When should you replace the stock suspension?

[Pyral]

I'm only talking about the shocks here, my springs sit level and it's hard to get good replacements for the stock ride height anyways.

I still have the original shocks after 220k miles, they haven't leaked but I do find the ride a bit rough. The 4runner isn't known for riding very smoothly, so I cant tell if this is how it should ride or if my suspension is bad. Nothing else is bad, the steering is fine.

 

[phattyduck]

I did the original shocks on mine at ~220k miles (when my dad still owned it, 15+ years ago...). Rough riding can be both the shocks or worn bushings - or both, obviously.

Rough over larger bumps is more likely shocks (can't control suspension motion and you hit bump stops), small stuff is more likely bushings (suspension arms/links moving more than they should in weird directions).

-Charlie

 

[Usurper]

I'm only talking about the shocks here, my springs sit level and it's hard to get good replacements for the stock ride height anyways.

I still have the original shocks after 220k miles, they haven't leaked but I do find the ride a bit rough. The 4runner isn't known for riding very smoothly, so I cant tell if this is how it should ride or if my suspension is bad. Nothing else is bad, the steering is fine.

I would get under the truck and check your bushings, if they are shot that could be causing the rough ride. Check those and if they seem to be in good shape id get new shocks.

 

[jgue467]

I waited until 337K to do most all suspension with OEM - about 62 parts - lost count of OEM cost yet it was not cheap. It is a sweet smooth planted yet cushioned ride now. It was noisy creeky bumpy and slanted before hand - some bushings almost all gone.

 

[Hungryhawk]

Based on my Honda Pilot shocks degrading at 70,000 mile, I grabbed a set of 4 new take offs cheap. I swapped them out at 55,000 miles. Now no worries for several years. At that future time springs, bushings etc will need service most likely.

 

[Pyral]

The shock bushings are dry and cracked, been that way a long time. If I get under the car and push up on the spare tire I can rock the car up and down pretty easily. Don't know if I should be able to do that or not.

I got KYB shocks years ago because I knew I'd need them eventually.

 

[Zhehan]

You should replace the springs and shocks and bushings at this point. Ball joints too. Tie rods (inner and outer), steering rack bushings, sway bar bushings and end links while you're at it. Rubber gets dry and cracks. Bushings lose their elastic properties and tear. Worn rear control arm bushings make for some dangerous handling. Worn out front control arm bushings make for sloppy, wandering steering. Worn shocks can't control the motion of the car. Nothing lasts forever and that is a lot of miles for suspension parts.

My .02

 

[JoeT4R]

honestly brother, what mileage won't do, age will. replace em. you'll thank yourself. and they're so easy to do, too. I replaced mine two years ago with oem tokicos from a Land Cruiser and they are excellent. I love them

 

[jgue467]

honestly brother, what mileage won't do, age will....

Good Wisdom there - time gets all.