New here. New 2002 4runner owner

[Carbineone]

Hello

Just signed up and have a couple questions on my newly aquired 2002 4runner SR5 2WD.

First one is can someone tell me if the 4WD and 2WD front shocks are the same part number. I am NOT concerned about if the complete assemblies are the same. They are NOT,I already know that. The front assemblies have a little longer and stiffer front springs in the 4WD. But are the actual shocks individually the same between 4WD and 2WD It appears the shocks themselves may be the same between the two. But not 100 percent sure yet.

Deal is I have two complete new 4WD assemblies. I am planning on using my original springs from my 2WD and pull the 4WD shocks from the complete assembly and swap them into my original 2WD springs. Seems 2WD complete assemblies are near non existent, so have to do what I have to do.

The other question I will just reserve for its own thread. But it concerns the dreaded CEL, VAC, Traction lights. That one has been aggravating. But first things first on the shocks. I appreciate any help..Thanks

 

[JWaldz]

[MENTION=803652]Carbineone[/MENTION]

Assemblies/mounting should be 100% compatible regardless of the 2wd/4wd trim.

Like you said, maybe the specs of each are different but mounting is the same.

 

[Carbineone]

Thanks

I just need the shocks themselves to be interchangeable. Do not care about the springs at all. Or complete assemblies. If I could install the 4wd complete assemblie in my 2wd I would. Yes the 4wd assembly will for in my two wheel. But it would raise my front because the 4wd springs are taller and more stout. That would raise my front end, throw all my geometery off. Forget all that, it is beside the point. All I need to know is this yes or no question?

Are the shocks themselves minus the springs, not complete assemblies, the same in a 2wd and 4wd? Fitment is not the issue at all. Are the shocks themselves the same part numbers for 2wd and 4wd? Not complete assemblies. Just the shock? My local Toyota dealer did not see a different part number for the shocks themselves for 2 and 4wd. Only different numbers for complete assemblies. But he may or may not be right.

Yes No?

 

[AuSeeker]

I truly don't now the answer to your question...BUT if you look at Bilstein shocks at Rock Auto it shows different front shocks for 4WD and 2WD for the 4600s, but the 5100s say front or rear but it with have a different lifts for 2WD and 4WD, but other brands don't say either drive only front and rear.

2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 3.4L V6 Shock / Strut | Shop Now at RockAuto

All that being said it appears they will bolt up fine but the ride height might be different than before installing them.

 

[Carbineone]

Thanks

I am using stock shocks. I do NOT want to change anything from stock, nor do I want any lift. That is exactly what I am trying to avoid by using my stock 2wd springs with the 4wd shocks I have. I will remove and install the shocks that came with the 4wd ready to drop in assemblies into my stock 2wd springs and see what happens I guess. I really think the shocks themselves are same length and such in both 2wd and 4wd..Or I hope so..Will let you know how it works out tomorrow.

I(t it near impossible to find 2wd front shock assemblies now. Toyota no longer stocks them, and everyone else seems to have 4wd ones only. These also do not appear to be struts anyway. They are more of just a coil over shock assembly at the front. Rear shocks are completely separate from the coil springs. The rears just mount like all shocks from back in the day.

 

[phattyduck]

2WD and 4WD shocks have the same extended and compressed length but are valved different, along with different springs - at least the OEMs are.

If you got full front assemblies, they are likely poor quality parts that won't last long... You are right to move over your 2WD springs. The 4WD springs will lift the front 0.5-1" from where you are now.

Just keep your old parts if they are OEM, so you can build them into higher quality self-assembled units when your current replacements take a dump.

-Charlie

 

[Carbineone]

There are no OEM shocks available though. Toyota discontinued them. Where do I get OEM ones at for a 2wd..They do not seem to exist.? Someone let me know if you have a source. I tried my local dealer. And Olathe Toyota too. They both said discontinued. Thanks

Here is the original part number for just the shocks that they gave me. They both said get what you can at your local auto store using this part number for interchange.. I have owned many Toyotas and currently own 4. I like OEM parts too when they are available. But that is sometimes not the case. And this is just a occasional 700.00 daily driver to tow my Boat. Runs great but I really do not want to buy expensive shocks for a 700.00 occasional vehicle anyway.

48510-80034

 

[phattyduck]

I wasn't suggesting OEM shocks (though they would be great if you could get them).

A full set of KYBs (normal, not MonoMax) are about $200 shipped from RockAuto. Those should ride basically stock. Reuse the top hats/isolators and springs, assuming you don't live in the rust belt.

I was saying to keep the stock stuff for the top hats mostly. There isn't a bearing or anything in there to wear out, really.

To be more clear, the FCS/Monroe/Gabriel full assembly options are just not very good. Just imagine what corners have to be cut to get a full front strut (really, coilover shock) assembly for under $100...

-Charlie

 

[Carbineone]

I am not great searching. But I do not think I found anything that said for 2wd specifically on Rock Auto. If you would be kind enough to get me a link to 2wd ones for sure..I would appreciate it..

Not sure why it is so hard to find shocks for a 2002 4runner 2wd. I can buy them anywhere for my 1991 Pickup..Thanks

 

[AuSeeker]

I am not great searching. But I do not think I found anything that said for 2wd specifically on Rock Auto. If you would be kind enough to get me a link to 2wd ones for sure..I would appreciate it..

Not sure why it is so hard to find shocks for a 2002 4runner 2wd. I can buy them anywhere for my 1991 Pickup..Thanks

I posted the link in my last reply, here it is again, scroll down until you see...

"BILSTEIN 24188234 B6 4600 Monotube Info
Front; RWD"

These are the shocks only no springs installed.

2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 3.4L V6 Shock / Strut | Shop Now at RockAuto

You have to add one to your "cart" to see the price of $93.79

 

[Twisted Sid]

If you want it to ride like stock, go the KYB gas-a-just route. The bilsteins will be a harsher ride. I had them on my 99 2wd and swapped over to the KYBs a few years ago and the ride was much better.
And yes the 4wd shocks will work on a 2wd

 

[trailwalk]

Welcome to the 3rd gen club.

Yeah, the bare shocks will bolt right up. Mounts are exactly the same. The 4WD valving is just a little stiffer, but with your 2WD springs, they’ll drop right in and ride great. You're good to go.

For the CEL/VSC/TRAC lights—that's just the classic 3rd Gen Christmas tree. Toyota's ECU automatically shuts off traction control any time a CEL pops. It’s usually just a bad O2 sensor, dirty MAF, or a loose gas cap. Grab a cheap OBD2 scanner and pull the code first.

 

[Carbineone]

Thanks. I did start a new thread on the dash light issues. Code I think was P0420 The thread explains what I did and what I think fixed it. It was exhaust leak related I believe.