New springs / shocks: at what mileage???

[JabzSA]

Hello all,

I have a 2007 4runner with 75k miles on the clock.

At what mileage do most folks refurbish / update their springs / shocks?? What is Toyota's recommendation for such a refresh...?


I have recently bought the standard Daystar lift kit, without really considering other options. I thought this was the cheap and easy way to go.

Now I am wondering whether it would have been much better to do a spring / shock upgrade instead...especially is my mileage is at the point where such a refresh is encouraged.

I can install the Daystar lift kit - and that might solve my desire in the short term, but if I am due to change springs / shocks in another 10k miles....i might as well do the right thing!

Any input is appreciated.

 

[Gdmeadors]

My front shocks were leaking at 95,000 so I replace front and rear and added FJ coils uo front. Turns out they were all pretty worn out and probably could have been changed earlier. It is hard to notice the gradual degredation of shocks.

 

[Powder_Hound]

I'm doing mine at 112,000, but I also have a leak in one of my front struts. However, I am starting to get a droopy rear end and a little extra bounce in the rear. If you are pulling things apart at 75,000 I would suggest upgrading coils and/or the entire suspension vs. the spacer lift. I don't know that there is a set # of miles to refresh as everyone uses there T4R's differently. When you don't like the ride, if the ride starts to get bouncy, or if you have a leak in XREAS it's time to replace...

 

[wnelax04sr5]

theres no set rule really as to what mileage shocks and/or struts need to be replaced, but as others have mentioned, if you have one leaking then its time to replace. much like tires, i believe if youre replacing one you should replace all four, it will provide you with a better ride and that way your timetable on your next potential shock replacement has started for all of them, not just one

 

[Hyaline]

OG set

Im still on my OG set I got her @ 61k miles and am now @ 200K+ Have springs and FJ rears sitting in the garage. Waiting on funds get 5100 fronts. Ride is a bit more rough over bumps at speed but thats really it.

 

[MACT4R]

I changed mine out the 1st time around 95K due to leaks. I just changed springs and shocks at 210K, no leaks but able to feel the roughness, nose diving, and excessive curve lean. It made a world of difference after suspension change.

 

[sean2202]

I think there are alot of variables to your question. What kind of driving do you do how many miles per year, highway or back road, do u tow or carry any weight etc. I have seen shops that recommend replacing shocks at 50k I think that is a little excessive. If you drive 45k a year in Texas (my uncle does) your shocks will last longer. I got 150k out of my stock 3rd gen setup and it was beat at the end. If it were myself I would return the blocks and replace everything. Figure out what you want to do with your rig and get the shocks or lift you want. If you put blocks in now you have to have an alignment done. If you take them out in 10k miles and put new shocks in you need another alignment. 100$ alignment each time were I live.

 

[05Toy4Runner]

Mine made it to 150k before I decided to switch out to Bilstein 4600 series.

 

[chmura]

The springs will last the life time of the truck, shocks will not.

If you want to lift yes you will need to add a spacer and replace the springs.

 

[JabzSA]

Thanks guys for your responses...

I have to admit - maybe I am just a bit slow on the uptake - but with so much information out there...I am digesting as much info as possible but am not yet seeing a clear preferred route.

Some folks have gone the Daystar route for a lift. Others gone down the FJ coil route, and others Toytec, shocks etc...

so many choices, so many variable to consider!

Right now - my thinking is along the lines of longevity. Whilst I am venturing down this road - another thought i had was regarding suspension or other bushings....with a truck aging, and the squeaking noise become louder..maybe i should also upgrade those whilst I'm there doing the suspension etc...

Any thoughts on that?

 

[kao]

Thanks guys for your responses...

I have to admit - maybe I am just a bit slow on the uptake - but with so much information out there...I am digesting as much info as possible but am not yet seeing a clear preferred route.

Some folks have gone the Daystar route for a lift. Others gone down the FJ coil route, and others Toytec, shocks etc...

so many choices, so many variable to consider!

