Longer than stock shocks/struts to run with Highlander Springs

[Oprah]

Hey guys, I'm planning to install some Highlander springs in my '02 runner. From info on here it sounds like stock '02 shocks/struts will work with Highlander springs, and are actually the "same" as what would have come with the Highlander package.

However, my brain is telling me that by installing the stock '02 shocks/struts I will be limiting my suspension travel more than necessary. Basically, with 2" taller springs, the '02 stock shocks/struts will be stretched out 2" further than they would be with stock '02 springs, when sitting level. This in turn means that when offroading and the suspension gets stretched out, I will have 2" less of travel than I in theory could have with the 2" taller springs.

I realize that I wouldn't be losing any travel by using the stock '02 shocks/struts when compared to my completely stock set-up now, but I think I should be able to gain 2" of travel with appropriate shocks/struts with the Highlander springs. Am I wrong? And if I am right, any ideas on which shocks/struts I could use? Maybe LC shocks/struts?

Thanks!


P.S. - hoping to avoid the Highlander/OME/other springs debate, I've done extensive research and have my reasons, but I am still a newbie to automobile suspension so if you feel the need to share, I won't be mad haha

 

[tre9er]

Hey guys, I'm planning to install some Highlander springs in my '02 runner. From info on here it sounds like stock '02 shocks/struts will work with Highlander springs, and are actually the "same" as what would have come with the Highlander package.

However, my brain is telling me that by installing the stock '02 shocks/struts I will be limiting my suspension travel more than necessary. Basically, with 2" taller springs, the '02 stock shocks/struts will be stretched out 2" further than they would be with stock '02 springs, when sitting level. This in turn means that when offroading and the suspension gets stretched out, I will have 2" less of travel than I in theory could have with the 2" taller springs.

I realize that I wouldn't be losing any travel by using the stock '02 shocks/struts when compared to my completely stock set-up now, but I think I should be able to gain 2" of travel with appropriate shocks/struts with the Highlander springs. Am I wrong? And if I am right, any ideas on which shocks/struts I could use? Maybe LC shocks/struts?

Thanks!


P.S. - hoping to avoid the Highlander/OME/other springs debate, I've done extensive research and have my reasons, but I am still a newbie to automobile suspension so if you feel the need to share, I won't be mad haha

99 tall springs are only about 1" longer than stock. If you go with a longer travel shock, you'll need better bump stops on the frame, too, as the shock could bottom with a stock wheel/tire setup if you fully stuff the wheel.

You really don't need longer shocks for the Highlander springs.

 

[csp]

Not to touch on the debate whether they are needed or not, but wouldn't the obvious choice be '99 Highlander shocks/struts?

 

[tre9er]

Not to touch on the debate whether they are needed or not, but wouldn't the obvious choice be '99 Highlander shocks/struts?

I believe part numbers were the same for all 96-02 runner rear shocks

 

[Brique]

I'll just add on that move from old '02 to new '99 springs, it's probably going to be closer to 2" taller than what you're at now, due to 01-02 being the shortest years and 14 years of sag on your of old springs. I just did the rear on my 01 this way and the increase in height was significant. Really really nice.

 

[Oprah]

I believe part numbers were the same for all 96-02 runner rear shocks

Yeah, from what I've read, shocks/struts for an '01 would be the same size as for the '99 Highlander. So that is definitely an option, but just wondering if there's an easy way to gain that 2" of travel along with the 2" of lift.

 

[Oprah]

I'll just add on that move from old '02 to new '99 springs, it's probably going to be closer to 2" taller than what you're at now, due to 01-02 being the shortest years and 14 years of sag on your of old springs. I just did the rear on my 01 this way and the increase in height was significant. Really really nice.

Care to post any pics?

 

[BrandonF]

Landcruiser shocks will give you lots of flex but your 99 coils will probably fall out long before you reach the end of their travel when you flex.

 

[tre9er]

Landcruiser shocks will give you lots of flex but your 99 coils will probably fall out long before you reach the end of their travel when you flex.

And you'll probably bottom the shock body. No bueno