FlzRider

iTrader: (1)

The rear on my 99 4Runner 4x4 has been sagging alot lately and i would like to fix it. Everything suspension wise on my 4runner is stock. I dont have a heavy system in the back or anything but i do haul a semi-heavy trailer occasionaly (maybe 10 times a year). Is it the shocks or the coils that i should look into changing? I searched on this topic but i couldnt find anyone with my exact problem with all stock suspension. I would like to keep everything as stock handling and characteristic wise as possible. Let me know what you guys think....

ebelen1

If you have sag, it's the springs, not the shocks. If you want to keep stock height, just replace the springs. It so happens that I have a pair of 2001 4X4 springs for your 4runner. If you're interested, PM me. I have them boxed and ready to go.

Othewise, you can go for aftermarket springs but most of these add height and you may be a bit taller in the rears than the fronts. Good luck.

Unhappy99

If you tow a trailer at all, I'm surprised you are not complaining about how dangerous the weak factory springs/shocks are, especially considering the 5000lb tow rating. When I towed 3000lbs on factory springs, my headlights were aimed to the stars, which meant very light weight on the front wheels translating to ineffective steering and braking.

In any case, an easy, cheap, and fairly good solution are air shocks. Gabriel Hijackers have a direct replacement, while a Monroe MaxAir M700 will need the bottom bushing reamed out to fit. Use independant air lines for each side.

IMO, either shock gives a superior ride than the factory shock, while still maintaining nearly stock ride height when depressurized. Pump them up when you tow, leave them at 20psi otherwise.

I am using Monroes, and I find them a bit weak for shock damping, particularly when loaded. My Bilsteins were much firmer, but Bilstein doesn't have an air shock.

lee

keep in mind 01 4x4 springs are shorter than 99s... to be even you may need to replace fronts and rears w/ 01 coils

FlzRider

iTrader: (1)

lee, if what you are saying is true, then it wouldn't pay off to go that route would it?

Unhappy99, interesting info, i never thought about an air-suspension system. Is it just the shocks or the springs that get replaced? (or both). Does this have any downfalls? This is my daily driver so it cant be good for just towing.

ebelen1, i guess i will keep you posted on those springs.

Fink

I've got some '99 rear springs, let me know if you want em, I haven't officially labeled em for sale yet but I'm pretty sure I can let em go.

Fink

Unhappy99

Just the rear shocks get replaced. The only thing that feels different is the shock damping, which is just slightly firmer than stock going to Monroes. I doubt if you'd really notice the difference.

When I switched out the rear Bilsteins for Monroe Air shocks, it returned to bouncing and swaying like the soft OEM shock, just not quite as much. Something I really don't like, but to each their own.

FORANA

I had a sagging behind also. I though about springs but it would making things stiff. I went with air shocks and have really liked them. You can adjust the height a few inches, and when carrying a heavy load or trailering you have the flexibility to adjust the rear suspension. I've hauled some pretty heavy stuff and with the air shocks I am perfectly level.

1 problem though. After 9 months the seal blew on one of them. But they were under warranty and had them replaced no charge. I asked how long the average life were for them and the guy was honest and said 3 years. But they only cost like a 120 bucks so I'm happy. You will not be dissapointed.

rugerm44

You may want to look at an airlift airbag system.Not that much in cost and it dosent hurt the ride at all.You can use it with the springs and shocks you have and its adjustable.they even make an on board compressor to air up from the drivers seat.I have 2 sets.One is over 4 years old and still going strong.

Mtn Mike

iTrader: (1)

Okay, I've searched and can not find an answer to my question:

How can I measure the sag in my 4Runner? I have a 2000 (mfg date: 12/1999) and I'm not sure if I have the 1999 springs or the lower 2000 year springs. I'm also not sure how how high either version is supposed to ride. If I measure the distance to the bumpstops can some one post what their distance is?

I'm thinking about getting the SS 1999 stock replacement springs or the System 7, and I'd like to know how much lift I'd get with either kit.

J'S LTD 4RNR

Time for an Old Man Emu suspension upgrade! You will be at about the same ht (maybe a little taller) and have great handling on and off road.