I just bought a '99 4wd with 130k and stock springs and shocks. As you can imagine, they feel a little worn. I plan to do light-moderate off-roading, but the truck will see a lot of pavement. I understand the coils on my particular model are an inch longer than other 3rd gens. So I plan to replace the shocks with Bilsteins and the springs with either OEM or Performance Products. My questions are: Are the PP springs the same length as the OEMs and how do the two compare in terms of strength (for towing) and off-road ability? I want to keep the truck at stock height or very close to it.

Thanks, Kevin

 

The PP's will be a bit stiffer than the stockers. However you may only need some new struts to revitalize the feel of your truck. If you are set on the Bils; then maybe you should simply use those and leave the stock springs on there. The PP's will be very close to the height you are at now; yet if you plan to tow a lot with heavy tongue loads MAYBE the PP's will be better for you.

From what I have read a lot on these and other forums is that the PP/Bils combo is quite stiff and a lot of people end up changing. light-moderate offroading can easily be done in a bone stock runner. Maybe you should consider a bit lighter shock; like the Tokico Trekmaster (much cheaper as well).

 

Thanks, noahrexion. I'm looking into the Tokicos as I type.

 

Tokicos are the same as the OEM and I got OEM for under $150 for the 4 shocks.

 

x-awdriver: do you mean that Tokico supplies the OEM parts for Toyota or do they just feel the same?

 

Yes, Tokico makes the OEM 4runner shocks.
You could go with OME shocks if you want something softer.

 

the trekmasters are totally different (stiffer)... yes tokico makes the OEM shock but the OEM shock is a lot softer. I love my trekmasters and they were $200 shipped

 

I have the PP springs and Bilstein shocks.
my runner sits about 1.5-1.75" higher than stock and does feel a bit stiffer. (but handles much better than stock) on the road its great...on the trail its bouncy but more than adequate for light off-roading. (it has plenty of clearance)

-B

 

Kevin, The shocks are no doubt toast, but I would question the need to swap out the springs. My guess is that doing just the shocks would meet your needs and save you some ca$h that can be used for other mods. Something to think about.

 

Thanks to all who responded. Glad I posted here before I bought. I'll probably keep the springs now and decide between Bils and Treks for shocks.

 

Are the springs in the rear sagging? is the rear bottoming out on bumps?

 

The rear isn't sagging. On bumps it makes a lot more noise than my parents' vehicles (Accord and G35), but it's supposed to ride like a truck and I doubt it's bottoming out.