raincoyote
New member
[MENTION=124817]ch1966[/MENTION] this is sort of what I could work out last night as well. I ordered parts last night, I'll let you guys know how it turns out and if the ride is significantly better
Suspension upgrade to get the smoothest ride?
- Thread starter raincoyote
- Start date
phattyduck
Elite Member
Check your center of hub to fender height. If you are at 20" already, don't replace the springs. If anything, you might only need rear springs - the fronts don't sag like the rears often do.
(Too) Soft shocks will allow bottoming, which will be very harsh. With new shocks all around and the right ride height, much of your comfort will be handled. Bushings and end links may also be an issue, but you can check that while you are in there doing the other work - they may not all be bad, depending on how the 4Runner was treated before you got it.
-Charlie
(Too) Soft shocks will allow bottoming, which will be very harsh. With new shocks all around and the right ride height, much of your comfort will be handled. Bushings and end links may also be an issue, but you can check that while you are in there doing the other work - they may not all be bad, depending on how the 4Runner was treated before you got it.
-Charlie
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
I can give some real world experience. I have the KYB Gas-a-Just shocks with new stock height coils. The ride is a little bit stiffer than a stock 4Runner suspension. You'll feel cracks and potholes but not so much that your brains turn to butter. I like the quick response of the shocks as it gives a better on and off-road feel and keeps grip very well. But if you want plush, stick with OEM Tokico shocks.
Also, shops will always mark up their part prices, that's industry standard. They never invoice parts at cost so it's not a surprise that you can get it cheaper yourself. Many shops will not installed customer supplied parts.
Your parts list is still solid though. No matter if you go with KYB's or Toyota/Tokicos, your ride will be considerable better. Mine was so bad before I did exactly what you are thinking that people actually got motion sick in the back seat!
Kenrunner
New member
Absolutely. If not OEM, then the Highlander route is the way to go. A little lift but still a nice, cushy ride (compared to some).
Natey
Member
How about a Bilstein 5100 and Toytec set up?
TTHA-CK-RCC - 3" Lift W/ Bilstein 5100 Front Coilovers (FJ/4Runner/GX)
The way the front end porpoises when you hit the brakes in a stock 5th gen Limited is not anything to do with smooth or safe.
TTHA-CK-RCC - 3" Lift W/ Bilstein 5100 Front Coilovers (FJ/4Runner/GX)
The way the front end porpoises when you hit the brakes in a stock 5th gen Limited is not anything to do with smooth or safe.
raincoyote
New member
Parts List
OK here's what I decided to go with.
Sort of a mix between ultra plush and performance. Any update will be an upgrade over the tired OEM parts and the cracked sway bar links. The rig goes in for service at the end of the month, when I get it back I'll report back how it feels.
OK here's what I decided to go with.
- OEM lower and upper ball joints
- ACDELCO OEM replacement coils
- KYB KG54317 shocks
- KYB KG9025 struts
- Mevotech tie rods
- Mevotech sway bar links
- Energy suspension sway bar bushings
- Energy suspension bump stops
Sort of a mix between ultra plush and performance. Any update will be an upgrade over the tired OEM parts and the cracked sway bar links. The rig goes in for service at the end of the month, when I get it back I'll report back how it feels.
Kanoe
New member
Any experience comparing the KYB gas-a-justs to the Bilstien 4600s? Ride quality specifically? This is one I have been trying to sus out for a while.
I've swapped my rear 4600s for OEM 99 Toyota shocks and I am happy with that trade, want to do similar in the front but the OEMs are very spendy.
Last edited:
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
No, I have not ridden or driven in one with Bilstein's. I agree, the front OEM struts do cost a bit. Not sure why the rears are so cheap and the fronts are so much.
raincoyote
New member
Final verdict after all-new suspension upgrades
Ok all, I finally got the truck back from the shop and oh man, was this worth every penny. Where before I was literally bracing myself on the steering wheel against any tiny little bump in the road, now I just sort of glide over it like... a normal car.
It's not quite "sedan level" quality but it is so much nicer. I can't believe what a difference it makes, it's so much more comfortable. It seems like sort of a big outlay for what it gets you, but I can't imagine driving it without the new suspension parts now.
