Overhauling Suspension...need input

[delta265]

My 99 Runner is at 180k and desperately in need of new shocks, the rear sags a bit too so I'm thinking of the SS 3.0 which will basically replace my entire setup with a fresh one. The stock 99 suspension has taken me everywhere I need to go so I would like to stick with it.

However I'm thinking of what else should be taken care of while I'm down there, any recomendations? Bushings? Wheel Bearings? I plan on keeping this thing until it blows up or catches fire.

Any ideas or links to stuff would be much appreciated, thanks!

 

[delta265]

Anyone?

 

[brian2sun]

Since you already know you like the '99 coils, the SS 3.0 will be a great choice. Wheel bearings tend to last a long time in these trucks so I wouldn't worry about those unless you have play in them or can hear them whine.

Check your ball joints by lifting a tire off the ground, holding it at 12 and 6 o'clock and shaking it. If there is play then the ball joints need replacing. At 180K, I would change the lower BJs regardless (the uppers usually last longer a lot longer because they take less stress). When the lowers fail it can be disasterous, that's why I would just change them out now. Look for play in the tie rods by lifting just one front tire off the ground and shake it from 9 and 3 o'clock. That's about it as far as stuff to do while you're in there.

You can check if your steering rack bushings are worn by rocking the steering wheel back and forth (with the engine idling) while you kneel by the door and look underneath the truck at the rack itself. If the rack moves at all, the bushings are shot. That doesn't have much to do with lifting it, but at 180K, it might be time to do those too.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Brian2sun can vouch for this as much as I can: when replacing the LBJs use OEM and nothing else. Make sure to buy the replacement bolts (8 total) from Toyota as well.

Also check the sway bar bushings for excessive wear.

 

[delta265]

Since you already know you like the '99 coils, the SS 3.0 will be a great choice. Wheel bearings tend to last a long time in these trucks so I wouldn't worry about those unless you have play in them or can hear them whine.

Check your ball joints by lifting a tire off the ground, holding it at 12 and 6 o'clock and shaking it. If there is play then the ball joints need replacing. At 180K, I would change the lower BJs regardless (the uppers usually last longer a lot longer because they take less stress). When the lowers fail it can be disasterous, that's why I would just change them out now. Look for play in the tie rods by lifting just one front tire off the ground and shake it from 9 and 3 o'clock. That's about it as far as stuff to do while you're in there.

You can check if your steering rack bushings are worn by rocking the steering wheel back and forth (with the engine idling) while you kneel by the door and look underneath the truck at the rack itself. If the rack moves at all, the bushings are shot. That doesn't have much to do with lifting it, but at 180K, it might be time to do those too.

Thank you Brian, great info. Exactly what I'm looking for.

 

[marmotan]

FYI, 3rd gen steering rack bushing kits and anti-sway bushing kits are available here:

95.5-02 Toyota 4Runner Equipment and Accessories at Wheeler's Off-Road

 

[doubleA]

FYI, 3rd gen steering rack bushing kits and anti-sway bushing kits are available here:

95.5-02 Toyota 4Runner Equipment and Accessories at Wheeler's Off-Road

the sway bar bushing kit looks legit... adding it to the list of to-do's