I'd like some input on suspension for an 01'

[WiscoRunner]

Greetings from Northern WI. My wife and I just picked up an 01 in immaculate shape for a town driver here in the winter but it looks like we're going to have to make a few improvements right off the bat. The vehicle was test driven and purchased by my father since we weren't able to take a look due to being out of town and on the other side of the state. So long story short, he missed a few things (not that it probably would've changed our decision on this machine).
It appears that the suspension is the original while this 01' is soon approaching 200k. This won't ever be a rock crawler but I do quite a bit of hunting and it will definitely see plenty of trails as well as snow etc (whenever winter decides to show up).

Here's my conundrum: The previous owner just put on new 245x65x16s not even a year ago and while I'm replacing the suspension I wouldn't mind a bit more quality and maybe even gaining a little bit of height. At the same time, I don't want a huge space in the wheel well with those 245s sitting in there. I'd obviously prefer to NOT have to put on new tires....at this point in time anyways. Can anyone recommend either an adjustable option or something else to satisfy what we're looking for, or should I just buy stock replacements?

Thanks for the input

Wisco

 

[MATTPENN21]

Look into the Old Man Emu 2.5" kit. If you price the stock vs that kit, the OME is comparable. Then drive around with the smaller tires for awhile or go with some 235/85r16s

 

[Rock_Rat]

Look into the Old Man Emu 2.5" kit. If you price the stock vs that kit, the OME is comparable. Then drive around with the smaller tires for awhile or go with some 235/85r16s

Greetings from Northern WI. My wife and I just picked up an 01 in immaculate shape for a town driver here in the winter but it looks like we're going to have to make a few improvements right off the bat. The vehicle was test driven and purchased by my father since we weren't able to take a look due to being out of town and on the other side of the state. So long story short, he missed a few things (not that it probably would've changed our decision on this machine).
It appears that the suspension is the original while this 01' is soon approaching 200k. This won't ever be a rock crawler but I do quite a bit of hunting and it will definitely see plenty of trails as well as snow etc (whenever winter decides to show up).

Here's my conundrum: The previous owner just put on new 245x65x16s not even a year ago and while I'm replacing the suspension I wouldn't mind a bit more quality and maybe even gaining a little bit of height. At the same time, I don't want a huge space in the wheel well with those 245s sitting in there. I'd obviously prefer to NOT have to put on new tires....at this point in time anyways. Can anyone recommend either an adjustable option or something else to satisfy what we're looking for, or should I just buy stock replacements?

Thanks for the input

Wisco

This question comes up a lot on the forum. Check out this thread by [MENTION=79826]absalom[/MENTION] . It's a great start, and congrats on your new 01.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/197591-absaloms-cookie-cutter-4runner-builds.html

 

[KidVermicious]

Greetings from Northern WI. My wife and I just picked up an 01 in immaculate shape for a town driver here in the winter but it looks like we're going to have to make a few improvements right off the bat. The vehicle was test driven and purchased by my father since we weren't able to take a look due to being out of town and on the other side of the state. So long story short, he missed a few things (not that it probably would've changed our decision on this machine).
It appears that the suspension is the original while this 01' is soon approaching 200k. This won't ever be a rock crawler but I do quite a bit of hunting and it will definitely see plenty of trails as well as snow etc (whenever winter decides to show up).

Here's my conundrum: The previous owner just put on new 245x65x16s not even a year ago and while I'm replacing the suspension I wouldn't mind a bit more quality and maybe even gaining a little bit of height. At the same time, I don't want a huge space in the wheel well with those 245s sitting in there. I'd obviously prefer to NOT have to put on new tires....at this point in time anyways. Can anyone recommend either an adjustable option or something else to satisfy what we're looking for, or should I just buy stock replacements?

Thanks for the input

Wisco

Are you wheeling the truck? OME is great, my favorite suspension, but it's at it's best off the pavement. It is not by any means a "comfort" suspension. If you're not seeing a lot of dirt time it might not be for you.

 

[SpidermanGeek]

Are you wheeling the truck? OME is great, my favorite suspension, but it's at it's best off the pavement. It is not by any means a "comfort" suspension. If you're not seeing a lot of dirt time it might not be for you.

Agreed. OME is nowhere near the comfort levels of the stock suspension.

Slapping OME's on will have your SUV riding like a Job Site Pick-Up truck.

 

[KidVermicious]

Slapping OME's on will have your SUV riding like a Job Site Pick-Up truck.

It's not quite as bad as all that. I think the light duty OME rides much better than stock, but I can see how grandmas and nancy boys might find it too rough. :whip: :flipoff:

 

[SpidermanGeek]

It's not quite as bad as all that. I think the light duty OME rides much better than stock, but I can see how grandmas and nancy boys might find it too rough. :whip: :flipoff:

I dunno, I have the OME 881 Fronts and 890 Rears with Tokico Trekmaster combo on 285/75-16 and she's bouncy as hell. I don't carry any extra weight at all though. No armor, no cargo (not even a spare tire).

Rides like a pick-up for sure.

 

[KidVermicious]

I dunno, I have the OME 881 Fronts and 890 Rears with Tokico Trekmaster combo on 285/75-16 and she's bouncy as hell. I don't carry any extra weight at all though. No armor, no cargo (not even a spare tire).





Rides like a pick-up for sure.

Maybe the shocks? Ours has OME Nitrochargers. Or maybe you're a Nancy.



I kid, I kid. Different folks have different tastes. I know I'm in the minority on this board when it comes to OME.

 

[SpidermanGeek]

Lol, well I don't mind the downgrade in ride quality, but the wife's not a fan.

 

[JayRolla]

I dunno, I have the OME 881 Fronts and 890 Rears with Tokico Trekmaster combo on 285/75-16 and she's bouncy as hell. I don't carry any extra weight at all though. No armor, no cargo (not even a spare tire).

Rides like a pick-up for sure.

I run 881's with OME sport comforts and it was pretty stiff. Once bumper and winch was installed she rides pretty good. But sagged a bit.

OME's in the rear are just horrible IMO. LC coils and trekmasters have kept my ride pretty smooth outback.

 

[01KY4R]

I just bought the Toytec 3 inch Bilstein lift during their Black Friday sale. Unfortunately it's sitting in the garage until I get the parts in for my front end preventative maintenance. I chose this kit because of affordability, brand quality, and good reviews for pavement quality and off-road ability. I'll have my used '99 tall front coils and OME 880's up for sale after the install. I've driven on my current suspension for the last 60k and really have no complaints. I just took a 1275 mile road trip with no suspension complaints so I'd also recommend a new set.

 

[98WhiteT4R]

OME (coils) are tough and great for carrying weight (assuming you get the right set for your application). That being said, they ride stiff when unloaded or without armor. If you're you prefer a softer ride and don't want to run larger tire etc. I'd go with a setup in the link Rock_Rat posted.