Shocks, Springs and Lift Questions

[SBdailyrunner]

I just bought a 97 T4R Limited 4x4 with a locker and 157k in September. I bought it because my fiance and I are planning to take a 3 month surfing/overland expedition through Baja, Mainland Mex, and Costa Rica in the summer of 2015. It is my first truck/suv. I just installed a B&M super cooler to eliminate the pink milkshake and am now looking to upgrade the suspension. I have looked all over this site including the FAQ lift link and expeditionportal.com but have not found what I am looking for. This is my daily driver so I do not want to lift it 3 inches, lose mpgs, and wear out other components, especially since we will be spending time in Mexico. Reliability is #1. That's why I bought the 4Runner.

We do some light wheeling in Santa Barbara where we live and I want to explore Baja off the beaten path. The truck has preformed great so far and I love it but the rear is sagging just a little. It has a bull bar on the front and I will be adding a big cargo box in the back and a roof top tent. I was planning on the OME shocks and springs but a lot of people didn't like the stiffness of the ride. The future wife needs to be comfortable for me to enjoy this trip and won't let me spend a fortune. I am open to just about everything. Thanks for the help. Also has anyone else on here done this trip? Surfboard security is a major issue for me.

Here are some pics so the thread isn't "useless."

 

[MStudt]

For starters, how much lift are you looking for? There are options from 1" to 3" that are pretty readily available. Another suggestion would to search on here, as there are tons, and I mean tons of threads about lifts. Here is a good thread to start with that has a lot of information about the different lifts out there.

 

[kernel.panik]

Here's a great thread with a video to boot.
It is what I plan on doing with mine. It's a 2" lift all around.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/154200-speedys-lift-install-how-video.html

 

[Bama_Runner]

Here's a great thread with a video to boot.
It is what I plan on doing with mine. It's a 2" lift all around.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/154200-speedys-lift-install-how-video.html

I agree with the above statement if you don't want to go 3". I wanted more, so I went with 3" Toytec springs along with Tundra 5100s and OME 3" springs in the rear. I don't have any regrets, but I'm betting Speedy's set up has a stock like ride.

 

[bpowa]

I just put on ome 906 in the rear with bilstein 5100. I was worried too about it being stiff. I think my acura tl. Is actually stiffer. I'm not sure why people are complaining about. Maybe its because they got used to the saggy rear oem springs. :dunno

If there was an option for. 1.5" rear spring I'd be happy with that. I was in the same boat as you. I don't want that much loft. But the 906. Gave me 2" higher. And I'm fine with it. Its almost perfect.

 

[SBdailyrunner]

I just put on ome 906 in the rear with bilstein 5100. I was worried too about it being stiff. I think my acura tl. Is actually stiffer. I'm not sure why people are complaining about. Maybe its because they got used to the saggy rear oem springs. :dunno

Ok good to know. I am new to this and only want to do this once. Thanks for the comment. Did you do anything to the front?

 

[opie74]

Im one of those folks who felt the OME set-up was a bit stiff. Im no stranger to stiff suspensions, either.

When I installed my lift, I removed the rear sway bar, but left the front one in. Couple weeks ago, I pulled the front sway bar and it made a world of difference. The increased stiffness of the OME 90004 shocks and 881 springs in the front makes up for not having the sway bar. There is a slight increase in body roll, but nothing I would classify as dangerous or unstable.

My rig is also a DD, any my wife has no issues using it during the winter months to transport the kids to and fro.

 

[bpowa]

Im one of those folks who felt the OME set-up was a bit stiff. Im no stranger to stiff suspensions, either.

When I installed my lift, I removed the rear sway bar, but left the front one in. Couple weeks ago, I pulled the front sway bar and it made a world of difference. The increased stiffness of the OME 90004 shocks and 881 springs in the front makes up for not having the sway bar. There is a slight increase in body roll, but nothing I would classify as dangerous or unstable.

My rig is also a DD, any my wife has no issues using it during the winter months to transport the kids to and fro.

Hmm. Maybe its due to the ome shock combo. I beleive that is what most people are feeling. This truck is my do it all vehicle. Towing couple dirtbikes tomorrow so ill see how it holds up.

