Okay gang - suspension the more I read, the more confused I get...

[datsuyama]

Hey folks,

Suspension.

So, I apologize as I'm sure this has been discussed ad nauseum as I've read countless pages on this topic.
But, as I said, the more I read, the more confused I get and the less sure I am of any decision...

I have a 1999 I inherited from my father and I believe it is the sport/highlander edition from what I've read here.
As you can see in the photo it's getting the saggy butt that seems so common on these rigs. I can also tell the suspension is super tired - the back bottoms out once in a while and the truck just drives like a boat.

Overall, I like the height it is right now, if it's sitting normal, that is. I am looking for some upgrade that will keep my truck at more or less the same height but be more user friendly. I drive on the road most of the time and off road on the weekends when I can, mainly forest roads but I get a little bit rougher than that too - I'm just not a big wheeler... I want to get out the sticks and make it home in one piece.
What are your suggestions? I was looking at the OME but then get confused as to which ones I should get... others have said the Tundra springs are the way to go.... I feel like my head is going to implode!

edited to add: front sits about 20.5" from center of hub to fender and back is about 20" hub to fender...

Thanks for your help!!

 

[phattyduck]

This is an easy one, in my mind. If you like the ride height (overall), don't change the springs.

New shocks - OEM, KYB or Bilstein 4600. That will keep you from bottoming out.

Your ride height is fine, but you can get new rear springs or use 10mm 'trim packers' to lift it back up just a touch. If you need more weight carrying capacity in the rear, then you can investigate springs.

If there is still clunking, rattling, etc. in the suspension, you'll have to diagnose those issues separately. That can be from any number of issues at this age.

Also, do the front lower ball joints with new OEM parts. Aftermarket won't do there.

-Charlie

 

[blarchitect]

Whatever OEM set up you go for please avoid the 4Runner '99 tall springs.
I bought the SS 3.0 (now discontinued) which comprised new OEM '99 springs with tokico shocks. Within 18 months the springs had sagged in the arse and had started to corrode. I'm lucky if I do 1000 miles a year, two dogs has been the heaviest load and I don't live in the rust belt.

 

[powderKing]

For your needs any of the above mentioned shocks will do you fine.

If its driving like a boat add some new springs to. The Old Man Emu 880 spring in the front paired with the old man emu 906 in the rear will put you at the the height your looking for.

Since its a highlander model it already sat 1inch higher from factory.. i think. But those coils with any shocks will add new life and make it sit how you want it. As mentioned above also put in new toyota oem Lower ball Joints.

 

[datsuyama]

Thank you all so much!! I cant wait to get her sitting pretty and more usable! I routinely carry around my two dogs and have been thinking about a drawer system so maybe i'll get the stiffer springs in the back...

 

[Endlessblockades]

Clean and Green - looking good! Does it have supercharger?

 

[datsuyama]

Clean and Green - looking good! Does it have supercharger?

No supercharger... just a hood scoop for looks

 

[Endlessblockades]

No supercharger... just a hood scoop for looks

Same here - all show, no go!