Hi Guys,

I'm new to the site and have been lurking around a bit, great info! I'm in the market for a third gen 4runner. I read here somewhere that the 99-00 is taller and by comparing a 99 to a 97 recently the 99 did seem an inch or two higher. Is this cosmetic or is there really more clearance on the 99? thx!

 

I thought the 99's were the "lowrider" year?? I could be wrong though, i own a 97.

 

Welcome!

The '99s are taller. No it's not cosmetics, but rather taller springs.

However, not all '99s got these springs...the ones that did though, recv'd 1" taller springs than the other year 3rd gens.

Okiyota, the '01 and '02s are known as the "lowriders". My '02 sat real low before I put a lift on it.

 

I am not sure what package got the 1" taller springs, but my SR5 definitely sits higher...

 

My 2000 was a lowrider with the stock springs, but my '99 wasn't. The change over occurred in late 1999.

 

Check out Sonoran steels website there's a ton of 4Runner info on there about springs and the different heights that apply. Good luck!

 

yes, only the 1999 year was taller. Then the big SUV "rollover scare" hit (firestone tires etc). Thus late 1999 and on 4Runners sat lower.

 

Just did the "Tall" swap here is the link to all of the before and after heights. 2002 to 99 spring install, got the part #'s off here.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/2...nstall-123725/

 

Do these taller springs translate into more wheel travel?

 

I believe it's just more down travel.

 

Right on, good to know.

 

I have a set of the TALLER 99 springs if anyone is interested... Make you a great deal too!

 

All Highlander models in '99 got the taller coils and then the others were hit and miss and the taller coils were eliminated sometime in the middle run in '00.

Here's pics of mine next to my '97......


And a side shot last year......

 

My 97 with 99 coils

 

 

I keep hearing about people spending a rediculous amount of money to put 99springs on there rigs, and for what, an inch? You might as well just find and buy a decent 3rd Gen, and depending on what you like, put what ever lift you want on it. Personally, I wouldn't recommend going any bigger than 285's without getting into and regearing and other serious modifications. My question is what are you looking for? A daily driver, a weekend wheeler, crawler, what? All this depends on what options you have to go with?

 

I paid under $200 for my coils brand new and I couldn't find a better deal and my old stuff was tired so it was just a replacement but a real lift might come next spring and sliders.

 

not such a bad thing I guess.

 

I'm just looking for a rig that will get up some logging roads in B.C. it's pretty much rock and mountain terrain here but there's always a little of everything.

I don't really want to mod to much or do anything over the top to it. I've already got a motorcycle addiction and that alone eats up a lot of time and money

I'm gonna for now look for a 99 with a locker and go from there. I'd like a 5sp but there are few around.

 

Assuming you can do the work youself, lift's on these 3rd gens aren't real bad to install. I did the Tundra/OME lift with new urethane bushings on mine for under $500 and a days worth of work. It's when you get into other peoples labor that it's going to start costing you. I recently read someone on here that spent over $600 dollars for just the coils and install. OUCH!