SoCalPaul

I just got a 1996 4Runner LTD. It had bald tires & sacked out springs. I read all the reviews I could find & decided on Nitto Terra Grapplers. So far so good. Thanks to all who posted opinions.

Having had experience with Performance Product springs & Bilsteins before, I ordered a set. I guess I got lucky, they had one set left & I received it within 2 days. (Free shipping!)

I installed the rears myself (the top shock studs are fun!) but decided to pay 4Wheel Parts to install the front as my spring compressors were not up to the job. Of course they installed the front shock spring seats upside down so I had to take them back & have them redone. I recommend marking the seats if you take your shocks in to someone. I ASS-U-ME-d that 4Wheel Parts would know the difference!

The lift is approximately 1.75" in front, 1.9" in back. The ride is far superior to the soft stock setup. Previously I was bouncing off the bump stops even on small bumps. Now I can take dips & speed bumps without knocking out my fillings! Handling is much improved as the front no longer dives to the stops & then rebounds with no damping. I don't understand those who say that the Bilsteins are too stiff for the Performance Products springs. They seem to compliment each other quite well. I have both compression & rebound damping!! Many stock shocks seem to have little or no rebound damping. I do "feel" the road more than the stock setup, but the positives far outweigh the slight negative. This is not a 1970's Caddy!

This is my 6th Toyota vehicle:
1. 1978 Hilux long bed. Bought used with 40K, drove to 80k before sold. mods: Fiberglass shell, white spoked wheels & brush guard.
2. 1982 Celica With "S" package. Bought new, drove to 115K before sold. Mods: KYB Gas adjust shocks to replace the worn out (@30k) stockers, 15" wheels, 225/ 50R 15 BFG Comp T/A's.
3. 1988 4X4 Xtra Cab, 4 cyl, 5spd. Bought new, drove to 112K before sold. Mods: 15" alloys, 31 10.5 15 BFG AT's (2 sets), Bilsteins to replace the worn out (@40k) stockers, Fiberglass Shell, 2" rear shackles.
4. 1992 4X4 4Runner SR5, 6 cyl, 5spd W/31" desert duelers. Bought new, drove to 220K before sold. Mods: 31/ 10.5 15 BFG AT's (4 sets), Performance Products rear springs & Bilsteins F & R.
5. 2001 4X4 Tundra Xtra Cab LTD TRD Offroad, V8 Auto. Bought new, drove to 112K before trade in on 2004 Mazda 3 ( gas mileage was killing me at $2.55/ gal!!) Mods: Snug Top shell, Ivan Stewart wheels, 275/ 75 16 BFG At's, Performance Products front springs, Bilsteins F & R, Airlift rear bags.

It is my opinion that Toyota specs overly soft springs to please the 90% of buyers that want a soft ( in my opinion mushy) ride. On all my past Toys, the stock shocks were shot by 30k - 40k miles. The Bilsteins were a HUGE improvement over the stockers. Even the TRD Tundra which came with TRD Bilsteins improved with the after-market Bilsteins ( TRD Bilsteins have their own specs). Any new after-market shock is going to be an improvement over the worn out stockers, I hope the after-market Tokico's last longer than the Stock Toyota's do. Personally I haven't been impressed with Tokico's but have never used the after-market ones.

Sorry for the long post. The above are my observations & opinions. Pictures will be posted soon.

Paul

gpcollen1

Why would you say that Toyota specs are like that? Did you get to drive that thing new? Then again, why would you not spec it for 90% of your customer base??

I bought my 99 with 30k on it and it drove nicely back then. At about 75k - time for new shocks - and springs were a no brainer at that time. I have the same springs/shocks as you and it is just fine. Riding the highways and parkways is great with that tight ride though it is mighty stiff around town. At about 40-50k on that setup, it begins to soften a bit where around town it is perfect - but it begins to give too much on the parkways...

Skrillah

Def need pics!

SoCalPaul

I have owned several Toyota's. While I think they make a great product, they have one time to make a good impression - the test drive. Most SUV's never see a dirt road, so they spec it with nice cushy springs & shocks. When was the last time you saw a stock 4Runner from 1990 - 2002 that didn't sag in the rear? Most people wouldn't know if they had bad shocks & springs. I'm picky. I've driven over 800,000 miles in a variety of vehicles. I've raced vintage race cars & ridden sport bikes over 70,000 miles of So Cal mountains & canyons. I know when shocks & springs are bad. I have a friend who has had a 4X4 Sequoia for several years & just asked me what the short lever was for! I believe many owners are like that. I have owned my 1996 for 3-4 weeks & have driven on more dirt roads than the previous owner did in 12 years.

Paul

SoCalPaul

Here Are Some Pics!!!

Stock Springs VS Performance Products:


Heres what it looks like when the installer puts the Spring Seats upside down!!


This is what it should look like...


Heres the 4Runner with the Spring Seats WRONG...


Here it is corrected...



Paul

X-AWDriver

What's the measurement from the center of the rim to the fender lip now?

Ground to fenderlip?

SoCalPaul

Haven't measured there, but from the ground to the flare I have 37 5/8".
I will do the hub measurement tonight.

Paul

gpcollen1

I getya - it just seemed like a big knock when they design it for the target audience. If hard core 4 wheelers were the ones buying that vehicle up, they would probably engineer it differently. Those 4runners are well set up stock but do need upgrades to get more out of them.

Spence1016

looks good, i like your colors

BushPig

This looks REALLY good!

Any update, now that the springs have settled?

Sloan

looks good but how do you tell a difference in the wrong way and the right way? looks the same to me? and the bilsteins and PP springs i heard ride rough? is this true?

SoCalPaul

Look closely at the lower spring seat, when installed correctly there is a raised area that keeps the spring centered on the shock. The ride is firm. If your looking for a plush Cadillac ride, this is not it. Personally I like it. I have yet to bottom out & the handling is much improved.

unitofstuff

Have you adjusted the panhard bar, or do you think there's not enough lift to need it? I've been planning on doing the PP springs when I get new shocks, so I'm interested.

Truck looks great

JulsTirn

looks good

MillerPKA

what idiots, i would have demand a refund and have them revert it as well. something like that can seriously jeopardize your rig and, ultimately, you. haha i'm sorry but i have no sympathy for such a dumb mistake and neither should you

SoCalPaul

I have not adjusted the panhard rod. I don't think there is enough lift to worry about it, but I am thinking of doing a diff drop. Depending on which year your 4Runner is, you will get a different amount lift as there were several rear spring heights available. I think someone posted pics recently.

SoCalPaul

I know that mistakes happen. The thing that bothered me the most, is that the tech argued with me about it until the service manager looked at it and told him to change it. 4Wheel Parts now owns Performance Products and is a Bilstein dealer. I can't believe I'm the first Toyota to have the Bilsteins installed. Of course back when I had my '88 4x4 Xtra cab, I went to one of their stores & they had to special order my Ranchos. When I asked if they had any other Toyota accessories, I was told I should get a "real" truck. Go figure.

fj 8

I have had that same setup on my 2001 4runner for about 6 years. I think it is time for some new shocks though. Do you remember the shock part number?

SoCalPaul

Sorry, I just ordered them from: http://www.performanceproducts4trucks.com/

You can check here: http://www.bilstein.com/mistore/bind...pany_id=100484

Also many Bilsteins have a lifetime warranty: http://www.bilstein.com/warranty.php

Paul