If you're on the fence... do it!
Ok all, I finally got the truck back from the shop and oh man, was this worth every penny. Where before I was literally bracing myself on the steering wheel against any tiny little bump in the road, now I just sort of glide over it like... a normal car.
It's not quite "sedan level" quality but it is so much nicer. I can't believe what a difference it makes, it's so much more comfortable. It seems like sort of a big outlay for what it gets you, but I can't imagine driving it without the new suspension parts now.
If you're on the fence... do it!
fatherohenry
Member
I don't mean to hijack your thread but I'm trying to basically replicate your upgrades on my '96 SR5.
I'm curious about which ACDELCO coils you went with. I've read differing opinions about coils for the 15"/16" wheels being equivalent to 99 talls. I'm only seeing 45H0368 (16") & 370 (15") on RockAuto for the fronts. Had to search specifically for 45H0369 to even find them. Every time I think I'm ready to order, another question comes up!
I'm already at 21 1/4 FL and 21 1/2 FR, hub center to flare, which leads me to believe these aren't original coils on my '96. (or are they?) Rears are at 20 1/2 left and 21 right. Point is, I don't want to end up lower than I am now. I've lost count of how many browser tabs I have open trying to figure this out. Seems everyone is right and everyone is wrong about the color codes. I have blue/red front driver side, blue/blue front passenger side and single orange on the rears.
Driver front (and if I understand Timmy, that spring's clocked about 90 degrees off?)
Passenger front
About a foot in height, installed
My original plan was to order 45H0368 for the front and 45H2131 for the rear (both for 16" wheels). Also wondering if I should order new top plates or just reuse what's there. History tells me I'm probably overthinking this. I'm hoping someone can help straighten me out!
Spiker Engineering
official vendor
The blue/blue and blue/pink paint marks are the original colors for your truck, although there's no telling if the coils are original or were replaced with another set.
The height seems to be about an inch higher than OEM, my '97 was 20.5" FL and 20.75" FR stock. But I noticed than when I replaced the OEM shocks with the KYB Gas-A-Adjusts that you also have, the height increased by about 3/4", so that may explain why you are sitting higher than stock.
fatherohenry
Member
Of course... I was only thinking about the coils changing the height, ignoring the shocks. Guess I'll quit screwing around, order the ACDELCOs for the 16" wheels and wait for RockAuto to restock the KYBs.
Dumb question, but if I'm using KYBs should I go with KYB top plates? No reason to believe twice the price means twice as nice.
Can't wait to be finished with this and move on to hood struts! I thought for sure I'd win a pair at Timmy's last weekend but they went to one of the guys I caravanned down with.
JZiggy
Senior Member
KYB top plates are great quality. I used them when I installed 4600s in 2016 and they were still in great shape when I removed that suspension for my lift this Spring. I used another pair of KYB top plates for the lift too.
Kanoe
New member
Your original springs and top hats look pretty darn nice to me, it’s rare to see them without rust.
As neither the oem front springs or top hats are known to wear out, I’d reuse them and just replace the shock. I don’t think kyb top hats and ac delco coils will be of any improvement.
fatherohenry
Member
Thanks. I'm in CA and the 4R is from OR but I'm from MI so I'm very grateful for the lack of rust! As much I'd love to save $100 I included the front coils and KYB tops in the order. Figure if nothing else, it's worth saving the mental anguish I'd inflict on myself if I don't and start wondering what if!
Last edited:
Pyral
Member
I am thinking of the same setup. Are the springs still holding up nicely?
I'll probably get Bilstein 4600 in the front because they ride softer
Kanoe
New member
That’s funny stuff! 4600s and soft are not words that belong together. If you have a heavily built winch and bumper maybe.
Your a 3rz like me aren’t you? I’ve had 4600s on for 100,000 km and they have never been soft or even nice. Hate them. Rattle the dash apart stiff. Im considering trying the kybs to see if the are any better. I’d go oem except for the price.
4600s in the rear were fine however. I blame the light front end of the 3rz rig.
