AXO,
Welcome, fellow So Cal dude.
Goodtimes is from your neck o' the woods too. You'll know when you see him b/c no one has 4th gen like his!
I wanted to also recommend that you consider changing out your tires to smooth out your ride. In a short 1 year period, I've driven my 98 4Runner w/ three different brands of tires:
- Badyear Wranglers (stock 99 4runner tires)
- Michelin Select LTs (sold w/ my 98 4runner)
- Bridgestone Revo A/Ts (my current tires)
Of the three, the best tires for road comfort (in rank order):
- Michelin Select LTs (sold w/ my 98 4runner)
- Bridgestone Revo A/Ts (my current tires)
- Badyear Wranglers (stock 99 4runner tires)
The Select LTs were really, really cushy. It actually was surprisingly pleasant driving these tires for the two weeks I had them. Now the Revos are about a 1/2 step behind them in terms of comfort, but the reason why I went w/ Revos is their dual use capability. That is, they are more than capable of the off-road stuff and have excellent on-road characteristics (low road noise, good comfort, etc).
If you go w/ the Select LTs, you won't be disappointed. Other guys here have said good things about their more aggressive, off road tires, the LTX ATs. Their Cross Terrain tires are very good tires according the reviews I've read, but they are expensive. That said, I'm not buying anything from these or any other Frenchy surrender monkey company for a LOOOONG time.
And finally, see you at Pismo 4RJ II! You have my personal invitation. There's other 2WD'ers who will show you the ropes.
Bob