Need Recommendation on Suspension Replacement

[nismoxtreme]

I did a couple of searches on the forum and was unable to turn anything up useful. I have a 97 4Runner SR5 with Sport Package. I use it to tow a 2000lb boat on occassions. I still have the stock suspension and believe it has long gone bad.

What options are out there for replacements? I am looking for something that is heavy duty that can take the load of the tow without going bad as quickly.

I went to O'Reilly and Autozone and they both didn't offer too many choices.

Please advise.

 

[khaug]

I previously owned a '98 LTD that I used extensively to tow a 4,000 lb trailer.

When I first got the truck, I added a pair of Air Lift bags to the rear suspension to level the rig. They were inexpensive (<$100), installed easily, worked well and lasted the five years I had the truck with no problems.

Later, I changed to Bilstein Sport shocks. They did a much better job than the OEM shocks of keeping the back axle on the ground over bumps and gave a slight improvement in stability at highway speeds when towing. They did firm up the ride, but not to the point of being objectionable.

I ended up putting 25K tow miles on my '98, with no other mods. It was a good tow vehicle, save for the brakes. The brakes would fade away to nothing on long, steep downgrades when towing, even using 2nd gear to help braking.

Good luck.