New member with suspension questions

[sharp3D]

Hi new friends.

I just purchased a '98 4Runner a couple weeks ago. I'm excited to iron out some of the kinks and turn "Foxy Brown" as I've named her into a safe and fun family road-trip machine.

I have a little experience working on cars- my other ride is a '66 mustang coupe, but this is my first truck. So I appreciate the over explanation and pretending I know nothing(cuz thats kind of the case).

One of the things I've learned since owning this vehicle is that the lower and sometimes upper ball joints are prone to fail. So my first goal is to remedy that and make this as safe as a vehicle as I can. The previous owner gave me a set of OEM lower ball joints that he planned to install but never got around to. I watched a few videos and that swap seemed simple enough. HOWEVER... If you'll please have a look at my current suspension. Linking google drive images because of better resolution:

IMG_2114.jpg - Google Drive

IMG_2116.jpg - Google Drive

As you can see there's some rust on the the shocks and other components. So I think instead of just replacing one worn out part I might be better off buying a full kit of sorts to replace and refresh everything. I'm not looking for crazy off-road, I like the stock ride height, I dont want to break the bank and if there's something out there that improves the factory ride I'm interested.

So what are my options? Is there a full kit out there or do I need to mix and match a few kits together?

Also it's worth mentioning I have a decent amount of play/wiggle on the steering wheel when it's at center so I think I need some adjustments/parts/replacement in that dept as well?

Really appreciate your input.

 

[phattyduck]

Those are Bilstien 5100 shocks - though can't see the PN from here - so I can't tell the original application. They are lifted from stock height already. Looks like stock 2WD springs, but can't be sure.

The upper ball joints don't fail catastrophically, just the lowers. Replace the lowers while you make a plan for the rest.

From here, I see:
- Needs new sway bar links
- Needs new upper ball joints (leaking boot)
- Needs new outer tie rod (leaking boot)

Likely will need or have issues with:
- upper and lower a-arm pivot bushings
- inner tie rods
- steering rack bushings
- lower suspension arm cams (frozen from rust)

Since you have a 2WD, your truck was likely neglected but not beat to death. Check the rear frame rails where the lower link mounts attached, that's where the frame rusts first - from the inside out.

New 5100's set at the same or slightly lower with new bushings, ball joints and new links (tie rods, swaybar, etc.) should get you back to a 'stock' feeling 4Runner. Check if the rear was lifted with spring spacer or new springs while you are at it. If you are happy with the current height, keep the current springs.

-Charlie

 

[sharp3D]

[MENTION=139000]phattyduck[/MENTION] Wow, thanks for the in depth response!

My springs look ok yeah? I would just need a new set of 5100's? Is it a waste of money to buy a set that comes with rear shocks as well and would this set fit the bill?

https://ebay.us/m/H0xvCi

 

[phattyduck]

[MENTION=139000]phattyduck[/MENTION] Wow, thanks for the in depth response!

My springs look ok yeah? I would just need a new set of 5100's? Is it a waste of money to buy a set that comes with rear shocks as well and would this set fit the bill?

https://ebay.us/m/H0xvCi

Not sure what shape your top hats are in, but those might also need replacement. You can also just get new stem bushings and upper isolator for the front shocks as long as the top hat isn't rusting and the studs are in good shape.

The rear end also is important for ride quality. Worn bushings in the rear arms make it 'crash' over bumps, so get a look under the rear too and see what you need. There is nothing in the back that outright 'fails' under normal driving, but if your goal is 'comfortable and safe' there may still be work needed in the back.

-Charlie

 

[sharp3D]

Just to reiterate my question. Would that Bilstein kit I linked above be a good replacement or is there something better suited?

Here are a few more photos of the underside. Really no rust at all.

IMG_2119.HEIC - Google Drive

IMG_2120.HEIC - Google Drive

IMG_2121.HEIC - Google Drive

 

[phattyduck]

Just to reiterate my question. Would that Bilstein kit I linked above be a good replacement or is there something better suited?

Here are a few more photos of the underside. Really no rust at all.

The rust and build up on the front doesn't really match the rear half of the frame... very interesting. The pictures of the back look like a normal California frame, the front looks like a 'clean' rust belt frame. I do see a bit there worth looking into right at the front of the rear lower link mount where it welds to the frame.

If the shocks are still working just fine, there is no need to replace them - they aren't leaking. There are plenty of other parts that would lead to a 'rough' ride with >25 years on them other than shocks - those are the parts I mentioned above.

I was happy with 5100's for street and mild off roading. Before that I had 4600's (not height adjustable) that have the same valving that I put on when my dad still owned it (maybe 140k on the stock shocks, 120k on the 4600s, then 5100's for ~60k miles and now 5k or so on Kings under my ownership)

Just to be clear - your 4Runner IS lifted already. Unless you want to lower it back down to stock height, you'll want/need to go with 5100's set the same way. If you want to lift it with other shocks, you will need new front springs - but with a 2WD, getting the height and stiffness correct is harder (everything is designed for the heavier 4WD trucks).

-Charlie

 

[jt936]

I also just purchased a 98 and this post has been super helpful