggest for the front?

Next up (before summers end) is a roof/hood painting. It looks awful and isn't far from rust territory in its current state...you know how Nashville weather is.

If you are planning on doing a modest improvement over stock with out jumping into the 1000K+ rebuildable coilovers, I would suggest looking into the Bilstein Adjustable with OME 2881 for the front. For the rear OME 2906 or OME 2890 depending on the desired ride height with Bilstein 5100 rear shock.

I had a buddy with this set up on his '96 and for a low-cost alternative it is great bang for your buck. The OME complete suspension isn't bad either...I have heard good things about their shocks.

 

[jhumphrey]

I've had good luck with this site:

https://parts.olathetoyota.com/2002toyota4runnerparts.html

All the internet prices seem to be within a few dollars one way or the other, and their website is pretty easy to use and has all the parts diagrams. They don't ship the same day usually, but within 2-3. If you're in a hurry for something you should probably call them instead of placing a web order.

I have the '99 coils in the back of mine, and a set of Monroe struts (whole assembly, screw taking that spring off!) from Rock Auto up front. The Monroes sit about 1/4" higher than the '99 coils. If you're interested in going that route I'll track down the actual part numbers. IIRC they were about $90/side.

How have they held up over time? Im looking to get a setup that will last me and not have sag within a couple of years. I know there will be settling regardless, but my hitch is almost on the ground (it practically is when loaded) and I don't want that anymore

If you are planning on doing a modest improvement over stock with out jumping into the 1000K+ rebuildable coilovers, I would suggest looking into the Bilstein Adjustable with OME 2881 for the front. For the rear OME 2906 or OME 2890 depending on the desired ride height with Bilstein 5100 rear shock.

I had a buddy with this set up on his '96 and for a low-cost alternative it is great bang for your buck. The OME complete suspension isn't bad either...I have heard good things about their shocks.

Thanks for the links. I came from Jeep, so is the strut up front difficult to assemble? I'm fairly comfortable with suspension work, I've just never done strut work.

 

[jeremyc74]

How have they held up over time? .

I couldn't tell you. I've only had them for about 15k miles.

 

[jhumphrey]

I couldn't tell you. I've only had them for about 15k miles.

Have they held up well for 15k miles? I don't put much milage on my runner (its a weekender/spare/hauler), but I want to keep the maintenance up on it and repair some things that have been neglected on it. I just had the WP/Timing done. Suspension is next, then I may swap out the steering rack, and I have to do paint before summer's end. My splurge item is going to be replacing the leather seats (cracked/torn) with new leather. I plan to keep my runner for awhile, so spending the money on it doesn't bother me. The only thing Id consider getting rid of it for would be a land cruiser (more interior space). But, thats wishful thinking right now

 

[jeremyc74]

Have they held up well for 15k miles?

Yeah, but these are OEM springs. If they had any noticeable change after 15k miles I'd be raising hell. Any spring will start to sag after time, but these should be serviceable well past 100k miles.

 

[ajonesnv]

Thanks for the links. I came from Jeep, so is the strut up front difficult to assemble? I'm fairly comfortable with suspension work, I've just never done strut work.

They are easy...you will need to rent a spring compressor from a parts store, but that is about all the special tools needed.

 

[jhumphrey]

Yeah, but these are OEM springs. If they had any noticeable change after 15k miles I'd be raising hell. Any spring will start to sag after time, but these should be serviceable well past 100k miles.

If I get 100k out of the coils before they need replacing, Im good with that. Im not opposed to going to OME or something like that, but there are many options with OME, plus I don't want a huge lift. If I could find OEM stuff that will last (and is cheaper than OME), Id go with that.

They are easy...you will need to rent a spring compressor from a parts store, but that is about all the special tools needed.

I will check out my local parts store and see what they have available. I was thinking of trying to find preassembled struts to make it safer/easier on me, but I may end up having to 'construct' the struts myself. Right now its between OEM and OME (yea, thats not confusing!). Im not looking for a large lift, Im more about ride quality and towing ability than anything.

BTW, is it a good idea to add air bags to the rear while I have it down (such as air lift 1000s)?

 

[gamefreakgc]

Yeah, but these are OEM springs. If they had any noticeable change after 15k miles I'd be raising hell. Any spring will start to sag after time, but these should be serviceable well past 100k miles.

You beat me to it!

Sure Old Man Emu springs are good, not bashing them at all, but if you're going for the stock look and budget isn't an issue, then you know the Toyota 99's are going to last at least 100k miles if not more. I've only seen them sag on vehicles with over 150k miles. You know what you are getting. You'll be hard pressed to find someone with OME coils with over 100k miles on them for comparison.

Also, most of the Toyota online sites that offer good prices (Olafe, Toyota of Dallas, Camelback) are basically the same but it doesn't hurt to check each one. Also, Camelback is the only one that offers free shipping over a certain amount so you might look at them first.

