Need some help sourcing the right suspension parts etc

[ivopivo]

A couple months ago I decided to invest in some tierods, LBJs etc to spruce up my 97 4runner. Now, with a trip to Colorado coming up in about 1 month, I figured it would be smart to replace the very worn shocks, springs, brakes and other stuff while I'm in there. I will be thoroughly researching next few days to find options for shocks (from the brief searches I did Bilstein seems to be the popular choice) as well as brakes, but I'm hoping to get a quick answer on a few questions as I'm short on time (otherwise I'd search I promise ).

In any case, here are a few questions I have...
1. I'm a bit confused about the spring options... Is stock the way to go? If so, I've read a bit how some of the newer springs are slightly taller and/or firmer but I'm not sure about part numbers. Are there aftermarket springs that are good for it as well? I currently have sliders and aluminum skid plates (added about 120-130lbs to the truck overall I believe) and I do plan to get bumpers (mainly aluminum, probably Coastal offroad) probably next year. I'd like springs that are close to stock in terms of riding, but may need something slightly firmer due to the extra weight. Don't plan to tow much/at all and the rear is often not loaded, but I do plan to go camping fully loaded every months or so.
2. What other parts should I be replacing while doing springs, shocks and brakes? I plan to get OEM bushings for the steering rack and as I said I already have LBJs and tierods. I'm thinking I should also get the other balljoints for the front, end links, any bushings, etc. but I don't know what should be done with springs/shocks and what can be done later if it's not too far gone.
3. Lastly, any other "must do" things before heading on a 3000 mile round trip?

Thanks a ton in advance!

 

[octanejunkie]

1. Read these threads
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/197591-absaloms-cookie-cutter-4runner-builds.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66976-3rd-gen-4runner-lift-information-faqs.html

2. If you haven't already
-LBJs (if mileage on them is unknown or over 100K miles)
-LCA bushings
-steering rack bushings
-OTREs and ITREs
-get an alignment

3. see #2
-radiator (if it's brown with hairline cracks)
-refresh/replace coolant
-timing belt (if it's due, every 100K miles)
-fluids (oil, coolant, TC/diff oil, etc)
-rotate and balance tires, or replace
-yada yada yada

Back to your original question, suspension mods are very subjective and knowing what you want from the vehicle (performance, ride quality, cost) will influence and help you determine which parts to choose. If you plan to make your vehicle heavier, your suspension should accommodate the extra weight, etc.

Do your research, don't rush towards an artificial deadline unless the vehicle is unsafe as it is now. Do your maintenance on schedule. Enjoy the pride of ownership. :cowboy:

 

[ivopivo]

1. Read these threads
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/197591-absaloms-cookie-cutter-4runner-builds.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66976-3rd-gen-4runner-lift-information-faqs.html

2. If you haven't already
-LBJs (if mileage on them is unknown or over 100K miles)
-LCA bushings
-steering rack bushings
-OTREs and ITREs
-get an alignment

3. see #2
-radiator (if it's brown with hairline cracks)
-refresh/replace coolant
-timing belt (if it's due, every 100K miles)
-fluids (oil, coolant, TC/diff oil, etc)
-rotate and balance tires, or replace
-yada yada yada

Back to your original question, suspension mods are very subjective and knowing what you want from the vehicle (performance, ride quality, cost) will influence and help you determine which parts to choose. If you plan to make your vehicle heavier, your suspension should accommodate the extra weight, etc.

Do your research, don't rush towards an artificial deadline unless the vehicle is unsafe as it is now. Do your maintenance on schedule. Enjoy the pride of ownership. :cowboy:

Thanks for the info octane. I'll look through those threads (actually have both bookmarked from a quick search before) and see what pops up. I already took care of ALL the actual maintenance like cooling, fluids, etc. (except brake fluid and spark plugs, which are sitting and waiting) and now it's time for suspension etc.

Looks like it's going to be mainly the control arm bushings as well as steering rack bushings to add to the shocks, springs and brakes refresh. I'll search around to see what springs and shocks would be best.

