I guess the title says pretty much what I'd like to know...

 

it's the same in principle but different by geometry.

o the steering is now in the front (4th gen) vs the rear (3rd gen).

if you're thinkin attempting to install a 4th gen suspension into a 3rd gen I believe it can be done only on a 2wd since the 4th gen shock itself is way longer than what a 3rd gen setup can handle (cv wise). I think I saw someone on TTORA do this on his tacoma (2wd) and said something like it gave 3.5+" of lift.

some food for thought.

o and you can't add a 3rd gen suspension on a 4th gen. won't work due to location of the axles.

rears... pretty much the same except where the rear shocks are located.
4th gen - outside the frame
3rd gen - between the frame

good luck

 

I guess it all depends on what context you are looking for.

They both use coil springs in the rear with struts/coils in the front. There is a sport package on the 4th gen which comes with XREAS suspension. This connects all the shocks with a hydraulic system that distributes impact and load.

With the exception of the XREAS both the 3rd gen and 4th gens are very similiar.

If you want to know if the parts are interchangeable they aren't. **Edit** See Lance's comments above. I hadn't heard of this but he knows his stuff.

Let us know what you want to know about the suspension and we can provide more info.

 

Thanks for the replies! After the shop we are using ordered the wrong spacers, we changed to coilovers. I wanted to be sure that they wouldn't be ABLE to install them if the wrong coilovers and rear shocks were ordered!

Oh, for those who haven't read my other posts, ours is an '05 SR5 4WD.

 

if they ordered the 3rd gen front suspension it won't work on the 4th gen. The 4th gen axle location will get in the way of the 3rd gen coils on the coilover. the rears are a bit different as the rear shock is an eye-stem setup so that could work (though I would wonder what kind of travel you'll get between the two). (i would think the travel is the same regardless it's a 3rd or 4th gen).

But since I know you're getting the Donahoe stuff they have specific 4th gen equipment so make sure that's what you're getting. I'd confirm this w/ the part number etc from Donahoe directly.

I'd say if they ordered the wrong stuff, cancel the order and run! Talk to my034runner and have him take care of you. I've personally met him if that's any help By having him help you you'll gain a new 4th gen friend that LOVES to wheel!!!

off topic: sort of

4th gen suspension going on a 3rd gen: technically this can be done since everything is virtually the same. the only difference is the top plate but that can always be swapped out by using any 3rd gen top plate (aftermarket or factory). note: the 4th gen shock is longer (this does not mean it has more travel as it's the same). it's longer because it has a 3.75" extension on the bottom of the shock (i think it's 3.75" don't remember).

 

Good to know. I am a little more relaxed knowing that it would be obvious to the mechanic doing the installation that hte parts weren't right, and that he possibly couldn't even get them installed.

My034runner thought I should change the rear springs as well, but since we don't load up the back, I'll try just replacing the shocks for now. I hope this doesn't become a slippery slope...

The sliders are looking good, but I must mind the budget!

 

Without longer springs in the rear, you won't raise it up any... but this isn't THAT bad of an idea. By lifting the front (the heaviest part of the vehicle) the rear will lift a little on its own. Plus the front of the 4Runner is lower than the rear in the stock setup, and that isn't real good setup offroad. If the stock setting on the donahoes is too high when you install them, you can easily crank them down a bit to make everything even.

Once you get everything installed, wheel what you have. If you end up wanting to do things that needs sliders, then get them then. Build up experience with your vehicle first.

It took me 3 years of slowly getting things to have all the mods that I have now. I was averaging getting at least one thing every 8 months or so.

 

Thanks to My034Runner. I'm having the front done in a couple of days, and I'll have the rear shocks installed when they come in.