Options on my 98. What do you guys think?

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Lizard333

New member
I recently purchased my 98, and have started to go through the entire car and do some maintenance and needed repairs. Ive done plugs, wires, K&N Filter, new headlight assemblies, changed all the fluids, added an Ultra guage, new stereo, new key less entry, and just put some new shoes on, some BFG AT's, for tires. A tranny cooler in the works as well.

I am looking at the shock and coils, front and back and think they need to be replaced. I'm thinking Bilstein, but I am looking for some input from you guys. Should I just go back with stock Coils, or is the aftermarket a better choice. I want great ride, as I drive pavement 90 percent of the time. Going off road, i don't do a whole lot, but I do take it off into the dirt on the weekends when I go shooting. What do you guys think? There is no lift, as I am not planning on lifting it, as I am quite happy with the stock ride height.

The other issue I want to do is the brakes, as they feel a bit soft. I know about the Tundra upgrade, but is it needed for an everyday driver and minor off roading?

I believe in buy once, cry once, so I would like to do it right the first. If I am thinking the shocks from Bilstein are not the best choice please let me know.

What do you guys think?
 
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Lizard333 said:
So 150 people look and Nobody can help? Nice
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Lol, chill out man. You posted late at night, then were surprised when there was no response early the next morning.

As far as your question about the Tundra Brake Upgarde, my opinion would be that it's great to have. Even if you don't do alot of towing or offroading. The increased stopping power, and not warping the rotors every few months is a huge plus. I have family that lives on a mountain just outside of Chattanooga, so it's nice to have the bigger brakes on when going down the mountain and the brakes heat up. If I had to sell my current '99 and get another 3rd gen, the first upgrade I would do would be the Tundra brakes again.
 
Tundra Brakes and Trans Cooler would be the two remaining maintenance items. The brake upgrade was probably the single best thing I did to my 99. It stopped my 285's and a small trailer very well and I lived in the mtns of NC at the time. The trans cooler was added insurance IMO. I installed the one on that vehicle at around 130k (I got it at 121k) and last I heard the same trans is in it at 240k.

As for the suspension. If you don't plan on going with a lift and your springs aren't sagging then I would just replace with a good shock/strut like a Bilstein of some sort.
 
Went to sleep early, didn't wake up till now!

Yeah, stock shocks or whatever is cheaper, then would go with better brakes, your's will heat up eventually, you'll get them wet offroading then they'll warp real nice.

To add to your list: add LED road/offroad lights front and back with some side action to light it all up!

Also add LED interior lights (mostly overhead) so you can feel confident leaving them on w/o too much batt drain. Also other exterior lights replaced to LED.

Tint front windows and windshield overhead.

How about an awesome stereo with at least a better sub, beefy amp?

Got nice floor mats? Grease it all and tighten up chassis bolts. Tighten vc bolts too.

Do your new headlite assemblies come with new bulbs or what? HID?

I'd get the potential milkshake issue done ASAP, never know when that bxtch is gonna leak! That will cost you a tranny rebuild, like $4500 in my parts...

Maybe some mods like DRL? Gun racks? Fire extinguisher?

Good Luck and Enjoy! :lookout:
 
Like others stated above, Trans cooler/ tundra BB/ Genuine Toyota shocks are going to be the best thing you do to your truck. It will feel brand new, like driving off the lot. Other things would be like husky floor mats to protect the inside. You pretty much covered everything else. Good luck.
 
Alright, thanks for those of you that help. I will put this advice to good use. I know I am new here, but I was getting frustrated after two days of no responses. I was starting to wonder if it was something I said.

I realize that I am new to 4Runners, but after a little time, I will be contributing to this forum instead of just taking. This forum and the wealth of knowledge that is available is the main reason I bought a 16 year old 4Runner and sold my 2011 Explorer Limited. I can work on this 4Runner, but the Explorer was a nightmare.

My wife and I absolutely LOVE this new addition to the family, so thanks for putting up with my crankiness.

THANKS!!!!!
 
so the tundra brake upgrade imo is a must, you have two choices, the 199 or the 231, if you dont plan on getting bigger tires ie 33-35s then go with the 199s. another thing id look into is lower ball joints up front, if you have no records for them being replaced you might want to really consider getting that done soon, and only use toyota OEM parts, no aftermarket.

now onto springs and shocks. yeah bilstien makes good stuff, again you have a couple choices, 4600 series or the 5100 series, obviously the 5100s are a bit nicer but they cost a bit more too, and the 5100s are adjustable up front if you decide later that you do want to lift... and for springs id look at new highlander springs from a 99, as they sat 1" taller than every other 4runner out there. the ride is factory and they provide an subtle but yet aggressive look thats really hard to put a finger on. they will also allow you to run a slightly larger tire if you so desire, up to a 285 70 16/17 with very very minimal rubbing only at full flex and full lock. finding the 99 tall coils will prove to be a bit difficult though, and your best bet would be to find someone on here that has a 1999 sr5 4runner highlander edition and get their VIN and then go to your dealer with that and order springs for that truck to put into yours, that way you will get brand new coils that wont be worn out. but if you dont want to buy brand new from the dealer you can always buy used ones
 
I'm always hearing how great the Tundra brake upgrade is, but I have yet to do it. I put new pads and rotors on my '97 and it stops just fine. Granted, I live in northern Ohio so there are very few hills. I wish there were more t4r guys around here so I could drive one of theirs with the upgraded brakes to see the difference.

For shocks, I put the OEM rears on, Moog rear coils, and front Gabriel quick struts on mine. If you're not lifting it, OEM is probably the best.
 
the kid said:
and for springs id look at new highlander springs from a 99, as they sat 1" taller than every other 4runner out there. the ride is factory and they provide an subtle but yet aggressive look thats really hard to put a finger on.
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the kid, are you saying to do the highlander springs in the rear? or front and rear? anybody have part numbers handy for these?
thanks
 
vicar said:
the kid, are you saying to do the highlander springs in the rear? or front and rear? anybody have part numbers handy for these?
thanks
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well you will need to do both idealy other wise either the front or the rear will sit higher than the other.

i dont have part numbers. but look through the 3rd gen lift thread and FAQ
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66976-3rd-gen-4runner-lift-information-faqs.html

99 spring part numbers:
Front Passenger Side Springs - Blue / Yellow (48131-35400)
Front Driver Side Springs - Blue / Pink (48131 - 35350)
Both Rear Springs - Yellow / Red (48231 - 35210)
 
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