High milage & a lot of gravel roads.

[Rocket61]

Hey guys - About a third of my milage has been on gravel roads. Over time I've noticed the suspension feel more loose and wobbly. I'm guessing some parts have worn out over time. Is there anything you recommend I replace under there to make the ride feel more like new?

 

[fourwd1]

At 130K most of the suspension is probably worn out. At the very least shocks and sway bar bushings should be replaced, and springs too if you really want to do it right.

 

[lehiguy]

It is a common misconception that springs "wear out". Unless they have been degraded thermally or have exceeded their RBM (meaning they bent), they are same as they were when it was new... which was too soft. FJ cruiser springs are a huge improvement for Baja blasting your Runner.

 

[morphious]

When Do You Replace Coil Springs on Your Car? | eHow

 

[Whiplash Willy]

Besides Swaybar Bushings and Shocks, what other suspension pieces and bushings should be replaced to make it feel like new again?

 

[az98trd]

Upper and lower control arm bushings, inner and outer Tie Rod ends. Ball Joints. And the list continues...

Like they said most common components to replace are the shocks, I would know about the sway bar as I have removed mine.

 

[Rocket61]

At 130K most of the suspension is probably worn out. At the very least shocks and sway bar bushings should be replaced, and springs too if you really want to do it right.

Does anyone know of an online store that sells full poly bushing kits?

I'm leaning towards 5100s and fj coils all around. Would that make for a tighter ride?

 

[RallyBud]

I just purchased my 4Runner a couple days ago and was going through an online maintenance manual. Specifically it mentions things you should do if your vehicle has seen a lot of time on gravel roads.

A couple of the recommendations are to "Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis" and "Re-torque propeller shaft bolt" among other inspection items.

This may not solve your issues but it surely wouldn't hurt.

 

[Dunngeon]

For the sway bar bushings, this is a good thread Sway Bar bushing upgrade
It's got all you need

I'm also sure you have heard of the Bilstien 5100's, you can get a full set for ~320$

 

[lehiguy]

Replace whatever is worn out. My wife's '97 needed a bunch of bushings in the front; steering rack, stabilizer bar. My '06 has just about the same miles on it but needed nothing... well it needed a lift pretty badly.