Suspension upgrade (among other things?)

X

XxTiBEARiusxX

New member
I just bought a 99 4Runner with about 184k miles on it. The engine and drivetrain seem to look pretty good. However, the suspension sucks ass. I was thinking about replacing it with either an OME suspension, doing a 3" lift (must be a smooth ride, less likely because I wont be off-roading for a while, as in a year or 2), or an upgraded suspension at stock height. My budget is around $800, I would like to shoot for lower price if possible and would be willing to go a reasonably higher if the suspension is worth it. Shocks AND springs need to be replaced.

Also, during the replacement, is there anything I need (or should) do during that time (something that would be easier done with the suspension off)? I'm planning on doing the Tundra brake replacement in the future, but I'm not sure if I can throw that into the budget. I want to do a full service of the vehicle and replace anything that is bad and needs to be replaced. I allotted $1500 towards the vehicle including the suspension and any upgrades or maintenance.

What do you guys think I should do?
 
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XxTiBEARiusxX said:
I just bought a 99 4Runner with about 184k miles on it. The engine and drivetrain seem to look pretty good. However, the suspension sucks ass. I was thinking about replacing it with either an OME suspension, doing a 3" lift (must be a smooth ride, less likely because I wont be off-roading for a while, as in a year or 2), or an upgraded suspension at stock height. My budget is around $800, I would like to shoot for lower price if possible and would be willing to go a reasonably higher if the suspension is worth it. Shocks AND springs need to be replaced.

Also, during the replacement, is there anything I need (or should) do during that time (something that would be easier done with the suspension off)? I'm planning on doing the Tundra brake replacement in the future, but I'm not sure if I can throw that into the budget. I want to do a full service of the vehicle and replace anything that is bad and needs to be replaced. I allotted $1500 towards the vehicle including the suspension and any upgrades or maintenance.

What do you guys think I should do?
Click to expand...

Read ALL of this and then ask specific questions if you still have any

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ormational-threads-must-read-new-members.html
 
Concur with 98White4TR and would add it is alot of information to take in. So here's what i suggest.

Always take care of the 'danger zone' stuff - in a 3rd Gems case the pink milkshake potential, any other issues & maintenance (fluids-plugs/wires) and address the somewhat weak brakes these trucks come with.

Then tackle the 'extras' like suspension, interior and paint for example.

While i do suggest reading the above high level link (with lots of sublinks) here is one i suggest reading first: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

Then for your suspension read this one: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/197591-absaloms-cookie-cutter-4runner-builds.html

And as always - just search - many topics covered well over different posts so read and read. Luck and enjoy. :cowboy:
 
Sway bar bushings and end links if the links are broken. Makes a huge difference with body roll.

Suspension however, has been over-discussed. Totally depends on what you are using it for and what kind of ride you like.
 
98WhiteT4R said:
Read ALL of this and then ask specific questions if you still have any

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ormational-threads-must-read-new-members.html
Click to expand...

I have read it pretty thoroughly. The suspension thread really helped me decide what I wanted but it didn't help me decide what to get (in terms of which company to go with) and where to get it. I need a little help with the details. My cousin suggested the bilstein 5100s

jgue467; said:
Always take care of the 'danger zone' stuff - in a 3rd Gems case the pink milkshake potential, any other issues & maintenance (fluids-plugs/wires) and address the somewhat weak brakes these trucks come with.
Click to expand...

I will definitely look into the milkshake thing. I read about that and totally wouldn't want that to happen to my t4r. I'm holding off on the breaks right now because I need to save up for them and will be doing the fluids, plugs and wires after a good seafoam treatment. I'm also planning on buying a service manual and going through all the different mileage inspections, but right now, I need to focus on the suspension (and anything I may change along with the suspension, like the lower ball joints) because it's unsafe.

gamefreakgc; said:
Sway bar bushings and end links if the links are broken. Makes a huge difference with body roll.

Then tackle the 'extras' like suspension, interior and paint for example.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I'll totally be looking into this because the body seems to roll a little bit, will probably do it for safe measure. Also, the suspension is unsafe, therefor it needs to be addressed immediately.

Fishwerks; said:
Replace the lower ball joints with Toyota OEM.
Click to expand...
This is totally on the docket! After I asked this question, I went out to readjust my headlights (one was pointing up to roofs of houses, weird) and decided to inspect the whole undercarriage and saw the lower ball joints and the U-Joints have some grease leaking around them.


