pendrag

I'm currently rocking my original (shot to hell) shocks, from 171,000 miles ago. My ride is a 1999 4runner 2WD on P255 70R15 tires. This is my daily driver.

My driving is >95% on paved highways, ~5% on gravel/dirt roads. The paved roads are generally awful, lots of potholes, gaps, bad joints, etc. Most of my driving is 55-80 mph.

My current suspension heights:
Front: Ground to Fender: 33 5/8"; Center of wheel to Fender: 20 1/2"
Rear : Ground to Fender: 33 0/8"; Center of wheel to Fender: 20 0/8"

I'd like to achieve a stable ride with a balance between comfort and control, with the emphasis on control. I like the look of a lift, but I don't have any extra money to put towards one (my guess is as bad as my shocks are, I'll probably effectively get one anyway - lol). Will these shocks provide me with what I'm looking for, or would something else work better? Do I also need to replace the springs, or can I probably get by with new shocks only?


1999 4runner 2WD
Front:
Bilstein F4-BE5-2482-H2

Rear:
Bilstein F4-BE5-2451-H0


Thanks!

J2F42C

If you don't have any sag in the rear, I would just stay with shock replacement. If you do have any, replace the rear springs. Some on t4r have used Moog if they just want an OEM replacement for the rear. Depending on your budget, and I don't think the Moogs are too much $$$, look to getting a pair for the front.

If DIY, I would take the new front shocks to Midas, etc. and have them put the new shocks in the springs. Some have rented spring compressors and been just fine.

Here is a t4r thread that should cover all; look on page 3 for everything including additional links. This was a real war of words between the OP and other members so just get the good stuff from it:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...4runner-2.html

pendrag

How much sag is 'sag'? I posted the suspension heights in the original post. I think I've got about a 1/2 to 5/8 " difference (less) in the back.

J2F42C

Not having a 2wd, I can't say. Usually on a 4wd, the sag becomes apparent when gear is put in the back, a trailer is attached to the tow hitch, or in my case, I'd put groceries in the back.

If you are guessing about the sag, just put the Billies on for the moment, then if the springs need replacing, you will know it.

pendrag

I ended up buying a set of Monroe Sensatrac rear shocks from Advance Auto. I heard some decent things about Sensatracs, but I'm kind of nervous about passing on the Bilstein HDs. I'll pick them up tomorrow. They had a deal where you buy $100+ on their site and you get 15% off your order, free shipping, and in mid October, they email you a $50 off coupon. So I figure, I end up getting the front and rear shocks for less than I'd have paid for just the rear Billsteins.

I kept reading lots of comments about the stiff ride with Billsteins, whereas these Sensatrac shocks are supposed to be a bit more comfortable for daily driving. We've also got crappy roads, as I mentioned, so hopefully they will help with that as well. If I don't like them, maybe my wife will get them on her 4runner instead! lol.

pendrag

Wow, those shocks (the original factory ones) really were shot to hell at 171k miles. Lol. I had to cut one off with my new reciprocating saw and a 12" blade. The other one, I managed to break loose, intact, with a wedged in socket wrench and a Kobalt rubber strap wrench. I swear, that rubber strap wrench has gotten me out of more jams that I can count. The one I got off in one piece has virtually no rebound at all when it's compressed, as you might expect.

Anybody know how to tell when I've got that top nut cinched tight enough on the new shocks?

Moonfish

I squished the rubber a decent amount.

I just did the same thing. Sawzalled them both.

I just got the recall springs and the quick strut springs look taller than the recall springs but it has only been a few days.

My rears were suprisingly good feeling when I ran them by hand. @ 150k

pendrag

I was surprised at how much different just the rear shocks made. Maybe an 80% improvement, and I understand they're supposed to break in and get a little better after a week or so. I'm looking forward to getting to the fronts soon.

mikealike

did you mount all sensa tracs on your rig yet?

pendrag

I just got in a second set of rear sensa tracs for my wife's rig, and of course I've done the rear ones on my rig. I am waiting to buy the fronts until I receive the $50 off email coupons from Advance Auto. The coupon just got here, but my U-joints are trashed and currently being replaced, so I might have to wait a few weeks to buy the fronts for both trucks.

pendrag

I'm able to bottom out my 2WD by standing on the rear bumper, but I'm not able to do the same on my 4WD rig, which still has the old (bad) shocks on it. Did I screw up in my choice of shocks for the 2WD, or should I be considering replacing the rear springs on the 2WD?