Horrible riding 4runner

[lockd-97]

I've got a 98, V6,4x4, Limited 4runner that I bought 2 or 3 months ago. I've pretty much worked out all the maintenance issues and bugs (it has 130k on it.) The suspension ie., the shocks are horrible. Going down the road, the ashtray slides out from being vibrated and bounced so much. I've owned 2 85' 4runner's, a 90', and another 95' and this 98' is the worst to ride in. Which surprises me btw with coils all around. So it's time for new shocks. I want something that rides comfortably, what shocks do you all have experience with? I remember having Doestch Tech's on one rig that were pretty smooth............

 

[KliersLC]

Bilsteins will cost a bit more upfront but will last 150-200k

 

[hoch]

I'd change out the springs, too. For spring and shocks, you can't go wrong with OME. Call or email trdparts4u.com and they'll set you up. Get the comfort series shocks for the best plushness or the regular ones if you like a little firmer ride.

 

[Hilux]

is it lifted? if so, I'm thinking the shocks weren't swapped out for the longer ones needed.

 

[lockd-97]

Nope, it's not lifted.

 

[FlatlandTRD]

Have you ruled out a misalignment and out of balanced tires? These things are VERY sensitive to balance/alignment issues. Have someone follow you to see if one of the tires is "bouncing" as you're going down the road. While parked, push down on each corner to get it rocking and see how long it takes for the shocks to dampen/stop the movement.But if shocks are OEM, wouldn't hurt to replace anyway, but bilsteins are going to be stiffer. If you want smooth, comfy, go with OME comfort shocks, or monroes.

 

[GRM]

Bilsteins will cost a bit more upfront but will last 150-200k

Its been my experience (with a '98 limited) that they last about 50-60k under normal driving conditions.

I would think you have something wrong with the suspension, OR have tires with a very hard side wall.

 

[Happy Trails]

My 4Runner seems to also be in need of new shocks, 87,000mi. Do I need to replace my springs as well?

 

[SHERMAN FJ62]

Springs

My 4Runner seems to also be in need of new shocks, 87,000mi. Do I need to replace my springs as well?

I have been told that you should not have to replace the springs on a vehicle with that kinda mileage on it.

 

[Happy Trails]

Thanks, I was hoping to just having to replace the shocks. I'm thinking of going with a set of Bilsteins.
searching for a good place to order them.

 

[hoch]

Happy - You SHOULDN'T have to replace the springs, but while you're in there, why not? Especially for the fronts where you have to disassemble the shocks from the springs anyway. Then in 20-40k miles, you won't have to do that work twice. For the little cost of the springs, I'd definitely do it at the same time. The OME springs are $75 per spring. You can get the whole shock and spring combo for ~$700.

Also important to note, if you're going with OME shocks, go with OME springs. They're made to work with each other. Get a mild lift with a 881/906 springs and comfort shocks. Ride will be improved as well.

 

[Happy Trails]

Thanks Han, where might a reputable seller for this OME setup?

 

[hoch]

The cheapest and best place I've found was trdparts4u.com They are actually Toyota of Dallas. I think they're a forum sponsor here, as well as other Toyota forums. Great people and very friendly. They'll set you up with what you need.

 

[TRDparts4u]

Thanks!
We do sell the OME as well as Toytec and Camburg suspensions.

Here is a 98 4runner I bought a few weeks ago, I used TOYTEC coilovers and factory FZJ80 front springs in the rear.

Jacque

The cheapest and best place I've found was trdparts4u.com They are actually Toyota of Dallas. I think they're a forum sponsor here, as well as other Toyota forums. Great people and very friendly. They'll set you up with what you need.

 

[Happy Trails]

Thanks Jacque, I'll be giving you a call in a couple weeks. Awesome rig BTW!

 

[KY854RUN]

Thanks!
We do sell the OME as well as Toytec and Camburg suspensions.

Here is a 98 4runner I bought a few weeks ago, I used TOYTEC coilovers and factory FZJ80 front springs in the rear.

Jacque

Jacque,

How much lift do the 80 series coils give you in the rear of your 4Runner?

 

[hoch]

KY85 - I believe it's 3 - 3.5" of lift. Sonoran Steel also sells a kit using those springs, IIRC. Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. I think it's their 1.2 lift.

 

[TRDparts4u]

Jacque,

How much lift do the 80 series coils give you in the rear of your 4Runner?

Those gave me about 3" of lift. I just pulled those and put in some OME861 springs. The LC coils were too soft for my taste. I keep about 150 #s of tools and spares in the rear. I also have a heavy rear bumper and swing away. I will also have a fridge in the rear when the new ARB fridge arrives.

The OME 861 spring seems to be a good fit for my needs. The 861 is a low height heavy duty front spring for the 80 series, the spring rates are slightly higher the the 891(OME heavy duty 4runner coil) but a couple inches taller. I now have about 4"s of rear lift over stock. The truck should sit about level with the rear loaded and trailer hooked up.

I will make you a good deal on some LC coils

Jacque

 

[KY854RUN]

Thanks Jacque,

The reason that I asked, is that a friend of mine has a `99 4Runner with sagging rear springs. His truck already has the 1" spacer lift. He is looking for a low cost way to bring the back up. I had heard that the 80 coils would give about 2" of lift and were stiffer than the stock coils, so they would not sag like the stock ones had. If all of this were correct, we were going to pull the spacers and run only the 80 coils for a mild lift in the rear. That way we would not need to change the shocks or extend the brake hose.

PM me your good deal on the LC coils and I will pass it on to my friend.

 

[KY4RNRLTD]

I am very happy with my OME shock/spring combo. Great on and offroad handling. I have the HD shock instead of the comfort model.