Thanks for the input guys, and sorry for not being specific enough. This will be used as a family vehicle and we're away from extended family, so we have to drive 6 hours to visit them. I don't want to take an offroader on a 6 hour drive (I've done it before when I had a Tacoma with mudders, I hate mudders now) unless I'm going to a really badass offroading location. I want this ride to feel like a brand new, high end SUV when I drive it. I was hoping you guys would throw out suspension systems that I could go research.
 
jgue467 said:
While i do suggest reading the above high level link (with lots of sublinks) here is one i suggest reading first: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

Then for your suspension read this one: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/197591-absaloms-cookie-cutter-4runner-builds.html

And as always - just search - many topics covered well over different posts so read and read. Luck and enjoy. :cowboy:
Click to expand...

I really should have read through both links before I responded (lesson learned). I've already come across that 1st link, but I bookmarked it this time and will refer to it when I start ordering parts. The 2nd link is just plain awesome! That's pretty much exactly what I was looking for! It seems that unless you want to do some great good wheelin, the OEM suspension is really good. I really want to thank you for the thread!

I'll be looking around for a place to order the stuff, but where can I find a good place to order this stuff?
 
Its hard to go wrong with the OME suspension, mine is just about to turn 300,000 miles and the old suspension was sagging like no other and just plain felt soggy. I bought a used OME lift off Craigslist and the difference in handling and comfort is insane.
 
Gadgetguy said:
Its hard to go wrong with the OME suspension, mine is just about to turn 300,000 miles and the old suspension was sagging like no other and just plain felt soggy. I bought a used OME lift off Craigslist and the difference in handling and comfort is insane.
Click to expand...


I'm going for it. I think the ride height is good. I just hope it drives how I want it to. Thanks for the input.
 
I would spend some time poking around on the forum for a bit first (like I didn't lol). Absorb some more opinions etc. Absalom's link is great and I really like a suggestion he made to another member at one point. He said maybe you can find somebody in your area with the lift you were thinking about purchasing and if you ask really nice they might let you drive it a bit to see what it's like.

Mine actually lifted up quite a a bit buy my lift has the heavy springs front and rear. I didn't mind because I plan on heavy bumpers/winch/camping trips with 2 people, 3 dogs and a ton of gear. If those weren't the plans I'd have gone with OME still but lighter spring rates.
 
Just did that..

XxTiBEARiusxX said:
I just bought a 99 4Runner with about 184k miles on it. The engine and drivetrain seem to look pretty good. However, the suspension sucks ass. I was thinking about replacing it with either an OME suspension, doing a 3" lift (must be a smooth ride, less likely because I wont be off-roading for a while, as in a year or 2), or an upgraded suspension at stock height. My budget is around $800, I would like to shoot for lower price if possible and would be willing to go a reasonably higher if the suspension is worth it. Shocks AND springs need to be replaced.

Also, during the replacement, is there anything I need (or should) do during that time (something that would be easier done with the suspension off)? I'm planning on doing the Tundra brake replacement in the future, but I'm not sure if I can throw that into the budget. I want to do a full service of the vehicle and replace anything that is bad and needs to be replaced. I allotted $1500 towards the vehicle including the suspension and any upgrades or maintenance.

What do you guys think I should do?
Click to expand...

Just finished mine and the ride is much better...smoother, better on bumps. This is stock with 265/75/16 on top and below is OME 881/890. The shocks are Rancho 5000's. Minus the tires, should be close to your budget.
 

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Gadgetguy said:
I would spend some time poking around on the forum for a bit first (like I didn't lol). Absorb some more opinions etc. Absalom's link is great and I really like a suggestion he made to another member at one point. He said maybe you can find somebody in your area with the lift you were thinking about purchasing and if you ask really nice they might let you drive it a bit to see what it's like.

Mine actually lifted up quite a a bit buy my lift has the heavy springs front and rear. I didn't mind because I plan on heavy bumpers/winch/camping trips with 2 people, 3 dogs and a ton of gear. If those weren't the plans I'd have gone with OME still but lighter spring rates.
Click to expand...

That's a pretty good idea! I like the idea of test-driving a new suspension. Those thicker springs sound like a stiffer ride, it's something I would do if I were installing a front bumper/winch, but (like my wife likes to point out) that wont happen for years... if ever... It sounds like it's the right setup for you. Thanks for the input man. I really appreciate!