Right now - my thinking is along the lines of longevity. Whilst I am venturing down this road - another thought i had was regarding suspension or other bushings....with a truck aging, and the squeaking noise become louder..maybe i should also upgrade those whilst I'm there doing the suspension etc...

Any thoughts on that?

It depends on your budget and your attitude to squeaks, knocks and so on. In case of Toyota, you could spend some extra and forget about suspension for roughly another 5 years.

I've changed my x-reas on 95k... hmmm... I don't know why. There were no problems except rusted boots of rear shocks.

If you like stiffer ride, you'd better go for new aftermarket struts (like ome).

 

[radlynx]

just do it. replace the bushings too all at once one side at a time. if I were you, i'll stick to replace the spring and shocks st the same time.

Thanks guys for your responses...

I have to admit - maybe I am just a bit slow on the uptake - but with so much information out there...I am digesting as much info as possible but am not yet seeing a clear preferred route.

Some folks have gone the Daystar route for a lift. Others gone down the FJ coil route, and others Toytec, shocks etc...

so many choices, so many variable to consider!

Right now - my thinking is along the lines of longevity. Whilst I am venturing down this road - another thought i had was regarding suspension or other bushings....with a truck aging, and the squeaking noise become louder..maybe i should also upgrade those whilst I'm there doing the suspension etc...

Any thoughts on that?

 

[Rocket61]

I went 140k miles on the stock suspension, the last 20-30k were brutal.

 

[cajone5]

2004 Sport V8 checking in...

Original suspension still appears to be good. Kind of curious if it really is though. Any simple test? It doesn't feel soft or like it pitches heavily on turns or while braking... maybe I'm lucky? Or just dumb. Not sure.

 

[Ventil8]

I'm still on the stock XREAS suspension and I've got 128,000 miles. The ride quality is the same as when I drove it off the lot in 2005.

 

[cajone5]

I'm still on the stock XREAS suspension and I've got 128,000 miles. The ride quality is the same as when I drove it off the lot in 2005.

Yea I'm pushing 135k. I want to lift it but I don't want to blow money on spacers only to have to replace the XREAS in a few thousand miles...

 

[JabzSA]

I share the same concerns / thoughts as you...i know, 75k miles is nothing - but I am a little OCD - and believe in prevention rather than cure....

Aside from leaks, how does one really know its time??

 

[sritwik]

I share the same concerns / thoughts as you...i know, 75k miles is nothing - but I am a little OCD - and believe in prevention rather than cure....

Aside from leaks, how does one really know its time??

This is the key question! Reviving this old thread, but I find myself in a similar boat.

Happy 2nd owner of a 2011 Trail Edition, California car bought in New England, pushing 143k miles, last 13k miles were mine. Stock suspension is perfect - no leaks, no bouncing, no squeaks. Sure, there is lots of travel, but it seems that an offroad-bound 4wd vehicle should actually have travel and be soft, not sportscar-stiff (my other car is a mk7 GTI )!

My problem is that I am bitten by the same bug as so many others here - lift, big A/T tires, a desire to venture off the beaten path! In my quest for learning, I'm soaking up the following general guidelines on YouTube, forums etc:

- Spacer lifts are primarily for looks/ levelling front to back. They won't give you the best ride quality or suspension performance
- A 2.75" lift is probably the most you can go without replacing the upper control arm
- Also, you might not need to replace rear shocks unless you have a permanent +100 lbs, e.g., a rooftop tent, steel bumper
- Popular coilovers + shocks: Fox and Eibach 2.0, Bilstein 5100, Bilstein 6100
- Higher performance: Icon, King, OME BP-51. Especially because many of these come with external reservoirs that keeps the fluid cooler (not sure how that helps - viscosity?)
- The Bilstein 6100 is great value; it's a 2.5" shock as compared to 2" for the Fox and Eibach (not very clear as to why that is better, but probably supports more fluid movement)

Thanks.