1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Suspension ideas

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Crainshaw1313, Sep 3, 2020.

  1. Sep 3, 2020 at 2:26 PM
    #1
    Crainshaw1313

    Crainshaw1313 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2020
    Member:
    #16504
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    Vehicle:
    2002 4Runner limited
    Just getting started
    Hey everyone,
    Just looking for suggestions on suspensions. I really don’t want a 3inch plus lift just looking to restore the factory height or maybe get an inch or 2 nothing special. Also on a budget of sorts. 4Runner has 221k on factory suspension I believe.
     
  2. Sep 3, 2020 at 2:38 PM
    #2
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2018
    Member:
    #6172
    Messages:
    7,613
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Ramona Ca.
    Vehicle:
    2017 4-Runner SR-5 P. Kings, Built Right uca’s, Durabumps, RSG sliders
    Welcome to the forum, so many options, can you post pics. of your runner, and what kind of budget are you looking at?
     
  3. Sep 3, 2020 at 3:04 PM
    #3
    Antman

    Antman New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2020
    Member:
    #12698
    Messages:
    695
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Anthony
    NorCal
    Vehicle:
    2021 4Runner off-road premium, 2022 Tacoma
    2021 4Runner: King Coilovers King rear shocks Camburg UCA’s Spc rear Trail arms Icon 52700 rear springs Icon panhard bar SCS Ray10’s Rci Sliders Rci Full Skids 2022 Tacoma Offroad: King Coilovers King rear shocks Deaver leaf springs Camburg UCA Scs Gen 5 Bamf front hybrid bumper Rci Full Skids Rci Sliders
    Billy 5100’s. Wheeler t13s for the rear. Under 600
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  4. Sep 3, 2020 at 3:07 PM
    #4
    Crainshaw1313

    Crainshaw1313 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2020
    Member:
    #16504
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    Vehicle:
    2002 4Runner limited
    Just getting started
  5. Sep 3, 2020 at 3:07 PM
    #5
    Crainshaw1313

    Crainshaw1313 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2020
    Member:
    #16504
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    Vehicle:
    2002 4Runner limited
    Just getting started
  6. Sep 3, 2020 at 3:08 PM
    #6
    Crainshaw1313

    Crainshaw1313 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2020
    Member:
    #16504
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    Vehicle:
    2002 4Runner limited
    Just getting started
  7. Sep 3, 2020 at 3:09 PM
    #7
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,475
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    I like the stance as it sits right now.

    I'd leave it at that height, but put some Bilstein 5100's or Eibach shocks on it all around.
     
  8. Sep 3, 2020 at 3:11 PM
    #8
    Crainshaw1313

    Crainshaw1313 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2020
    Member:
    #16504
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    Vehicle:
    2002 4Runner limited
    Just getting started
    545C6AA1-BBA5-49BF-B4D2-ADD499299C26.jpg
    this was day I picked it up about 2 months ago.
     
    Oldtoyotaguy and Thatbassguy like this.
  9. Sep 3, 2020 at 3:13 PM
    #9
    Crainshaw1313

    Crainshaw1313 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2020
    Member:
    #16504
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    Vehicle:
    2002 4Runner limited
    Just getting started

    Thanks man! I think I like it to. My buddies all run Jeep wranglers with 35s but I’m not into that life anymore. Just want something I can backroad, do a little off road and enjoy the ride
     
    Thatbassguy and nimby[QUOTED] like this.
  10. Sep 3, 2020 at 3:14 PM
    #10
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,475
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    At least with Bilstein 5100's or Eibach adjustable front struts, you'd have the option to lift the front if you wanted.

    You'd have to purchase a taller coil or spacers for the rear.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  11. Sep 3, 2020 at 4:37 PM
    #11
    Crainshaw1313

    Crainshaw1313 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2020
    Member:
    #16504
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    Vehicle:
    2002 4Runner limited
    Just getting started
    thank you!!! I’m new to this so up for all Mismatch stuff lol
     
    nimby[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Sep 4, 2020 at 6:27 AM
    #12
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
    Member:
    #7224
    Messages:
    1,600
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 Toyota 4 Runner Offroad
    I’d go for a 1 1/2” of lift. Toyota’s look great, in general, with a modest lift like that. It gives them better proportions, and it won’t affect access and egress, driveability, or alignments. You can use OEM UCAs. Just my opinion, .05 worth. You can still use stock tire size, but as well it gives you flexibility if you want to go up in size - you’ll have a little extra clearance, which is always good.
     
  13. Sep 5, 2020 at 7:58 AM
    #13
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2018
    Member:
    #6172
    Messages:
    7,613
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Ramona Ca.
    Vehicle:
    2017 4-Runner SR-5 P. Kings, Built Right uca’s, Durabumps, RSG sliders
    I think you would still need an alignment right?
     
