scoobyej20

my truck is a 99 4runner 2wd. I purchased the trekmasters from shox.com, as a (near) OEM replacement. I'm using the OEM springs.

I have the correct Tokico Trek Masters (PN GU3564) for a 2wd 4runner. However, when compared to the OEM Tokico strut (strut stamped with 48510-35100), the Trekmaster is about 1.5" longer. The spring does not compression like it did on the OEM strut, once assembled.

The 4wd model does have a different strut (trek master part number GU3535).

Should this extra length over the OEM strut not matter? Or perhaps should I get the 4wd struts?

Thanks!



spring is only slightly compressed, when fully uncompressed top of spring will not meet strut hat.

clydehatchet

perhaps your old struts arent fully decompressed? though im sure you checked that already.

scoobyej20

I don't think that is the case, since the spring is not compressed when assembled in the new strut.

scoobyej20

buump

Roadtripr

I don't know if valid or not as I went from Bilsteins to Trekmasters last and don't remember seeing much difference. But I did notice when going from stock strut to Bils that the front ended up higher (more wheel to fender gap too). That is the front is compressed more with stock and after market struts. Any 4runner I look at seems a bit compressed in stock form, so the front is a bit lower than the rear.

However if your spring rattles in the new strut then forget it.

badattitude

Maybe that shock was designed for the "tall" 1999 springs, just a thought.

scoobyej20

GU3564 - application is for 1996 - 2002 4RUNNER. so not likely, but good thought

several people have recommended the tokico's from shox.com, so someone has got to be running these on a 2wd...

what is the risk if I use this strut, since the load would compress the strut assembly to the spring?

Roadtripr

Tried Sonoran Steele?

scoobyej20

no help from SS, can't blame them though.

do these springs look short for the "non tall" 99 coils? i count 7 coils / winds...

Roadtripr

I think the 4wd had 8, the 99 version 4wd had 9
not sure about the 2wd

Roadtripr

springs
http://www.sonoransteel.com/includes...ront_coils.pdf

shocks
http://www.sonoransteel.com/includes...aRearShock.pdf

go to page 4 and look at the bilstein vs stock from strut. Like the Trekmaster it is longer.

Ron Helmuth

check your color codes on the springs to determine if they are the tall coils or not. Not sure if that helps or complicates your question....

scoobyej20

Thank you. Are you expected to run a taller spring with a longer strut?

The concern being that once the strut is assembled the OEM spring is loose.

It just doesn't make sense this is an OEM replacement. Something must be different on my truck, although I purchased it new and never changed any suspension components.

Csefiroth0

did you ever figure out the right part?

scoobyej20

nope, i even talked with Toyota to see if there was anything special about the suspension (there isn't). the shop ended up putting on some crappy Monroes after trying a few other brands. and I don't even think these are the right application, because they have increased the wheel gap and they appear to be made of 2 separate pieces. There is a spring cup holder that sits on the strut (almost like the strut is a generic piece). I'm very disappointed in this whole ordeal.

Csefiroth0

that sucks man I'm sorry. I'll let you know how my install goes.

Pool Playen Bob

i really don't see how a shock itself can change the ride height of a vehicle. idk if im miss reading that or not.

but it being longer like that it shouldn't be a problem at all unless your bajaing that sucker around like none other. i got an 04 celica that i've slammed (almost) that just uses a sleeve set up and you hack up your oem strut to make them work. and of course that strut is gonna be set up tall for a stock spring vs. the aftermarket shorter spring.

so as long as your spring mount is the same then gravy. shouldn't have any issues.

it rides fine. and doesn't clatter. but im not bajaing my celica around town either. thats just a pavement pounder.

rustytoys

I had the exact OPPOSITE problem with my GU3535 trekmasters. They were shorter than the stock TRD billsteins and a nightmare to compress the spring even more to install! Funny