Suspension question. First try

[Ptpdub]

I have a 1999 4 runner, stock in every way. It has the 6, 4x4, push button rear locker.
When I go over bumps on the road it feels as if the truck bottoms out in the back. The truck sits regular hight so I can't imagine I am running out of spring, however it hits quite hard. These are regular bumps on the road doing normal speeds. What do you think? Where should I look first?

 

[Unner]

You're probably bottoming out if it feels like you're bottoming out... Especially if you're riding on 17 year old suspension with how ever many miles. You can get stock replacement stuff if you don't want a lift, or now is a great time to lift it if you plan to. Try and only spend the money once.

 

[alumarine]

If it was bottoming out that easy on regular road bumps then it also would be bouncing quite a bit. Does it bounce?

It could just be too stiff for your liking.

Is this a recent thing? How long have you owned it?

You could get someone to follow you and watch it.

 

[Konkordmusk]

Put some grease or something similar on your bump stops. If the grease transfers to where the bumpstop hits, then you've figured it out.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Just because it looks "stock height" doesn't mean your springs are in good shape. My 4Runner didn't have any sag to it but rode HORRIBLE at 190k. Super bouncy and every bump jarred the whole vehicle (bad shocks too). I replaced springs and shocks with stock parts and gained over an inch of lift that was lost to the old coils.

 

[white_n_slow]

If it was bottoming out that easy on regular road bumps then it also would be bouncing quite a bit. Does it bounce?

It could just be too stiff for your liking.

Is this a recent thing? How long have you owned it?

You could get someone to follow you and watch it.

Unlikely that the stock suspension is too stiff to his liking--or enough to make it feel like he's hitting the bumpstops. These are pretty softly sprung from Mr. Toyoda.

I'm guessing that the OP is either bottoming out on the bumpstops (grease test mentioned above is a great idea), or at some point the shocks were replaced with something with a shorter stroke and the shocks are bottoming out (this would be quite jarring and would also ruin the shocks).

Depending on the mileage of the runner, it might be time to replace shocks at a minimum, or springs and shocks. Also a good time to check the bushings as shot control arm bushings can also transfer a lot of harshness into the vehicle.

 

[Ptpdub]

Put some grease or something similar on your bump stops. If the grease transfers to where the bumpstop hits, then you've figured it out.

Great idea. Thank you.

 

[Ptpdub]

As it turns out springs shipped to my local parts store were a total of $108. For that kind of money I can afford to experiment with this. New springs this next week.

 

[orbot]

i have a pretty much same issue, old coils and new shocks, and when i hit a bump or something it feels rought because the coils are not doing their job

 

[Ptpdub]

i have a pretty much same issue, old coils and new shocks, and when i hit a bump or something it feels rought because the coils are not doing their job

well, i will let you know how this goes.

 

[stir_fry_boy]

I would get new coils AND new shocks. The shocks are easy to replace, just use a sawzall to get the top of the shock off, takes 10 minutes to do both. Get good shocks, not cheap AZ / O'Riley crap.

 

[Ptpdub]

I would get new coils AND new shocks. The shocks are easy to replace, just use a sawzall to get the top of the shock off, takes 10 minutes to do both. Get good shocks, not cheap AZ / O'Riley crap.

Good plan. The closest auto zone or O'Rileys are waaaaaay down in the USA! Grin. Canada has its own cheap auto brands. I will be buying brand name.

 

[shootmymime]

I have a 1999 4 runner, stock in every way. It has the 6, 4x4, push button rear locker.
When I go over bumps on the road it feels as if the truck bottoms out in the back. The truck sits regular hight so I can't imagine I am running out of spring, however it hits quite hard. These are regular bumps on the road doing normal speeds. What do you think? Where should I look first?

oh I KNOW THIS!!!

Whats happening is your springs have weakened over the years and the rear end has slowly settled down to its self resting on the inner spring cone supports. (not actual bump stops that are attached to the frame.

I have a picture of mine that was the exact same problem before i put my 3" lift on. here is the picture...

 

[e11lfd]

first post here, long time tacomaworld member, i just bought a 98' and noticed the same problem. found new shocks and springs needed. I'm probably just going to try my 12' tacoma takeoffs. To the op, i suggest new shock and springs..