RobertP: said:
Just finished mine and the ride is much better...smoother, better on bumps. This is stock with 265/75/16 on top and below is OME 881/890. The shocks are Rancho 5000's. Minus the tires, should be close to your budget.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the input bro. I really like that height, it looks really good. I think I may take the plunge and go up 3. I just don't look forward to the diff drop (must at 2, so I read), I've never done it before. Edit: Did you get the spacers on the 881s?
 
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XxTiBEARiusxX said:
That's a pretty good idea! I like the idea of test-driving a new suspension. Those thicker springs sound like a stiffer ride, it's something I would do if I were installing a front bumper/winch, but (like my wife likes to point out) that wont happen for years... if ever... It sounds like it's the right setup for you. Thanks for the input man. I really appreciate!


Thanks for the input bro. I really like that height, it looks really good. I think I may take the plunge and go up 3. I just don't look forward to the diff drop (must at 2, so I read), I've never done it before. Edit: Did you get the spacers on the 881s?
Click to expand...

Diff drop is optional, but recommended. Your cvs will be fine without a drop.
 
Ive been debating suspension upgrades for a few months now and finally called Dan @ wheelers and he was extremely helpful and got me hooked up for $697 before shipping.
ome 880/5100s up front trim packer on left side
88 talls/5100s out back with 2 trim packers.
this order also included front and rear bushings.

A major concern of mine was the harsh ride of the 906 coils, his first reaction was 99 talls with 2 trim packers will give a near factroy ride with the mild lift you are looking for.

Under $750 shipped!!!

I also recommend you do the following:
plugs/wires (OEM)
fuel filter (OEM
pcv
tranny cooler
change all gear oil
bottle of redline additive
grease u joints

U should be able to do all this for well under $1.5k
 
If there is grease leaking from your lower ball joints they need to be replaced like yesterday. When they fail on these trucks they don't just get sloppy, they completely separate, the wheel comes off, rips your CV and tie rod out, and if you're lucky you or no one else will be hurt...
 
ridefast said:
Ive been debating suspension upgrades for a few months now and finally called Dan @ wheelers and he was extremely helpful and got me hooked up for $697 before shipping.
ome 880/5100s up front trim packer on left side
88 talls/5100s out back with 2 trim packers.
this order also included front and rear bushings.

A major concern of mine was the harsh ride of the 906 coils, his first reaction was 99 talls with 2 trim packers will give a near factroy ride with the mild lift you are looking for.

Under $750 shipped!!!

I also recommend you do the following:
plugs/wires (OEM)
fuel filter (OEM
pcv
tranny cooler
change all gear oil
bottle of redline additive
grease u joints

U should be able to do all this for well under $1.5k
Click to expand...

That's REALLY good to know!! Info like this is the whole reason I started this thread! Pardon my ignorance, but what are trim packers? I can make an educated guess, but I would like to know. lol. I have the 99 Highlander edition and it's already pretty high (I've read it's the tallest edition of T4Rs), do you think it will raise it more (which I'm ok with) or keep it the same? I imagine it will raise it up, but I'm not sure. Thanks for the info man!

Unner: said:
If there is grease leaking from your lower ball joints they need to be replaced like yesterday. When they fail on these trucks they don't just get sloppy, they completely separate, the wheel comes off, rips your CV and tie rod out, and if you're lucky you or no one else will be hurt...
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up. I have to drive home from work in the morning, but wont drive it again until they are replaced (hopefully next week). One question: do they get sloppy before a catastrophic failure, or can they just fail? I've read about this a lot when I had my Tacoma and every one said they get sloppy first, which mine never did, but I only had that truck for 43k miles (187k to 230k), not sure if they had been previously replaced...
 
:worthless
:lol:

XxTiBEARiusxX said:
That's REALLY good to know!! Info like this is the whole reason I started this thread! Pardon my ignorance, but what are trim packers? I can make an educated guess, but I would like to know. lol. I have the 99 Highlander edition and it's already pretty high (I've read it's the tallest edition of T4Rs), do you think it will raise it more (which I'm ok with) or keep it the same? I imagine it will raise it up, but I'm not sure. Thanks for the info man!
Click to expand...

These just might be the two most shared links. :bathbaby:

4Runner Suspension and Chassis Products - 1996 - 2002 4Runner

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66976-3rd-gen-4runner-lift-information-faqs.html
 
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