 

[gamefreakgc]

A couple months ago I decided to invest in some tierods, LBJs etc to spruce up my 97 4runner. Now, with a trip to Colorado coming up in about 1 month, I figured it would be smart to replace the very worn shocks, springs, brakes and other stuff while I'm in there. I will be thoroughly researching next few days to find options for shocks (from the brief searches I did Bilstein seems to be the popular choice) as well as brakes, but I'm hoping to get a quick answer on a few questions as I'm short on time (otherwise I'd search I promise ).

In any case, here are a few questions I have...
1. I'm a bit confused about the spring options... Is stock the way to go? If so, I've read a bit how some of the newer springs are slightly taller and/or firmer but I'm not sure about part numbers. Are there aftermarket springs that are good for it as well? I currently have sliders and aluminum skid plates (added about 120-130lbs to the truck overall I believe) and I do plan to get bumpers (mainly aluminum, probably Coastal offroad) probably next year. I'd like springs that are close to stock in terms of riding, but may need something slightly firmer due to the extra weight. Don't plan to tow much/at all and the rear is often not loaded, but I do plan to go camping fully loaded every months or so.
2. What other parts should I be replacing while doing springs, shocks and brakes? I plan to get OEM bushings for the steering rack and as I said I already have LBJs and tierods. I'm thinking I should also get the other balljoints for the front, end links, any bushings, etc. but I don't know what should be done with springs/shocks and what can be done later if it's not too far gone.
3. Lastly, any other "must do" things before heading on a 3000 mile round trip?

Thanks a ton in advance!

If you are looking to restore road handling quality, I would also look into replacing your sway bar bushings and end link bushings with ones from Energy Suspension: energysuspension.com | parts search.

You just have to measure your sway bar thickness. Take a flexible tape measure (like for fabrics) and wrap it around your sway bar, then divide the circumference by pie, or 3.14.

 

[ivopivo]

If you are looking to restore road handling quality, I would also look into replacing your sway bar bushings and end link bushings with ones from Energy Suspension: energysuspension.com | parts search.

You just have to measure your sway bar thickness. Take a flexible tape measure (like for fabrics) and wrap it around your sway bar, then divide the circumference by pie, or 3.14.

I'll add those to the list, but plan to go with OEM as I'm not a fan of poly bushings.

 

[yella]

I installed KYB gas a just shocks on the rear, and will be doing the front this summer. Was a huge improvement over my 21 year old stock shocks. Got both rears for $60 CAD from Rockauto. Every so often they have a sale.

 

[ivopivo]

I installed KYB gas a just shocks on the rear, and will be doing the front this summer. Was a huge improvement over my 21 year old stock shocks. Got both rears for $60 CAD from Rockauto. Every so often they have a sale.

How long ago did you do the fronts? I was thinking KYB/Monroe but I think Bilstein should have a much better quality product.

 

[yella]

How long ago did you do the fronts? I was thinking KYB/Monroe but I think Bilstein should have a much better quality product.

Im doing the fronts this summer.

Have no issues with KYB. They have really good reviews and are a good OEM replacement. The Billies were more money than I was looking to spend.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ricktuk]

installed new Bilsteins yesterday. I acquired shocks and springs from a 2014 trail edition. the front springs are the same height but a little heavier, put those on the front. The rear springs were too short to use. I put a lift on the original springs and used the shocks from the 2014. shocks are a little longer and seem to work well. got about 2" in front and 2.5" in rear. Leveled it out and looks good.

Note: 99 4wd.

 

[ivopivo]

Well I did the LBJs and tierods last week. Came to Colorado today and went offroad for a good 3-4hrs. Learned a good amount, but most of all that I NEED the brake upgrade (need to research Tundra etc). In addition, while I didn’t do anything crazy or stupid I did have in mind a lot the front axles.. I’m wondering how likely is it to break an axle doing mild/medium trails and of that how likely is the break due to age vs just an accident? In short, I’m trying to decide whether to simply buy backup axles or replace them and use old ones as backup?

Thanks again for all the help. This is definitely a great car and a great hobby.