Newbie here, so hello people.
First question: Shocks
So I don't have pictures, but ever since I bought the 4Runner, people would ask if I had it lifted.

According to the first owner, the 4Runner was never lifted.
He's a college buddy, so I'm pretty sure he never lifted it, since he isn't into any type car mods.

My question is:
I noticed there was a split with 1995.5 for the 3rd gen 4Runners.

Is there a chance that the height were slightly different for my 4Runner, so that the shock based on the VIN number is still short?

I'm assuming that no shop would lift my friend's car without letting him know?

Is there a potential problem that could affect the height (something I don't know and basically ignored for about 6 years) to make it look lifted?

The shop didn't notice anything abnormally wrong, other than the replacement shock being shorter than the one they pulled out (Mountain Ryder brand).
I'll be asking them for the model of the old shock, just to do some checking.

Second question: Shifter
Every once in a while, when I've shifted in 1st, I'll start to drive and then the car kicks back into neutral.
If I hold the stick in place, I've never had it happen.
I've made sure I was fully in first gear and have had it happen.
Do I need a new gearbox?
One toyota shop told me that they had to replace some bushing, but that doesn't seem to have stopped the problem.

Thanks for any and all help.
230K and still going. Expecting another 100+k after the recent head gasket work.

 

My 95 falls out of 1st too

 

Ive seen talk of the shifter pivot ball having wear issues, perhaps search other threads? I know ive seen it recently, so it's on this page.

 

https://www.marlincrawler.com/transm...avy-duty-seats

Very easy to install. Makes a world of difference, and will last longer than stock.

 

You could just have a defective P/N for the shocks. Get a ruler or tape measure and check ride height. Also measure with the shock off maximum suspension travel. That will give you your answer. If ride height is too high, and alignment shop can should be able to fix that. Worst case you have to call 4wheelparts and get a shock that will fit.

 

Thanks for the advice on the pivot ball, will definitely look into it.

Hoping the shop figures out the shock, since it's already there.
They found Monroe shocks that fit, but from what I've dug up, I wanted to stay with KYB or Bilstein.
Though looks like Bilstein rear shocks are backordered for about month (4600 I think)