My 1997 SR5 4x4 4Runner has 155,000 miles on it - I'm the 2nd owner and it has been maintained according to dealer specs. I beleive the shocks and springs/coils were original when I bought it last year.

All 4 shocks needed to be replaced so I put in some Billstein HDs. I had noticed that at speeds above 30mph or so (in town and on the highway) the rear end would feel a bit loose (very slight fishtail) when I drove over a bump as I turned the car - for example if I drove along a slight turn and passed over a seam in the road, the rear end would slip out just for a split second. I even corrected a few times. Anyway, replacing the 4 shocks helped - or at least I think it did.

The mechanics (very trustworthy) recommended new shocks (which I did) as well as new coils (which I didn't do).

I'm still noticing a problem. Same thing - driving in a slight turn over a divet in the road causes a loose rear-end.

The wheels are stock but the tires are larger than stock 4Runners. Also the original owner put in air bags in the rear for towing a boat trailer.

What is everyone's opinion? If the coils are in need of replacement, could that be causing my problems?

If I need to replace the coils, what kind are recommended? How much labor should I anticpiate to have the coils replaced if I need to do so?

Thanks!

G

 

uogecko, the 4runner has a very light rear end so when you go over a bump while turning, the rear will "hop" a little bit (bad shocks can exaggerate this effect, but you said you just replaced those with bils). That is just inherent in the design of these from what I have seen. You will probably notice that if you have a full load of people/baggage in the truck, the truck probably won't "hop" at all. Most of the time the coils are fine even up to very high mileages and are usually only replaced due to sagging issues.

 

Ditto what MTL said... My '00 does the same with the Bilsteins... It's simply the design and lack of weight in the rear. Don't even consider replacing the springs unless you're experiencing sag.

 

Thanks for the info!

G