95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

Suspension for Towing/Daily Driving

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Old Jun 14, 2004 | 11:08 PM
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Exclamation Suspension for Towing/Daily Driving

Hey guys
I have been researching suspension set ups for my 4. It is all stock from what I can tell except for the new recalled coils in the back. THe ride seems in need of some beefin! I almost made up my mind on getting the Bilsteins all around but I have read mixed reviews . I like a firm yet smooth (I may just be dreaming ) ride but not harsh, and something that performs well without ruining my back. It needs to accomodate regular towing of my 4000lb boat and do good for daily driving .

Should I get bils or OME? Get airbags? Or go with heavier duty springs than stock? Who all has done the airbags in the back?

All thoughts are greatly apreciated
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Old Jun 15, 2004 | 08:16 AM
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Come on guys-- I know someone has a opinion/advice on this subject!!!!!!
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Old Jun 15, 2004 | 08:20 AM
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Talking Ome

You never said anything about off roading or wheeling so I assume you are going to stay on the pavement.

I got OME stuff and IMO it rides much better than the OEM stuff. If I had known so much so it would have been my first mod over a year ago instead of like 6 months ago.

Check out my website for more info under the write-ups page.

Good luck!

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Old Jun 15, 2004 | 08:30 AM
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Thanks Brian,

The OME setup is less $$$ than the bils, right? That is definetly a factor in my decision (because finances are tigh t). I have never been in a truck with OME suspension so don't take this the wrong way. Couple of questions:

1) The OME shocks/ springs weren't designed specificaly for the 3rd gen, right?

2) Why does OME warrant only 2 yrs when bils are lifetime?
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Old Jun 15, 2004 | 08:32 AM
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Oh yeah and I don't think I will be doing any off-roading in this truck.
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Old Jun 15, 2004 | 08:37 AM
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Talking Questions

Originally Posted by BASSMAN
Thanks Brian,

The OME setup is less $$$ than the bils, right? That is definetly a factor in my decision (because finances are tigh t). I have never been in a truck with OME suspension so don't take this the wrong way. Couple of questions:

1) The OME shocks/ springs weren't designed specificaly for the 3rd gen, right?

2) Why does OME warrant only 2 yrs when bils are lifetime?
1) Yes, they are generation specific as to what will fit and what will not.

2) No idea.

I paid $630 shipped for all my OME stuff, front coils and shocks, rear coils and shocks.

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Old Jun 15, 2004 | 08:49 AM
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Brian: don't you mean front STRUTS?

Bassman: If you're not interested in lift or offroad ability, then I would suggest Bilsteins front and rear with the original springs. I would get a set of air bags and ditch the recall bumpstops in the rear and replace them with the bags. That will give you adjustable ride height and stiffness depending on your tounge weight and the bils will help with the on-road manners.

Bils: ~$250 from ebay.
Airbags: ~$80-100 depending on brand.
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Old Jun 15, 2004 | 08:58 AM
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Nice site Brian!! I was just checkin it out, do you guys go off roadin in AL? thought i saw a pic of bachman's truck on there.

Andy- that does make sense to just keep the springs that i have and go with bils, because I thought that the coil springs last a lifetime.

Now if someone could just chime in who actually has the airlift! I would probably go with the cheaper (manual adjusting type).
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Old Jun 15, 2004 | 09:01 AM
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I got a TRD one for $36 a while back, but they were being discontinued. Search for TRD Air Suspension on romania toyota's website... Yahoo can help with that one...

Good Luck.
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Old Jun 15, 2004 | 09:03 AM
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Talking Wheeling

STRUTS! You happy now! :pat:

Originally Posted by BASSMAN
Nice site Brian!! I was just checkin it out, do you guys go off roadin in AL? thought i saw a pic of bachman's truck on there.
Thanks! Yeah, we like to wheel in AL, but we have yet to go to Gardendale. Bamachem (Andy) just goes over dirt piles in construction sites with his rig though.

What Andy said is probably your best bet for the money and to meet your needs!

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Old Jun 15, 2004 | 09:03 AM
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And brian parks his in his driveway and takes pics all day...
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Old Jun 15, 2004 | 09:42 AM
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lol!!!
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Old Jun 15, 2004 | 10:17 AM
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Talking What a driveway!

Originally Posted by bamachem
And brian parks his in his driveway and takes pics all day...




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Old Jun 15, 2004 | 10:24 AM
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not to hijack this thread, but it looks like i could have made that crossing in my wife's acura...

BTW: how many offroad shots and how many driveway shots are on your "photos" page?




Oh, wait a minute! I do see one offroad shot there, it's in his front yard!

Last edited by bamachem; Jun 15, 2004 at 10:25 AM.
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Old Jun 15, 2004 | 10:39 AM
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Talking Photos vs. trail rides

Originally Posted by bamachem
not to hijack this thread, but it looks like i could have made that crossing in my wife's acura...

BTW: how many offroad shots and how many driveway shots are on your "photos" page?
That was the easier part as there was quite a hole just before that shot that the Acura would have gone submarine in!

The photos on the photos page are all in the driveway, the trail pics are on the trails rides page...:pat:

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Old Jun 15, 2004 | 11:09 AM
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BASSMAN - Do a search on 'Airlift'
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Old Jun 15, 2004 | 11:47 AM
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bamachem tried so hard to lay the smack down
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