New Owner, Suspension Questions...

[suddenlycalm]

I just picked up a 97 sr5 with 198,000 miles. Needless to say the shocks and struts are toast. I've been searching for the last few days about different suspensions and have finally realized i need a few opinions. I am going to replace the shocks, struts, springs, mounts, end links and sway bar bushings. I would like to lift only mildly, maybe new springs would do this? A little stiffer ride is fine with me as long as im not bouncing around and i get rid of the body roll. What do you suggest for new springs, shocks and struts? Also what other hardware and rubber parts do i need to purchase? I have a budget of 700 for this project so i need to keep it under that. Any suggestions would be welcome.

 

[Herculean T4R]

Checkout Toytec. They make good lift kits.

 

[Predatorhouse]

If $700 is your budget then you need to go on line and search salvage yards for a first gen tundra TRD and get the front and rear shocks and the front coils. then search for late 90's modle land cruiser rear coils 7 or 8 wrap(#of loops on the coil its self). I would then go to Wheeler's offroad and buy the top plate and hardware and the bushings to push in. If ou can swing a couple more 100 dollars then you can buy all that you will need from wheeler's built and ready to swap for $870ish, but that will only be the lift not the other stuff. I think it will be hard to do all you want for 700. you want to make sure you get the Tundra shocks though. I have tundra Bilstein 5100's and old man emu coils I have about 2 3/4 " lift with that but stock tires will look funny on there after the lift. check out the pic of m 4runner and you will get an idea of what that lift will look like.

 

[Brique]

If you're just wanting a touch of extra height, you can just replace everything with stock and use the coils for a '99. Your 97 was on the tallish side when new, but sag had probably lowered that a bit.

Be warned though that once you get a touch of height you'll probably want more.

Look up [MENTION=8729]Speedy[/MENTION]'s tundra/906 lift on YouTube as well. It's about 2" and uses bilstein shocks.

 

[Brique]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9-0hMzv_RU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[cryan]

Go to wheeler's off road and buy Tundra front and rear Bilstein 5100s. They already have the appropriate bushings pushed in for the 4runner. Also, get a a set of OME 906 rear springs. Install your stock springs on the Bilstein 5100s on the 4th perch and you will get a little over an inch of lift from where you are now. Out the door price of $517 plus shipping. This will give you plenty of room to "grow" as well without having to buy shocks or struts again.

Bilstein 5100 Height Adjustable Front Strut Set for 99-06 Tundra

Bilstein 5100 4runner Rear Shock Set for 1996 - 2002 4Runner

Old Man Emu 2906 Rear Coil Set

 

[narow37]

I'm looking to replace my shocks with tundra 5100 but I'm not looking for any real lift, maybe a little in the front. Can I use the original springs front and rear. which perch should I put the springs on for the front. will the shocks bottom out on the rear with no lift.

 

[suddenlycalm]

Thanks for the ideas guys. I was leaning towards the 5100s anyway. You may have just made up my mind.

 

[dingobaby]

cryan, were those all the parts that were necessary to purchase? Anything else to consider? Thanks for your help!!

_____________
2000 4Runner Limited 4wd
1998 4Runner Limited 2wd