Replace stock coils and shocks with ?

M

maine runner

New member
I have read many threads on the topic of coils and shocks, including those recommending OME coils and Bilstein shocks but most are for doing a lift. My truck is stock and want to keep it that way.

Should I go with OEM replacements or something else. What model/sizes for rears and fronts?

My truck still has the original shocks and coils and I notice the ride has degraded a bit in the 13 years and 109,000 miles. I tow a trailer and boat (3500lbs) and notice significant rear sag when hooked up. I know the tongue weight is correct (8%) and the sag occurs without any riders or gear in the truck.

Links to prices and web sellers are appreciated.
 
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I'd go with Bilstein HD shocks front and rear. About $270 shipped from AJUSA.com. For springs, your fronts are probably still okay, for the rear just pick up a new set of '99 springs.
 
'96-'98 or '99 front OEM springs, OME 906 rears, and a quality strut like the Bilstein HD's, or Tokiko Trekmaster. The OME rear springs handle the tongue weight of a trailer very nicely (no sag loaded), and still rides very nicely unloaded, works with stock or OEM replacement struts (don't require long travel struts like a larger lift), and it can all be had for around $500 if you shop smart. Struts are $300 or less, OME 906 is $160 new, and '99 front springs you buy used. In the end may give you a 1" lift (a bit more in the back if you were sagging before), and a slight forward rake. Don't have to worry about brake line extensions, or anything else.

Is your truck a '99?
 
maine runner said:
Ian - My truck is a 1999, manufactured 10/98.
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Great, so you already have the '99 "tall springs", all you'd need is the 906 rears, and a good set of OEM replacement struts. You'll be very happy with this setup if you don't want a lift, but do want something better equipped to deal with heavy loads and trailer towing.
 
Would I feel much improvement if I replaced the rear coils and all shocks but left the front coils alone?

Finding the time to locate used front coils is going to be tough.
 
maine runner said:
Would I feel much improvement if I replaced the rear coils and all shocks but left the front coils alone?

Finding the time to locate used front coils is going to be tough.
Click to expand...

Absolutely, if there's nothing wrong with the front coils there's no reason to change them. It's the rears that are notorious for sagging, and after switching to the 906's the stockers (both my '96 and the '99 talls I used) don't have enough springrate to start with for the rears.

JohnsD90 is running '98 fronts with the 906 rears, and he had good things to say about them as well. It's the way these things should have come from factory IMO.

Here's a link where you can buy the 906's, or you could try and land a used set if you'd prefer:

http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/ome4runner.htm
 
maine runner said:
Would I feel much improvement if I replaced the rear coils and all shocks but left the front coils alone?
Click to expand...

Yup. I replaced only my rears with new shocks and used coils and definitely noticed a difference....pretty sure the old stuff was original with 175k on them though.
 
IanB said:
Great, so you already have the '99 "tall springs", all you'd need is the 906 rears, and a good set of OEM replacement struts. You'll be very happy with this setup if you don't want a lift, but do want something better equipped to deal with heavy loads and trailer towing.
Click to expand...

Are you sure about that? I always thought only '99 Highlanders came with the taller springs.
 
All 99s come with the tallest coils for the 3rd gen, according to Sonoran steel, followed by the 98 coils, which are about .5" shorter than the 99s.

For op, youve already gotten good advice. I dont know anything about the 906s, but as mentioned your stock 99 coils with bilsteins or trekmasters front and back would be a really nice set up.
 
IanB said:
I thought all '99 4x4's were "Highlanders"...if that's not the case how would you tell the difference?
Click to expand...

I'm not sure but I think only the "sport" was a Highlander with the tall springs. Again, not sure though. You can tell the springs by the paint codes on them.
 
maine runner said:
Would I feel much improvement if I replaced the rear coils and all shocks but left the front coils alone?

Finding the time to locate used front coils is going to be tough.
Click to expand...

Yeah, i love the 906's they were the absolute right choice, i was afraid of too much rake, but it's about 1 inch higher in the back, they are nice and stiff and definitely hold up better under load. the 98 coils in the front are in surprisingly good shape having over 200k on them.

As Ian said just get new struts in the front with the old coils, and grab some 906's and what ever shock you want for that back, be sure to keep the receipts as many brands offer lifetime warranties.
 
Confused

Sorry to bring this back up but I have confused myself. I am a novice at the technical level of suspension parts/attributes

In reviewing the OME 906 coils I keep seeing them show them adding height. Many threads talk about getting a 1" lift.

I am not interested in raising the truck. It is hard for my passengers to get in as it is.

Is there a different OME # for the stock height?

Just want to be sure I understand what I need, don't want to order the wrong items.
 
maine runner said:
Sorry to bring this back up but I have confused myself. I am a novice at the technical level of suspension parts/attributes

In reviewing the OME 906 coils I keep seeing them show them adding height. Many threads talk about getting a 1" lift.

I am not interested in raising the truck. It is hard for my passengers to get in as it is.

Is there a different OME # for the stock height?

Just want to be sure I understand what I need, don't want to order the wrong items.
Click to expand...

The 906 is as close to stock height as you can get, it's not really much "lift", more like the opposite of sagging. Don't fret, you'll love them, promise.
 
New OEM springs installed

Just wanted to provide a resolution to the thread.

My mech installed a set of OEM rear springs. The original shocks are in good shape so no replacement.

I definately notice the truck rides smoother over potholes, bumps etc. In standing on the hitch, the rear only lowers a tiny amount.

All in all, very pleased. Can't wait to see how she sits when hooked up to the boat.
 
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