Hello and Shock/Strut/Spring Question

[wardriver]

Hey guys,
New to the site but to working on my Toyotas. I picked up a 96' three days ago for a song. Sold my 2nd gen and plan on using the 96 for my DD. We'll take it camping up in the mountains and drive it on the beach on the NC OBX. The suspension is shot - I can easily rock it by grabbing the roof rack or bouncing sided to side in the drivers seat.

My question is should I just replace the shocks and struts or should I replace the front strut springs and rear springs too? The body has 200k on it. Hoping not to spend an arm and a leg.

 

[MAD 69]

With 200K on the truck it prob wouldn't be a bad idea to change the springs as well. You can get new springs for under $80 each at the dealer or buy them used for a lot cheaper(I wouldn't ever buy any parts used but a lot of guys here do). The shocks will probably be the most expensive but I would just get the OEM Tokico's.

 

[wardriver]

...and I have no idea why my sig did not show up in the first post...

 

[daMicr0wav3]

Figured I would combine my question with his as I am in a similar situation. Just bought a 98 SR5 5spd 4x4. The shocks/stuts are definitely gone as I am bottoming out and just barely crawling over speed bumps to not hit. I was thinking of lifting it since I have to buy new ones. Was looking at the complete OME lift (Complete OME suspension for 96-02 4Runner - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits).

My question is (and I've been reading for the past few hrs with no luck so far) I want a moderate lift keeping the stock ride but will be putting a 265/75/16 tire for some camping/fishing trips, so i was thinking the 881 with top plate spacer and 890 rear. Will this be a comfortable ride? Also, the big question is will I need a differential drop - I've been reading some go with it when lifting, but when is it mandatory? I want to do a lift but not have to do all this other work if not needed.

Thanks so much guys, this forum rocks.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Figured I would combine my question with his as I am in a similar situation. Just bought a 98 SR5 5spd 4x4. The shocks/stuts are definitely gone as I am bottoming out and just barely crawling over speed bumps to not hit. I was thinking of lifting it since I have to buy new ones. Was looking at the complete OME lift (Complete OME suspension for 96-02 4Runner - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits).

My question is (and I've been reading for the past few hrs with no luck so far) I want a moderate lift keeping the stock ride but will be putting a 265/75/16 tire for some camping/fishing trips, so i was thinking the 881 with top plate spacer and 890 rear. Will this be a comfortable ride? Also, the big question is will I need a differential drop - I've been reading some go with it when lifting, but when is it mandatory? I want to do a lift but not have to do all this other work if not needed.

Thanks so much guys, this forum rocks.

Diff drop is only used for 3" lift, if you go 2", you don't need it (there is some debate if it is even worth it for 3" due to changing the angle of the diff). Also, keep in mind that the OME setup will be significantly stiffer than the stock ride. If you want a "moderate" lift and stock ride, then OME isn't really what you are looking for.

I used ironman fronts (1.8", it's an aussie company) and they feel pretty plush (way better than my 100k mi stockers). I don't have any OME fronts to compare them too, but they are way softer than my OME 906 rears. They seem to be great so far. Other than that, you can read tons of opinions on other front setups like toytec etc... My impression was that most of them are alot stiffer than stock. And remember, 3" is essentially the max lift for a 4runner, so if you want "moderate", then you are looking at 99 tall coils or a 2" lift.

Look into 99 talls, may be just what you are looking for.

 

[daMicr0wav3]

Yeah I was just talking with 4-Ripcord and he suggested the following, although I'm thinking of going with the 890's in the rear...:

My recommendation:
Front Shock: Bilstien 5100 adjustable. Set to 1.25 (with the 881's it will bring it to 2.5"-3" lift, which will level the ride)
Front Coil: OME 881
Rear Shock: OME 60028 or Bilstien 5150 (funds permitting)
Rear Coil: OME 906

I'll look into the 99 talls, but what are they? Off of a 99 4Runner?



edited...I think we're up to a 3" lift now:
Front Shock: Bilstien 5100 adjustable
Front Coil: 881 w/10MM Lift Enhancer Kit (top plate spacer)
Rear Shock: Bilstien 5125
Rear Coil: 890