I got my Bils done and added new Toyota OEM springs and the front feels fine but the rear seems to still have too much rebound (bu-bump-bu-bump). When I am going over parking lot imperfections or over manhole covers the rear seem to rebound too much and over many bumps the rear seems to dance around. Another example is over speed bumps;after I've gone over the bump at a slow speed it seems the rear end still "bu-bumps" a couple more times;should it do that with Bils. I was expecting a stiff ride that would make the whole truck jump but it sorta has a ride like the shocks are bad but they aren't. Could something be loose or worn out? My Toyota mechanic will be getting the truck next week but I'd like some ideas from you guys.

I know truck suspensions and their ride is new to me but I was expecting something different.

 

The problem is with the stock rear springs, not the shocks. Personally, I think the stock rear spring rate is too low for the weight of the 4Runner. Downey's 20% heavier duty rear springs would probably work a lot better for you. They don't provide any lift, but should help control that awkward rear motion.

Or, you could go with the OME rear shocks, which are supposed to be a lot softer than the Bilsteins, and they may be a better fit for the stock springs.

My .02
G

 

I got OME and speed bumps are a joke, barely even notice they are there and definitely no "bu bump bu bump". I too think it has more to do with the OEM springs and not your shocks.

 

The problem is not the springs, but the conical bumpstops. Trim off one segment at the bottom using a hacksaw. You can do it without removing them. That will smooth out the ride considerably...

If you really want to smooth up the ride, then cut them in half and put in air suspension bags to take up the bumps. It worked GREAT on my 2wd that I had. TRD made a set for cheap. Search the net and maybe you can still find a pair.

 

Huh, don't mean to highjack here but......... I got the PP 1" lowering springs since my truck has been converted over to street use only. I've had the bils on for 4+ years now. The general ride is actually better than it was with the stock springs, I presume because the PP's are progressive rate. Regardless, it's still not very comfortable on the roads here in the Northeast (and when I hit a pothole - forget about it, I just cringe and hope something doesn't fall off).
So, would you presume that these air-bag bumpstops would benefit my setup too? What about just trimming them down?

 

just trimming them down will help with the travel, but when you hit something big, then it will still bottom out harshly. by trimming most of the conical bumpstop away and putting in air bags (i got my TRD's for $36), you then have an adjustable cushin instead of a hard rubber bumpstop. I could get anywhere from 0" lift and VERY soft ride to over 1" lift and slightly firm but forgiving ride when I varied the air pressure from 5psi to 30 psi. you don't have to have onboard air. they come with a regular-type valve stem and you adjust them using any plain tire fitting.

 

Are you talking about the conical bumpstops that sit inside the coil? If you are I don't think those showed up till '99 since mine has the bumpstops above the axle but on the outsides.

 

I would also suggest checking rear tire pressure. It sounds funny but often it's too high in trucks. Drop a few PSI and see if she smoothes out. After all, if the shock was tuned for a lower pressure, well that's what it what it expects.

Frank

 

If you had the "recall" done, then you have the conical bumpstops...

 

I had the recall done when I first bought it and just installed AZRain's rear Bilsteins. My 4Runner has never ridden this well. I love it. Mine does not do what you describe over speed bumps.

The recall on the 4WD replaces the springs and the conical bump stops. I believe some 96's and 97's are eligible. Just like the HG recall.

 

Are you taking about the conical ones that actually reside inside the rear coils? My mom's '99 Limited has that which differs from mine.

 

yup, that's the ones... maybe you aren't bottoming out. maybe mark your bumpstops with some chalk or something and take it for a ride to see if that's the problem...

 

Hate to be a pain, but could someone take a picture of their bumpstops, so I know what I should be looking for? Thanx.....

 

they look kinda like a black drinking cup sticking down in the center of the rear coil springs...

 

I wouldn't call it bottoming out;I'm getting more of a rebound like it's too soft instead of feeling the bumps through the body,even at slow speeds I get the "snap" feel. I think I might bite the bullet and get the PP springs and be done with it.