Total noob questions here, I apologize

[arisyn]

So I've owned my 99 Limited for a couple years now (208k miles) and I'm finally looking to do some mods/put some $$ into it. I have a few questions before I get started on ordering parts:

-I need new shocks or struts. Do I order struts for the front and shocks for the rear, or shocks on both?

-I'm looking into getting the Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks...is that the consensus best shock?

-I'm debating about lifting vs leveling kits. I don't really want to buy bigger tires since mine are pretty much new. Should I do like a 1.5 inch lift kit or leveling kit? Which one will make it so I don't have to buy new tires and it won't look funny?

-When I'm on dirt/rocky roads I can kind of hear a creaking noise in the frame. From what I've read online that could be the ball-joints. Do you recommend replacing those since I'm at 208k miles?

Thanks in advance for helping me out!

 

[TheOGConCon]

So I've owned my 99 Limited for a couple years now (208k miles) and I'm finally looking to do some mods/put some $$ into it. I have a few questions before I get started on ordering parts:

-I need new shocks or struts. Do I order struts for the front and shocks for the rear, or shocks on both?

-I'm looking into getting the Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks...is that the consensus best shock?

-I'm debating about lifting vs leveling kits. I don't really want to buy bigger tires since mine are pretty much new. Should I do like a 1.5 inch lift kit or leveling kit? Which one will make it so I don't have to buy new tires and it won't look funny?

-When I'm on dirt/rocky roads I can kind of hear a creaking noise in the frame. From what I've read online that could be the ball-joints. Do you recommend replacing those since I'm at 208k miles?

Thanks in advance for helping me out!

For the front, you have struts. For the rear, you have shocks. My current setup is bilstein 4600 (HD shocks) and they ride nicely, and if you pair those with decent springs (I have Moogs but i'm not gonna jump to recommend them) and that will restore you to factory height with restored/improved ride. I'll be replacing my rear Moog springs with OME 906 springs come summer for a bit of rake.

Your squeak, not 100% sure. Someone else will chime in or you could research it more too.

 

[volkinator]

-When I'm on dirt/rocky roads I can kind of hear a creaking noise in the frame. From what I've read online that could be the ball-joints. Do you recommend replacing those since I'm at 208k miles?

Thanks in advance for helping me out!

If you're looking to lift and don't know the history of it. It's definitely a good idea to replace the LBJ's. It's easy to do while you've got the front all undone anyways. Also, remember to do alignment afterward!

 

[trovergraywilson]

For the front, you have struts. For the rear, you have shocks. My current setup is bilstein 4600 (HD shocks) and they ride nicely, and if you pair those with decent shocks (I have Moogs but i'm not gonna jump to recommend them) and that will restore you to factory height with restored/improved ride.

This. Just installed new Gabriel struts up front and shocks in the rear. Ride is worlds better esp over rough pavement (Because Chicago). LBJ was replaced @ 50K, I'm about to hit 150K, and figure I'll look @ that when these tires go in a few mos, and throw in an alignment, to boot.

FWIW, total noob here as well, nice to know I'm not alone.

 

[gamefreakgc]

You will most likely need new coils for the front and rear with that many miles. Does the vehicle "dip" upon accelerating or decelerating? If yes you need new coils, using the old ones will wear out your tires and shocks/struts prematurely.

Coils and shock/struts combos are completely subjective. There is no "best" one, just whichever one that gives you the results you are looking for. By the way, if you put stock height coils and shocks on your 4Runner I guarantee you will gain some lift. Old parts sag over time.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/66976-3rd-gen-4runner-lift-information-faqs.html This thread has a lot of info that might help your decision.