Need help Identifying Old Bilstein Shocks/coils

[Nicholas47]

I bought my 3rd gen about 4 years ago with 196,000 miles on it. It currently has 240k. The ride is getting rougher, and the driver side is sagging about 1.5" lower than the passenger side. I'm looking to refresh my old suspension, but it is not stock, so I don't know what I can one for one the parts with.

I've been pouring through the forum for the last few days and have learned a lot about suspensions and lift kits (didn't even know I had coilers until today). I have no idea what (if anything) the previous owner did to make these particular components work, or what new Bilstein kit would easily swap without any new mods.

I like the way it sits. If I gain an inch I don't mind as long as I don't have to make any new mods. Thanks for the help, fellas. If I need to add any pics or anything let me know.

My ride:

Front Coilovers:

Rear Shocks/coils:

 

[Dezert4Runner]

Looks like Ironman suspension. They’re an Australian based company. They used to be a popular option for 3rd gens 10+ years ago but everyone seems to run OME (made by ARB) for similar lift components now.

Front springs
https://ironman4x4america.com/suspension/coil-springs/?sort=pricedesc&page=8


Rear springs
https://ironman4x4america.com/suspension/coil-springs/?sort=pricedesc&page=7


You’ll need to take measurements of “hub to fender” to figure out what Bilstein/ Toytec/ OME / Ironman lift components you’ll want to replace what’s on there. Consensus is 20” is stock so you can base lift gains off that measurement. Looks
like you’re in the ballpark of 1.5” over stock all around based off the photo you provided.

 

[Nicholas47]

Thanks for the links. I may be mistaken about having coilovers. Are you saying that up from I have Bilstein shocks with ironman coils?

 

[T4R2014]

A relic of the past! These are H&R-made springs that were sold by Performance Products back from like 1998 to 2005. Progressive rate I think too. Wish they still sold them. Bilsteins look to be of the same vintage. If you had these on your new 4Runner back in the day, you were one of the cool kids.

Maybe [MENTION=9]Jason B[/MENTION] can confirm?

 

[Dezert4Runner]

Thanks for the links. I may be mistaken about having coilovers. Are you saying that up from I have Bilstein shocks with ironman coils?

Out rigs use a coilover setup up front as opposed to struts or individual coil and shocks. Coilovers are assembled as a single unit. You can buy the individual components for a more budget friendly setup, or go with a higher performance adjustable all-in-one unit like King, Fox, Sway-A-Way, Icon, etc. They have threaded bodies and allow fine tuning of ride height. Those usually start around $800 and go up from there. The individual components can be pieced together for around $400 or less for coils and shocks, like OME coils and Bilstein 5100’s.

Here’s some good reading to get you started.
3rd Gen 4Runner Lift Information and FAQ's - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

Absalom's Cookie Cutter 4runner Builds

 

[Nicholas47]

Out rigs use a coilover setup up front as opposed to struts or individual coil and shocks. Coilovers are assembled as a single unit. You can buy the individual components for a more budget friendly setup, or go with a higher performance adjustable all-in-one unit like King, Fox, Sway-A-Way, Icon, etc. They have threaded bodies and allow fine tuning of ride height. Those usually start around $800 and go up from there. The individual components can be pieced together for around $400 or less for coils and shocks, like OME coils and Bilstein 5100’s.

Here’s some good reading to get you started.
3rd Gen 4Runner Lift Information and FAQ's - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

Absalom's Cookie Cutter 4runner Builds

I've read through that Lift Information page 5 times haha. I was trying to avoid asking question that have already been answered. You and the other guys clarified a lot of what I was reading. This is my first time trying to learn about suspensions. I appreciate your help.

I'm going to end up buying the shocks and coils separately to save some $

 

[Nicholas47]

This is what I'm looking at buying. Any objections?:

 

[T4R2014]

This is what I'm looking at buying. Any objections?:

1999 Tall coils would be more similar in ride height and quality to what is currently on your 4Runner (at least when new).

Your current coils may not even be bad. You may just need shocks. I'm at 230k on original 1998 coils and there is no sag. Sits as tall as my lower mile 4Runner.

 

[phattyduck]

I'd suggest getting the 4Runner specific 5100's if you want to go that direction. Otherwise, that list looks good.

Also, consider getting new front top hats/isolators and stem washers (5100's don't come with those parts).

I also see your upper ball joint boots are bad - it is probably time for new (OEM!) upper and lower ball joints in the front.

-Charlie

 

[Nicholas47]

I'd suggest getting the 4Runner specific 5100's if you want to go that direction. Otherwise, that list looks good.

Also, consider getting new front top hats/isolators and stem washers (5100's don't come with those parts).

I also see your upper ball joint boots are bad - it is probably time for new (OEM!) upper and lower ball joints in the front.

-Charlie

I will look into them.

I also plan on changing all ball joints! Thanks.