atalarico
Senior Member
Hey all,
So, I have about 171k miles on my 97 Limited 4WD.
I'm trying to figure out whether or not my struts/shocks/springs need to be replaced or not.
I can't find if it's been done anywhere in the rather meticulous service documentation from the previous owner. I do know that the vehicle was serviced during the recall for rear sag. I have the paperwork. Does that mean that the rear suspension was replaced or just the springs?
Anyway, if I'm not mistaken, its time to replace the struts/shocks when the body has a hard time settling down after bumps (bouncy), there are audible crunch/clicking noises when going over bumps, or the car sags heavily. At least, that was the experience from my previous vehicles.
I do notice that my rear sags a little, but I think that's sort of to be expected with our model year 4runner, no? I don't notice it being any more severe than other 4runners I see on the road.
As for the bumps and noise, I don't seem to feel much of it. It's actually still quite a firm ride, which I think is also common for 4runners, no?
A mechanic quoted around $700 to do them all when I took it in to have the brakes looked at. I'm guessing that's using subpar/non-OEM parts, but I'll accept shop recommendations in the Denver area as well. However, I see I can get a full set of Bils for around $299 from Shox.com and that the rear are a fairly straightforward driveway job.
I was toying with the idea of doing an OME lift since I'll be mucking around down there anyway, but I'm not sure I can afford the $700 for the kit, and I don't think I need it at this point.
Thanks in advance for the advice!
So, I have about 171k miles on my 97 Limited 4WD.
I'm trying to figure out whether or not my struts/shocks/springs need to be replaced or not.
I can't find if it's been done anywhere in the rather meticulous service documentation from the previous owner. I do know that the vehicle was serviced during the recall for rear sag. I have the paperwork. Does that mean that the rear suspension was replaced or just the springs?
Anyway, if I'm not mistaken, its time to replace the struts/shocks when the body has a hard time settling down after bumps (bouncy), there are audible crunch/clicking noises when going over bumps, or the car sags heavily. At least, that was the experience from my previous vehicles.
I do notice that my rear sags a little, but I think that's sort of to be expected with our model year 4runner, no? I don't notice it being any more severe than other 4runners I see on the road.
As for the bumps and noise, I don't seem to feel much of it. It's actually still quite a firm ride, which I think is also common for 4runners, no?
A mechanic quoted around $700 to do them all when I took it in to have the brakes looked at. I'm guessing that's using subpar/non-OEM parts, but I'll accept shop recommendations in the Denver area as well. However, I see I can get a full set of Bils for around $299 from Shox.com and that the rear are a fairly straightforward driveway job.
I was toying with the idea of doing an OME lift since I'll be mucking around down there anyway, but I'm not sure I can afford the $700 for the kit, and I don't think I need it at this point.
Thanks in advance for the advice!
