Hey Guys,

Today I had the local shop install a new set of Bilsteins (4) on my 98 4WD 4Runner. The front is sitting about 2in higher than before. While the back remained about the same height. And now the truck has that "rear end sag appearance. Is this normal? Will the front end settle at all? Keep in mind I have 130K miles and the previous stock shocks were absolutely shot.

All suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

2inch is too much for swapping shocks, I've noticed about maybe .75inches of lift, prolly less. I think your rear springs need to be replaced. Hopefully it will settle in next few weeks but you might have to get new springs.

 

Rich-
sounds to me like your springs are the issue here in the rear. I just did Bil's and PP 1" springs all around my 4r and I'm only 1/2" higher in the front vs the rear.
Did your '98 have the recall done on the rear springs?

Åaron

 

Do a search on the forum here for some past Bil installation threads.
I believe the shop installed the spring seats upside down.
It has to be done correctly, or the shocks sit on the seats wrong, thus being to high.

There are pics in pasts posts on how it should look seated correctly.

 

You guys are incredible, thanks for the quick replies.

I did have the rear shock recall done about 50K miles ago so it's hard to believe the rear springs are shot.

Corey I think you may be on the right track.....i searched the links you posted, but could not find any pics of correctly installed spring seats. i'll keep searching.....I have a weird feeling they screwed something up.

 

Rich,

Corey's right. The front springs probably are not seated correctly. It should look like this:



'cuse the big pic.

Bob

 

Thanks Bob

Just compared my shocks to pic. The lip on the spring seat in my setup is about 120 degrees in the opposite direction(facing the outside towards the rear) as opposed to Bob's pic which was facing the front of the vehicle.

Could this difference in position change the height that much? And are there any detrimental effects if i were to leave it in the current position or should i pust to have them do it correctly.

 

Rich, I first went to Bob's site to look for pics, but did not find any in his tech write-ups.

Then I went to Gadget's page, and could not find any.

Glad to see that Bob had a pic tucked away in another area.

This is a common mistake when shops install the Bils, you get an instant lift.
I would get it corrected if it was me.

 

100% correct. The dealership installed 1 of my front shocks with the spring seat upside down when they installed my Bilsteins. It looked like I had a flat tire!

 

I did my Bils along with new OEM '99= Springs and I gained 1 inch all the way around but that'll change since I'll have PP springs on by the end of the week.

 

I agree with Corey - the spring seats are upside down giving you 2" of extra lift in the front.

 

You guys were dead on.....when I compared my setup to Bob's pic it was clear as day. The seats were upside down.

Thanks again.

 

Good to know that you have your problem solved .

George

 

When are you going to ask us for our rates?

 

I labeled them so this didn't happen. But, it still amazes me how many shops install them wrong.