Stock rear springs on a 98 SR5 ?

[Bacdef]

Hi guys

So my right-rear shock seems to have sheared off its body mount. All parts are original so I'm having both rear shocks and coils replaced. I'm sticking with the stock spec and using the breakdown as an excuse to add some 1.5 inch spacers all round.

There seems to be lots and of confusion regarding the stock rear coils for my 1998. Every parts guy ( including stealership ) is asking me what the original wheel size was on the vehicle. Seems there are two spring models to choose from accordingly. The 98 'Runner was available with no less than 8 wheel choices here, ranging from 15 to 17 inches. I am NOT the original owner and the tire sticker inside the driver's door is all about 15 inch tires and wheels.

BUT

Currently I have some Original Toyota 16X7JJ alloys with 235/80/R16 Michelins on. Winter set is 16 inch steel rims with Yokohama 265/70/R16 Geolandars.

I went ahead and ordered the "16 inch type" rear coils as this made more sense to me. Was I right ?

I know this forum's knowledge and experience can help me here.
Whats the worse that could happen if I chose the wrong ( too big ) springs ? Rear get lifted and I get a slight rake ? I'd actualy like that so no biggie.

Also in both tire sets are getting replaced shortly (i.e. when I make up my mind on what to buy). The Yoko's are out of thread and the Michelins were just about done when I drove over a nail this week.

Thanks for reading !

 

[4-Ripcord]

3rd gens didnt come with 17's. 16's were the biggest. Yes you ordered right.

A lot of people are going to tell you that you should have gotten '99 coils, as they are 1" taller than all the other years. But that's a moot point now.

 

[badattitude]

Some 4runners (like mine too) came from Japan with 15" wheels. That is why the vin sticker says 15" wheels. But many 4runners were upgraded at "the dock" to 16" rims. My 4runner has always had 16" wheels even though the sticker says 15". The axle codes are also wrong.

 

[Bacdef]

Thank you both for your quick replies.

I'm off to read some tire threads now

 

[acfyffe]

I have a 98 4Runner Limited....came "stock" with 16" rims. From reading the previous replies, I have to agree with the wheel swap at the "dock". As far as I know, the 98 came with 2 wheel options, 15" and 16". You were definately in the right by ordering the 16" springs. I found out a few months ago that my 4Runner had an open safety campaign for the rear suspension. Both rear springs, overload bumpers (inside the coils) and the "oops" (bottom-out) bumpers were replaced FREE of charge compliments of my Toyota dealer. It now sits about 1.5" higher in the back! I also replaced the stock worn out shocks with Monroe Sensa-Tracs. Very, very nice ride, on AND off road. No more hopping to the side on clover leafs, very nice hook-up in the mud and brush. Soooo pleased with everything.

 

[Bacdef]

Hello again forum goers.

Everyone likes to know the ending to a story so here goes!

Turns out the original springs were still quite serviceable, so they went back on .
Rear shocks (worn out, broken) got swapped for some new Bilsteins, B6's I think (24-024518).
The liberated "spring money" went towards a Daystar 1.5" spacer kit for front and back.
Got the whole package installed by the pros, and that was a good thing since the torch kit had to be summoned in order to get the fasteners moving. Yay Canadian winters. On the bright side I now have new bolts/nuts all-round.

New tires : Yokohama Geolandar I/T in P245/75R16.

The new shocks are awesome. The rear end feels planted and stable. I might get the front done in the spring...so tempting.
The Daystar kit firmed up the ride a bit, I like the change.
Added height . This might get addictive.
The new Yokos have been excellent on dry pavement. They have a slight hum but the behavior is stellar. Ready for some snow now.

Thanks again for your help dudes.