Newbie here first post. I own a 2004 4 Runner SR5 V6 getting ready to turn over 100,000 miles. I took my truck in for its oil change and was told I need new rear shocks and front swaybars. The mechanic took me back to look at them. The shocks outer casing is rusting away on both rear shocks but the rest of the shock looks pretty solid. Should I change them and were is the best place to buy them? The front swaybars are the short vertical links witch he grabed and twisted and told me they shouldn't twist. What do you think. I am mechanically inclined and actually like doing my own repairs. How hard would this project be? Thanks in advance.
Front Swaybar and rear shocks
- Thread starter Charlesc
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ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Rear shocks are easy to switch. I would think it would be the swaybar bushings that need replaced, not the whole swaybar. Several here have had good luck switching to poly bushings.
daPitbull
New member
The short vertical links are the sway bar links and they do twist. They're not supposed to be rigid.
Self Leveling Shocks
Do you have to purchase the shocks from the dealer? Maybe I'm wrong about the swaybar but thats what the mechanic told me they were. They are very short peices with studs kind of U shaped, not the one that goes from the right side to the left side. Any help
Do you have to purchase the shocks from the dealer? Maybe I'm wrong about the swaybar but thats what the mechanic told me they were. They are very short peices with studs kind of U shaped, not the one that goes from the right side to the left side. Any help
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
There are many aftermarket options that are as good or better than stock. Which one is right for you depends on your usage and goals. If you spend time off road, you'll need something different than if you only drive on the highway. Do you want to lift or level the vehicle? Whatever you do, id advise doing all four shocks at the same time. If the rears are shot, the fronts probably aren't far behind.
cali_axela
New member
The front swaybar is the long, thick bar which links the two front struts together. The two shorter vertical bars he showed you, are called endlinks. They connect the swaybar to the struts. It's normally OK for them to be able to twist around, with this type of endlink.
Some types aren't supposed to rotate, because of a one-way join, but this type it's correct if they can swivel a little bit while connected. Although I'm not a mechanic, it sounds like he's potentially wrong about those needing to be replaced.
Some types aren't supposed to rotate, because of a one-way join, but this type it's correct if they can swivel a little bit while connected. Although I'm not a mechanic, it sounds like he's potentially wrong about those needing to be replaced.
2003-4x4runner
New member
I have over 112,500 miles on my Runner and my rear shocks are leaking, also the tires are cupping. I'm going to replace the rear shocks this weekend and replace the front later this year.
Whitebeauty
New member
Hey all, Yeah the parts that gentlemen is refering to is the endlink and it is suppsoed to wiggle a bit.. but not alot and like a balljoint if the boot is ripped or it wiggles alot like its coming out of its socket then bad replace...also the shocks i recommend Bilsteins hd.. i have a lowered runner n did it all myself with all new shocks air bags rear sway bar bushings and endlink bushings..but those r my thoughts..