 

[opie74]

Hmm. Maybe its due to the ome shock combo. I beleive that is what most people are feeling. This truck is my do it all vehicle. Towing couple dirtbikes tomorrow so ill see how it holds up.

Mine is our utility vehicle as well. I have noticed no issues with a trailer behind post lift.

 

[clemson4r]

Why don't you just replace all the suspension components with new stock parts? You end up with a good ride quality, no loss of mpg's, and no premature wear to other components.

Max

 

[SBdailyrunner]

Why don't you just replace all the suspension components with new stock parts? You end up with a good ride quality, no loss of mpg's, and no premature wear to other components.

Max

I was thinking about doing that, but where is the fun in that! I do want to increase the capability of the 4Runner a little bit for whatever I may encounter on my trip in Mexico.

 

[bpowa]

I wouldn't go oem. Likely cost more. I paid under 600 bucks. And it definately rides better than stock.

 

[masphx]

Good post. I also drive our 4runner daily and maybe offroad it everyother month so dont want a 3" lift. I'm still researching my lift so cant help there but I can pass on some info about your future trip. Check out a site call liferemotely.com. these guys have a 97 4r and went the same path it seems u want to go. They are not surfers but check out the links to other overlanders they have as a few of them went for the same reason u want to go. Overlanding down to central south america is a dream I also have. Just need to convence my gf. I have been many places in mexico but not baja. More central and southern parts.

Mason

 

[sggaz]

You can buy all new Toyota hardware (shocks and springs) from the 99 model year which is the tallest year for these trucks. That gets you an inch or two of lift while maintaining the quality of OEM hardware. Sonoran Steel used to sell it as a kit but apparently no longer does so.

 

[SBdailyrunner]

Good post. I also drive our 4runner daily and maybe offroad it everyother month so dont want a 3" lift. I'm still researching my lift so cant help there but I can pass on some info about your future trip. Check out a site call liferemotely.com. these guys have a 97 4r and went the same path it seems u want to go. They are not surfers but check out the links to other overlanders they have as a few of them went for the same reason u want to go. Overlanding down to central south america is a dream I also have. Just need to convence my gf. I have been many places in mexico but not baja. More central and southern parts.

Mason

I came across there site awhile ago and downloaded their ebook which was pretty good. I want to go off the beaten path a little more than they did to surf but I will check their setup again. As far as your gf is concerned, you just have to plant little seeds and do smaller trips at first. If she hates her job, thats a bonus. I am trying to convince mine to just quit and find another job when we come back.

 

[SBdailyrunner]

You can buy all new Toyota hardware (shocks and springs) from the 99 model year which is the tallest year for these trucks. That gets you an inch or two of lift while maintaining the quality of OEM hardware. Sonoran Steel used to sell it as a kit but apparently no longer does so.

Thanks for the info. That sounds like a great option for me. I am going to check that out!

 

[sggaz]

Here's a build thread with details of going with the 99 coils. He got 2" lift on his 2002 and likes it:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/139293-mccamp82s-2002-sport-edition.html:

 

[masphx]

Some more info that might help you. My question is... are 99 limited and sr5 suspension different from 99 highlander suspension? Here is a link with springs next to each other. Not sure were the 97 4R sits.

suspensionFAQ : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts

 

[2k1]

You can buy all new Toyota hardware (shocks and springs) from the 99 model year which is the tallest year for these trucks. That gets you an inch or two of lift while maintaining the quality of OEM hardware. Sonoran Steel used to sell it as a kit but apparently no longer does so.

you positive on this...just the factory 99 set up will bring a lift of 1-2" all factory designed, that would be great!

 

[Kanoe]

Beware of the saggy rear.

I am just driving back to the Yukon from a 6 month trip to the western USA and Baja. Currently in Cali.

Before leaving home I did the 99 tall spring upgrade on my 96. Got a solid 2 inches up front (4 Cylinder) but the rear springs were not up to the task. With my bed set up, spares and a couple hundred pounds of weight the 99 tall rears were sagging noticeably.

I put in Old Man Emu 2906s in the rear when I got to Utah. Perfectly level now when moderately loaded. I think that is the way to go, 99 talls in front and OME 2906s in the rear. I'm pretty happy with it.

The Bilstien HD Yellow and Blues were extremely stiff initially. After 12,000 Km they have broken in to the point where I am happy with them also now.