Creating a softer ride for a 1998 4runner

[kingbiscuit]

I just purchased a 1998 4runner 4x4 3.4L and I like it but it would be nice if the ride was a little softer. This is my first Suv/truck, and in comparison to others I have driven it is already much better ride. I would just like to feel the bumps a little less on the road. Is this even possible? I am guessing that trucks have stiff suspension to avoid bottoming out on trails. I could be wrong on that. But only a small percent of my time is going to be 4x4ing mostly I will just be road driving. I wouldn't mind being a little more careful on 4x4ing if it meant I could have a nicer ride in the city.

If I can't change it, so be it, I will still love my new 4runner.

 

[p nut]

Monroe Sensatrac's seem to be a popular choice when looking for mostly on-road shocks. Also, Tokico Trekmaster's aren't bad, either.

Most likely, your shocks are already shot on your 98, so it'd be a good time to change it out, anyway.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

check out your rear stance/springs

It is easy enough to have the shocks changed out all the way around-but I would encourage you to check out your rear springs and the way the vehicle sits-particulary in reference to the 'sagging rear'.

I needed new shocks on my 99 shortly after I bought it one year ago and got the regular Bilsteins for the vehicle. They ride just fine but it is still a firm ride no doubt about it.

Now sure enough my rear springs have started to sag-and the vehicle has a slight droop to the rear-the spacing between top of the tire and wheel well is decreased in the back as compared to the fronts. A number of makers offer a taller or stiffer spring-and I have not read one bad thing about the OLD MAN EMU (OME)
package for our 3rd generation Runners. As I understand it you will get a very slight lift-2" or less -and their package includes springs and shocks for extended articulation/travel. Performance Products also offers a spring and shock kit.

 

[kingbiscuit]

Re: check out your rear stance/springs

It is easy enough to have the shocks changed out all the way around-but I would encourage you to check out your rear springs and the way the vehicle sits-particulary in reference to the 'sagging rear'.

I needed new shocks on my 99 shortly after I bought it one year ago and got the regular Bilsteins for the vehicle. They ride just fine but it is still a firm ride no doubt about it.

Now sure enough my rear springs have started to sag-and the vehicle has a slight droop to the rear-the spacing between top of the tire and wheel well is decreased in the back as compared to the fronts. A number of makers offer a taller or stiffer spring-and I have not read one bad thing about the OLD MAN EMU (OME)
package for our 3rd generation Runners. As I understand it you will get a very slight lift-2" or less -and their package includes springs and shocks for extended articulation/travel. Performance Products also offers a spring and shock kit.

Is the "sagging rear" a notorious problem? I am pretty sure the girl I bought from did not do any 4wheeling with it. She actually told me she never took it out, so hopefully that is true, so I think the springs should still be good.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

common problem

yes this is a fairly consistent complaint amongst 4Runner owners

nothing to do with off roading-just over time the springs begin to sag.

 

[p nut]

Just FYI, your 98 *should* be under recall for the rear springs. I know when I had my 98, they switched out the rear springs when I was getting a seal replaced. This was last year.

Check with your local dealership. You will probably be getting brand new springs in the back.

 

[kingbiscuit]

Re: common problem

yes this is a fairly consistent complaint amongst 4Runner owners

nothing to do with off roading-just over time the springs begin to sag.

When you say "sag" do you mean you can visually see it sagging when it is parked, or when you hit bumps the rear end dips excessively?

 

[p nut]

Re: Re: common problem

When you say "sag" do you mean you can visually see it sagging when it is parked, or when you hit bumps the rear end dips excessively?

You can visually see it sag. Much like this 4Runner:

 

[Ron Helmuth]

visual difference while parked

thanks pnut

good visual

I do believe there is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) regarding the springs-meaning Toyota acknowledged the problem and would rectify it.

 

[kingbiscuit]

Thanks for the visual.

Mine doesn't look like that. The previous owner bought it from a dealer in 2001, I wonder if they fixed it at that point in time. I willl have to see when the recall happened

 

[ZECHS]

will toyota replace the rear springs free of charge? is it for the '98 only? i have a '99.

 

[kingbiscuit]

will toyota replace the rear springs free of charge? is it for the '98 only? i have a '99.

http://www.cars.com/go/recalls/index.jsp

So I talked to the mechanic about getting new shocks, and he didn't like the idea of doing anything but OEM. He was obviously a little biased cause that is what he gets. So I am going to talk to another shop that might be a little less biased.