I bought a 98 4runner with 237k miles on it. I knew there would be things that I needed to replace. I know it needs new shocks. That thing bounces like crazy. It's like driving a trampoline down the road! One thing I noticed is when I hit washboard type bumps, the whole truck lurches to the side. Its a little concerning. Will new shocks help this? If not, what else should I be looking at?
suspension newbie
- Thread starter jer7440
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If you haven't already, change your lower ball joints. These are KNOWN to go bad, and can be catastrophic when they do (Google "Lower ball joint failure, 3rd gen 4Runner") and you will see pictures. Also, take a look at your inner and outer tie rod ends - that could be causing sloppy steering as well.
Might as well jack up the front end and give the ball joints (upper and lower), tie rod ends (inner/outer), and steering rack bushings a good look-over.
I'm not sure how to check your shocks when they're on the vehicle, but I guess it's always possible that they could be extremely worn / blown.
Might as well jack up the front end and give the ball joints (upper and lower), tie rod ends (inner/outer), and steering rack bushings a good look-over.
I'm not sure how to check your shocks when they're on the vehicle, but I guess it's always possible that they could be extremely worn / blown.
StreetCreeper
New member
If your truck is bouncing then its probably your shocks in back and/or struts in front.
W3LCH
New member
^ Agreed I drove from NC to NY with the family and the dog and half through had to let the dog out to throw up because of the rough sway motion! Changed LBJ's once I got to NY, now on my second 3rd gen and about to do the same tomorrow!
benjamin247
New member
When should LBJs be replaced? Is it something visual I should look for, how my truck feels when I drive it, or should it be done based on mileage? I bought mine with 201k miles and not sure when or if the previous owner replaced it.
It doesn't have an actual replacement interval, but people on here generally say around 150k to replace them. Make SURE to use OEM only - there have been lots of posts on here about people having their LBJ's fail after only 10,000 miles on an aftermarket part. They are going to be about $200 total - I just ordered mine from Camelback Toyota Parts (which gives you free shipping with orders over $150 - best prices I could find, too). I will be replacing mine when I get home, because the 4Runner has 160,000 and as far as I know, they've never been changed. Here's a link to show you what CAN happen if you just wait until they go bad:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/149467-official-lower-ball-joint-write-up-thread.html
Also, you should note that some people have lifted the front ends off the ground, and tested the LBJ's with a pry-bar, and not found any slop/looseness. And then they experienced a LBJ failure shortly after. In my opinion, it's cheap insurance, because if it goes while you're driving, chances are it'll take out the CV axle, brake line, sometimes the control arm.. it can be bad. And it's also dangerous.
When you reassemble, make SURE to use blue Loctite on the 4 bolts that hold the LBJ mount on to the control arm. Apparently, this is a very important step and people have had those bolts back out due to vibrations. Not trying to scare you, just making you aware. I've read about this issue a lot over the past week or so (when I first learned about it), and it's one of the few "chinks in the armor" of these otherwise bulletproof 4Runners (the other being the "pink milkshake").
