Okay, so I finally have something to put down in this section. I started with a nice, stock '97 (a re-titled, Americanized, Canadian theft recovery) with an e-locker that had about 125000 miles. At this point I've had it a year, and it has been a great rig. I changed my first timing belt on this thing, and it has consistently been very reliable and easy to work on (I hate my wife's Acura TL now). It gets me around, specifically to mountain bike trailheads, in style and comfort.
When I picked it up from the dealer, he had just put brand new tires with an all-season tread on because he "thought the big offroad tires looked stupid," much to my chagrin.
Here's a pic at the trailhead of one of my personal favorites, the Wasatch Crest.
The only problem with this thing, is the springs in the rear were so susceptible to sagging - not at normal weight, but they sank like crazy with just a little bit of extra weight - always bottoming out, even with the '97 suspension recall performed.
My answer, OME lift springs. I had a '99 Jeep that I put an OME suspension on and I absolutely loved it. I picked up a pair of OME 881's used for pretty cheap, and Doug at Toytec sold me a pair of OME 906's for the rear.
Here's the progression:
I picked up a set of slightly used Yokohama AT's 265/75/16 (they are sitting in the back of the 4-runner in the picture, that's why it's resting on the rear bumpstops).
Before any work:
I put the tires on
The front with new tires (yes, they rubbed on the lower front bumper trim)
The rear with new tires, unloaded rear end
Replaced the springs...
I was really surprised at how tall the originals were compared with the OME 906 springs, but the number of wraps on the coils is the important thing. You can see my wife's handiwork on the fender flare, as she didn't see the house while backing up
Replacing the front shocks was only difficult because the top nut would not come loose. I recommend finding a shop to do it, especially since they will have a fast/easy spring compressor, torch, and air tools.
Rear with new coils
Front with new coils
Comparison shot
My understanding is that the coils will settle over the next several months, and that's okay with me. I just don't want the rear bumpstops to hold up the 4runner anymore.
I had measurements of before & after, but I think they were wrong, as it averaged just over an inch at each corner - it's definitely more than that.
Hopefully soon I'll wreck the running boards and get some sliders. I will try to get out soon and get some action shots.
The top of the Wasatch Crest mtn bike trail:
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