  14. Sep 5, 2020 at 8:20 AM
    #14
    E Man

    E Man New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2020
    Member:
    #16528
    Messages:
    68
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 4Runner Venture
    Not meaning to high jack this thread, I'm hoping my question simply helps and its likely on the forum somewhere else already. I have a 2020 that I'm really just looking to level the front and tighten it up a bit(fix roll and dive) so I think I'm looking at the Bilstein kit which seems to be almost a standard option/sugggestion. My question is to do this, should I also be doing control arms or anything else at the same time,keeping in mind this is mostly a daily driver on roads. My off road usage is mostly dirt roads and not very often? Also, do I need to do the back end suspension? I don't really need or want to lift the back at all and everything I've found so far suggests Bilstein in the rear but it seems like it will also give me lift in the rear as well which I really don't want and puts back in the same boat with the rake the truck already has.
     
  15. Sep 5, 2020 at 8:27 AM
    #15
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,679
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Upper control arms aren't really necessary until around 2.5-3" of lift.

    Replacing the rear shocks will not affect ride height. The coil springs control that.
     
    Oldtoyotaguy and nimby like this.
  16. Sep 5, 2020 at 11:39 AM
    #16
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,475
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    Just put Bilsteins on (or whatever you like) and put it on the first setting (0.85" of lift) if you want to get the front end a little higher, but still retain some factory rake. It will sit like a Pro set at this height. No need to raise the back.

    Or you could raise it up to the second notch (1.75" of lift) to level it.

    Anything past that and you'll be sitting nose high, although some people think the 1.75" setting looks nose high.

    Anyways, you have options.
     
  17. Sep 5, 2020 at 2:17 PM
    #17
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2020
    Member:
    #15120
    Messages:
    841
    Gender:
    Male
    559
    Vehicle:
    Multiple
    Thread jack (suspension related).

    Rear upper link options for 3rd Gen's?

    Posted a thread but no bites.
     
  18. Sep 5, 2020 at 3:27 PM
    #18
    E Man

    E Man New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2020
    Member:
    #16528
    Messages:
    68
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 4Runner Venture
    Awesome! I would probably set it at the 1.75" because I plan on adding a SSO bumper and a winch which will add some front end weight. Thank you for the info.

    E
     
    nimby[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Sep 5, 2020 at 3:29 PM
    #19
    E Man

    E Man New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2020
    Member:
    #16528
    Messages:
    68
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 4Runner Venture
    I suppose I hadn't considered that. Thanks for the input. With the info you guys have provided, I now know what I'm going to do. Thanks so much!

    E
     
    Thatbassguy[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Sep 5, 2020 at 3:55 PM
    #20
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,679
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    I'm always happy to share what little I know. :)

    The folks on this website in general seem to enjoy helping each-other out.
     
    nimby likes this.
  21. Sep 5, 2020 at 4:00 PM
    #21
    E Man

    E Man New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2020
    Member:
    #16528
    Messages:
    68
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 4Runner Venture
    I'm new here but I'm not new to forums at all. I'm an admin on a forum specific to Scotty Cameron putters and I know how sometimes new people can feel intimidated on a forum where it seems like everybody knows each other and seem to know everything. Having members being willing to answer noob questions is vital to a forum and it says a lot about the members too. I appreciate you chiming in, thanks!

    E
     
    nimby and Thatbassguy like this.
  22. Sep 5, 2020 at 4:07 PM
    #22
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
    Member:
    #7224
    Messages:
    1,600
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 Toyota 4 Runner Offroad
    For sure, any time you change your suspension you should get it aligned. Guys try and save money on alignments, which is false economy.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  23. Sep 5, 2020 at 4:32 PM
    #23
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,679
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    True!
     
    Oldtoyotaguy[QUOTED] likes this.
  24. Sep 5, 2020 at 4:34 PM
    #24
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
    Member:
    #7224
    Messages:
    1,600
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 Toyota 4 Runner Offroad
    I agree, Thatbassguy, aftermarket UCAs aren’ t necessary, but they are nice to have. They give lots of latitude to get an alignment in spec, and they give lots of room around a 2.5 coilover at full droop when you’re off road. Nice to have, but definitely not essential, I decided to put JBAs on my 4 Runner. Also, they’re a lot beefier than the pressed steel OEMs.
     
    Toy4X4 likes this.
  25. Sep 5, 2020 at 4:43 PM
    #25
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
    Member:
    #7224
    Messages:
    1,600
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 Toyota 4 Runner Offroad
    Yeah, the big thing here is a diesel regular cab p/u on 37s. Pretty tough. But I’ve seen a few on the same trails that I’m on.
     
  26. Sep 5, 2020 at 7:33 PM
    #26
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,475
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    Wow! That sounds like a very specific forum.
     
  27. Sep 6, 2020 at 6:53 AM
    #27
    E Man

    E Man New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2020
    Member:
    #16528
    Messages:
    68
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 4Runner Venture
    It is but you would be surprised how much traffic we've had through they years. Over 28,000 members and over 270M page views. We aren't as busy as we used to be but we average over 600 posts a day.
     
    nimby[QUOTED] likes this.
  28. Sep 6, 2020 at 7:21 AM
    #28
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,475
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    That's interesting. Never would have thought.........but that's awesome!
     

Products Discussed in

To Top