My 1998 4Runner has had a "shimmy" on the highway over 65mph since I got it. I would describe it as a side-to-side movement of the front end, especially over bumps. Also, the truck is pretty hard to control at these speeds and I have to pay good attention to keep it in my own lane when it's windy.

I installed the Energy Suspension body mount bushings from 4Crawler along with some 1.5" lift blocks and the associated hardware. I was blown away to find that every issue my 4Runner had at highway speed is completely gone. The truck is smooth as glass up to 80 mph (haven't gone faster...not sure I ever will) and is very easy to control. I do hear more engine, road and tire noise due to the stiffer bushings. I can also feel just about every bump in the road, but I'm thinking this is how the truck would have felt when the OE bushings were in good condition.

I suggest this modification to anyone who has an older 4Runner that exhibits these symptoms. My truck is a bit of a special case; it was involved in a front end collision back in 1999 (previous owner) that bent all of the body mount bolts (even sheared one of the front ones) and all of the rubber was trashed.

The lift install went smoothly, though I find that I ended up with just over 2" of lift, so my bumper has about 0.5" larger gap than it previously had. I was impressed with the quality and 4Crawlers attention to detail with the kit.

I am not affiliated with 4Crawler or Roger Brown, I'm just a satisfied customer.

Thanks,

Dan

 

Thank you for posting your results.

 

danimal I appreciate the review

I am considering a body lift myself

 

I just checked out 4crawler's site. Just curious why the kits for the 96 4runner is more $$ than those for 97-02?? Shouldn't they be the same kits?? Any ideas??

 

FJHammer: I think it is becuause of the difference in where the body mounts to the frame, somewhere on his website it shows it.

 

The 96 4Runners came with one pair of body mounts missing. If you're putting a body lift in it's highly recommended to add these missing mounts. That's why the 96 costs more.

 

I'm thinking the 1996 kit comes with 2 steel brackets to be welded to the frame, hence the extra cost.

-Dan

 

I have the same side-to-side or walking feeling. Did your body mounts look worn at all?

 

If you have a 20 year old truck, they are worn out.

 

nope its only a 1999