Rear suspension question.

[Satter]

I took my vehicle in because my truck was leaning on the drivers side. The gentleman said I needed my back shocks replaced which made sense because they were the original shocks that came with the 4R when I bought it back in '97. To my knowledge they have never been replaced. When I went to pick it up the mechanic told me that the way my suspension was set up it was not meant for on road driving because the shocks take a pounding. It was meant for offroad. I drive a '98 4Runner Ltd 4WD, and the suspension I have is what came from the factory. My question is is that the way Toyota meant for the 4R Ltd to be - more offroad capable than onroad?

 

[Running4life]

To answer the last question...both. 4Runners are capable both on and offroad. You might want to look into replacing the rear springs and shocks. If the springs are bad which by this time they probably sag, then the shocks will have to work harder to absorb all the bumps.
Is this a mechanic you trust?

 

[98OzarksRunner]

To answer the last question...both. 4Runners are capable both on and offroad. You might want to look into replacing the rear springs and shocks. If the springs are bad which by this time they probably sag, then the shocks will have to work harder to absorb all the bumps.
Is this a mechanic you trust?

What he said. Your shocks don't have anything to do with how the truck sits. If it sags, you need new springs.

 

[Volley]

Agree...sounds like new springs are in order. I would consider a different mechanic too...

 

[Satter]

Hey, guys. Thanks for the responses. I called to confirm the work that was done. He did replace the shocks. They're not the OEM black ones. They're white. However, he did not replace the springs (coils). He said that the coils are merely to help and should not be replaced unless they are physically broken. I'm not sure what to think about that as I am not a mechanic or mechanically inclined.

This is the first time I'm using this mechanic. I went online and read several good reviews. My cousin uses him for both his old and new tacoma and hasn't had any issues.

I have to say that after I got my Runner back the ride is considerably better now. Handles very well.

 

[Running4life]

Great news on the shocks but so untrue on the springs. Springs that old are in need of replacement. If they physically break then you really have a problem. The best way to tell (about the springs) is look under the Runner at the rear axle. Inside the springs there should be a rubber cone shaped thing. If it is not touching the axle (which it is probably not due to the new shocks), then how far off the axle is it. To test the springs with new shocks through about 200lbs worth of stuff in the back. If the cones touch the axle, I would recommend you get new springs.

 

[Satter]

I'll do that and let you know... with pics! Thanks.

 

[theizzardking]

Hey, guys. Thanks for the responses. I called to confirm the work that was done. He did replace the shocks. They're not the OEM black ones. They're white. However, he did not replace the springs (coils). He said that the coils are merely to help and should not be replaced unless they are physically broken. I'm not sure what to think about that as I am not a mechanic or mechanically inclined.

This is the first time I'm using this mechanic. I went online and read several good reviews. My cousin uses him for both his old and new tacoma and hasn't had any issues.

I have to say that after I got my Runner back the ride is considerably better now. Handles very well.

yeah i would find a different mech...regardless... they are fine unless they are broken?!?!?