Noel

Hi guys. I have a couple of questions regarding suspension for my 3rd gen Runner. My stock shocks are done for and I was thinking about replacing them with some aftermarket stuff. I have a 96 Limited with the running boards and such. I was thinking about lifting it a little bit and getting some larger AT tires. I'm not too sure where I should start or what to do first. The truck would see minimal offroad use and probably never see any crawling. With that said, I guess I want something that gives good ride quality with adding lift and maybe adjustability. I have a large stereo in the rear and the stock suspension sags a little in the rear. I was thinking I could fix that with adjustable dampening. I also would still like to fit into parking garages. So would do you guys recommend to give a 2in lift and still keep good ride quality. Possibly allowing for 33in AT tires to fit. THanks.

BajaRunner

IF its going to basically for street, Id just go ahead and get bilsteins for the shocks and some coil-sping spacers for the lift. Revtek has a good name. It gives you 3" of lift, and your able to put on 285's (33") tires.

Noel

Thanks for the reply. If I just get spacers does that put any stress on other parts of the truck? And where is a good place to buy these parts? Do I have to remove the running boards or mess with either of the bumpers?

Thanks.

Noel

bamachem

you'll rub with 33's. Get some 265/75-16's (32's) All-Terrains and the cheapest way to do a SUSPENSION lift and still fit in parking garages would be to get some bilsteins off of ebay for about $250 and some 2" cornfed spacers (do a search on here for them) for lift for about another $250. You'd maintain good ride with good on-street handling and still have better off-road capability. I would ditch the running boards and get some Stubbs Sliders (search again) for about $200 if you are going off-road AT ALL. Besides, the steel sliders will save your doors from dings from inconsiderate asses and give you protection on the trails. You can sell your stock running boards on ebay for $175-$200. You don't have to mess with either bumper. You do have to mess with the front one if you got a body lift. You could do a 2" body lift (Rodger Brown - do a search) for less than $200 with all the components, but you'll still want to get some bilsteins for ride quality.

It's a break-even on swapping out the sliders. May end up costing you $50-$75 since you have to have them welded on.

Lift with shocks/struts will run you ~$400-$500 either way you go + installation if you don't do it yourself (Body Lift or Suspension Lift).

Bigkahuna808

I gotta agree with the setup, right now I have that exact setup. but Im gonna ditch the rear Revtek. IM putting in the Downey coil springs. Now the problome is finding longer Bilsteins to acominadte the bigger spring

Noel

Does anyone know the part number for the shocks? Also, whenever I go over uneven ground my steering wheel feels loose...sort of like jarring...sorry I'm having trouble trying to tell you guys what exactly is happening.

Oh and just so I'm not confused if I go with the shocks and spacers I don't have to do anything to my bumpers, just remove the running boards? Thanks.


Noel

Bigkahuna808

Your gonna have to dump the stock running boards and go with sliders or pipes. The tire might contact the front flap of the running board under turning and articulation. You can find the specific part number for the bilsten shock on thier website. Http://www.bilstein.com I only got the numbers for the 2wd. Check my setup, Im still using my running boards, but I just barely clear them.