Alright. Just got my 97 SR5 the begining of June.

Only issue I am haveing is the rear suspension. It hits the bump stops all of the time. Even without a load, just rolling speed bumps, it bottoms out.

It only has 68k on it, but I don't think the shocks have been changed ever. Though I am thinking springs b/c the shocks slow the upward progression, correct?

Anyway... gotta do the shocks regardless eventually if not now, so what do y'all recommend for a family hauler. Occasional beach riding cuz I live on an Island, but mostly trips with the kids.

 

Bilstein HD's.

 

^ what he said ^

 

Thanks. I'll check them out.

 

Get some '99 coils while your at it.

 

What's the diff between the 97 vs 99?

 

Also, would I be correct to assume the springs may be shot, evident by the bottoming out? And, is this usual for this year 4runner?

 

My first thought if the rear was bottoming out would be the springs and not the shocks...

The 99 coils are the longest coils that were made for the 3rd gen 4runners.

Id just say and get some Old Man Emu coils

 

Most likely both are shot but the springs are what allows you to hit the bump stops. A set of 99 coils should help with that since they are about 1" taller than other years (you'll have a slight rake after until they settle). OMEs in the rear only would give you an awful rake even after settling (I got 2.25" from my 890's).

As for shocks I went with OME's too but the cheaper route would be OEM Tokicos or maybe bils if you prefer a more firm ride.

 

I would do an add a leaf and new coils/shocks

OME or Bilstein should be perfect

 

Isn't his truck a 4runner? (ie no leaf springs)

 

Thanks for the replies

 

I have bilsteins on mine and love them.

 

My 2000 4Runner was sitting about 1/4" off my rear overload snubbers. Chech out my specs (last post) https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f79/gerdos-profile-85724/ Bilsteins, TRDs, OMEs. It took care of my problems.

 

I have Bilsteins and love 'em, too. But not everyone does. They give a stiff ride, but the handling is great. There are other shocks out there that won't jolt the kidneys as much. When I was married, the wife HATED the ride. Maybe that's why I got rid of her... it was either her or the 4Runner, so...

 

I reckon I have to hit a Junk yard for the 99 springs eh?

What about the shocks.... who knows where the best deal is? Best I found $64.95 ea.

 

as per the rear springs:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f180/1999-4runner-4x4-coils-2003-taco-trd-4x4-coils-top-plates-80984/

 

Thanks for linking in my thread...i'll let the rear springs go for 35 plus shipping

 

If you don't really off road the Bils might get old with the wife if it's a DD but it really depends on your budget. A set of OEM '99 coils and shocks are only $350 which is fine for a DD and you get the inch of lift.

 

Only thing I'd sweat is the rake....... Right now, I'm 1 inch lower in the rear, and the bump stops are about 2-1/2 to 3 inches off of the axle.. That's not a lot of flex for just asphalt riding.