Suspension setup for a N00b — expert opinions wanted

[hairpin]

Hey all. I have a 02’ limited that is stock w/207k. Struts/shocks/coils are all original and I was told it’s time to replace them.

I use the truck for weekend driving around town, and the monthly trip to Tahoe through the snow. I will try off roading soon but it will only be 15-20% of what I use the car for.

Here’s what I’m looking for: I want a nice firm suspension that is controllable on the highway, something good in the snow, and something I could use as a beginner off roader. I also want 2” lift (nothing crazy).

I’m almost 100% sure I’m going to get Bilstein 5100’s all around. But I want to replace coils. I don’t want to spend much more for coils like OMEs etc. My budget is about $500 for parts and the Billy set is $384.

I’ve read a lot on this forum about coils etc. Some people say to get stock OEM 99’ 4runner coils.

(1) Can I order stock 99’ coils for front and back for my intended set-up with Billy 5100s.

(2) Where’s the cheapest place to get them? I don’t want MOOG. I want Toyota quality or equal.

(3) Are there any other easily changeable parts I should order for the car that I can have replaced where they’re doing the suspension?

(3a) I just had Toyota recall replace the front CV joints/boots.

(3b) Any other parts you would order and replace if you were in my position? Remember, I’m second owner and this car is still stock with 206k miles on it, so I imagine some rubber parts are worn.

When replying about the 99’ coils, if you could provide a link that would be super helpful.

Thank you!

 

[tgreenwood75]

I'll be the first of many to say replace the lower ball joints!

LBJ failures are one of the more common and catastrophic failures on these trucks and I would swap those out before touching anything else. When they fail they are likely to injure you and/or your truck!

Beyond that, I would do the cheap and easy bushings like swapping Energy Suspension parts for your sway bar bushings while you have it apart and maybe even do the steering rack bushings at the same time.

 

[hairpin]

I'll be the first of many to say replace the lower ball joints!

LBJ failures are one of the more common and catastrophic failures on these trucks and I would swap those out before touching anything else. When they fail they are likely to injure you and/or your truck!

Beyond that, I would do the cheap and easy bushings like swapping Energy Suspension parts for your sway bar bushings while you have it apart and maybe even do the steering rack bushings at the same time.

Thanks. I forgot to mention that Toyota replaced lower ball joints as part of a recall.

Any suggestions on coils?

 

[Kanoe]

If you are up to looking, the front 99 tall coils are showing up in junkyards frequently and the fronts are not known to sag, just get a set that's not too rusty. People have been doing the 99 coil swap for ever and those rigs are hitting the wreckers. I've personally seen 3 sets this winter and I have one at home already. They are expensive at Toyota.

As for the rears, I wouldn't bother with the 99 rear coils, don't even touch used ones. they sag. Maybe cough up for a new set of Old Man Emu 2906 rears. They are a nice match for the 99 tall fronts.

This should be nice with your 5100s.

 

[hairpin]

If you are up to looking, the front 99 tall coils are showing up in junkyards frequently and the fronts are not known to sag, just get a set that's not too rusty. People have been doing the 99 coil swap for ever and those rigs are hitting the wreckers. I've personally seen 3 sets this winter and I have one at home already. They are expensive at Toyota.

As for the rears, I wouldn't bother with the 99 rear coils, don't even touch used ones. they sag. Maybe cough up for a new set of Old Man Emu 2906 rears. They are a nice match for the 99 tall fronts.

This should be nice with your 5100s.

Ok this is helpful. Another question:

I'm going with OME 906 in the rear + 99' front coils I found for the front.

What setting should I use for the 5100s up front? I'm looking to level the car and get about 2" of lift -- not trying to go too high.

I'm debating between notch 2 or 3, but think notch 3 may be too much since I'm putting 99 coils up front.

 

[phattyduck]

Ok this is helpful. Another question:

I'm going with OME 906 in the rear + 99' front coils I found for the front.

What setting should I use for the 5100s up front? I'm looking to level the car and get about 2" of lift -- not trying to go too high.

I'm debating between notch 2 or 3, but think notch 3 may be too much since I'm putting 99 coils up front.

Assuming you are using the 4Runner 5100's (there are other versions that fit), the 2nd notch is your best bet. It will be slightly below 2" of lift still though....

If you are a DIY-type person, you can fairly easily change the setting at the front if you want to bump it up another 3/4"

-Charlie

 

[hairpin]

Assuming you are using the 4Runner 5100's (there are other versions that fit), the 2nd notch is your best bet. It will be slightly below 2" of lift still though....

If you are a DIY-type person, you can fairly easily change the setting at the front if you want to bump it up another 3/4"

-Charlie

Thanks. Very helpful.

Yes, I'm planning to use the 4runner 5100s. I've seen that people use the Tacoma or Tundra 5100s.

What are the relative advantages/disadvantages of using a Tacoma/Tundra 5100 setup?