I want to change by shocks, but I have 2 questions first?
93' 4runner (3.0L V6, 4WD, Auto)

1) When I look at the tops of the shocks under the rig ..I noticed what looks like a black cap w/ 3 nuts covering the tops of the shocks?? (i cant see the nut on top of the shock to loosen it up for removal). Is this something hard to change??

2) I also have a switch inside the cab that says "hard or normal" how do that work?

Thanks !!

 

Shocks on a 2nd Gen Runner are easy to get out '90-'95 (no compressing springs to get the shock out). What you do have to do is jack up the 4Runner on the frame. So for example the front, what to do first is loose up the bottom and top mount (bottom is just a simple bolt, forgot what size it is), top is usually a jabnut with another nut underneath (grab the bottom nut to hold it in place while you use a deepwell or another wrench to loosen the top). Jack up the one side on the front from the frame, unbolt completely the shock, put in new shock, bolt back on, lower vehicle as you guide the bottom of the shock's eye on the mounting hole , do the same to the other side.

The rear is a bitch, and it helps to have a long wrench or attachment to it to be able to get the top jab nut off the stud, but it's the same deal of loosing the bolt, jack up one side (on the frame, not the rear control arm), take off the shock, place new shock in, lower vehicle as you guide the shock in on the bottom mounting eye, screw bolts with jab nut, do the same to the other side.

Good luck.

 

I don't know what you mean by this however, can you take a picture of what you mean (could it be you have an aftermarket airbag suspension or a remote setup for the shocks, (ie, Rancho 9000?)

 

It does sound like you have aftermarket shocks. Take a look at them and see if there is a sticker on them or if they have a red boot on them.

 

On a nice day, I'm headed out to change my shocks!!

Thanks again!