DON'T go to your local dealer and buy them, unless they will match online prices if you give them the printouts. Local dealers tend to charge 50%-100% more than the online vendors (mine's in the 100% range!).

 

[jhumphrey]

You beat me to it!

Sure Old Man Emu springs are good, not bashing them at all, but if you're going for the stock look and budget isn't an issue, then you know the Toyota 99's are going to last at least 100k miles if not more. I've only seen them sag on vehicles with over 150k miles. You know what you are getting. You'll be hard pressed to find someone with OME coils with over 100k miles on them for comparison.

Also, most of the Toyota online sites that offer good prices (Olafe, Toyota of Dallas, Camelback) are basically the same but it doesn't hurt to check each one. Also, Camelback is the only one that offers free shipping over a certain amount so you might look at them first.

DON'T go to your local dealer and buy them, unless they will match online prices if you give them the printouts. Local dealers tend to charge 50%-100% more than the online vendors (mine's in the 100% range!).

I've priced the 99 coils off camelback. Is it best to get the bilstein 5100 for the coils? The OME setup is nice, but $800+ and gives me more lift than I really want. I want something good and comfortable for the road but allows me to pack the runner and tow without scraping the ground. I think I'm going to add airbags in the back to reduce squat when under load.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I've priced the 99 coils off camelback. Is it best to get the bilstein 5100 for the coils? The OME setup is nice, but $800+ and gives me more lift than I really want. I want something good and comfortable for the road but allows me to pack the runner and tow without scraping the ground. I think I'm going to add airbags in the back to reduce squat when under load.

I think you'll find brand new coils to me more stiff and rigid than you are thinking, but I guess it depends on how much weight you are towing. I don't have much experience towing on coils (only leaf-springs on pickups) so I can't say.

If you're going for a smooth ride like what you had mentioned before (little to no off-roading) that by far the stock Tokico's that came with the vehicle will be the most comfortable. Other shocks and struts at stock height will be stiffer.

Basically, if you want a smooth, fresh off the factory floor sort of ride then the OEM Tokico's from Toyota will be the best. If you want a more stiff but secure ride (off-roading) then look to aftermarket shocks. I currently have KYB Gas-a-Just shocks and struts with no lift and enjoy them. I am on a tight budget and these were cheaper than getting OEM Tokico's. I do off-road from time to time and I LOVE them off-road because they are so secure and don't bounce around, but around town on the older highways it can be a bit bumpy.

 

[Scramble]

My 99 rears sagged with 4 people, a dog & filled with camping gear when new. I would say that they sagged below level without any weight after 120,000 miles.

 

[jhumphrey]

My 99 rears sagged with 4 people, a dog & filled with camping gear when new. I would say that they sagged below level without any weight after 120,000 miles.

That's precisely why I'm considering airbags with the coils. That way I can adjust them when I have people and gear in the back. I usually tow a small utility trailer, but am thinking about getting a pop up. I don't really 'off road' my runner, though I do use it around the farm from time to time. That's also why I need something that will hold up under load...a few bags of feed and its squated pretty obviously.

I'm thinking 99 coils and bilstein 5100s with airbags is what I'm going to do (as of the moment).

 

[3bears]

after much debate...with myself....im gonna stay near stock with no lift
however I was leaning toward KYB gas. I have never had a problem with them on other cars
as far as springs...unless im looking at things wrong, my stock 2000 is the same as the 99's ( part #,s at camelback)
I too am gonna go airbags
however one thing I have noticed is that all aftermarket just list front springs as a matched pair, but when you go into the yota website they have specific fronts for left and right
I asked a friend about this and he said ( and he is a Toyota parts man with 30+years) Toyota springs are specific on front because the left side has so much more stock weight, the battery, driver and gas tank all on the driver side
he said ...after time...aftermarket will develop a lean left to right
sadly...the dealership my friend works at...will not match camelbacks prices

just my 2cents worth

 

[jhumphrey]

after much debate...with myself....im gonna stay near stock with no lift
however I was leaning toward KYB gas. I have never had a problem with them on other cars
as far as springs...unless im looking at things wrong, my stock 2000 is the same as the 99's ( part #,s at camelback)
I too am gonna go airbags
however one thing I have noticed is that all aftermarket just list front springs as a matched pair, but when you go into the yota website they have specific fronts for left and right
I asked a friend about this and he said ( and he is a Toyota parts man with 30+years) Toyota springs are specific on front because the left side has so much more stock weight, the battery, driver and gas tank all on the driver side
he said ...after time...aftermarket will develop a lean left to right
sadly...the dealership my friend works at...will not match camelbacks prices

just my 2cents worth

I'm with you about stock height. I'm not looking to lift my runner. 99 coils add a very small lift (the only year that does), which is why I'm looking to get them and add bags for sag issues. I've priced it out, it's around $600 for the setup using bilsteins. I just wonder if I need those or another shock.