98 4Runner spring/shock question

[FastOlds]

Hello all-
I have a 98 4runner with a 2.7, 4wd, automatic. It has factory suspension on it, with 153k on it. I've been doing alot of reading on suspension components to make it ride better, and sit level again.

My questions are: What kind of shocks would i get if i ordered new ones from the Dealership? Tokico? Or would it be Toyota brand? Would Tokico shocks PNs GU3535 for the front, and GE3536 be a good shock selection for the truck?

And as for springs, i got the color codes off of them as follows: LF- Blue/Blue, RF-Yellow/Blue, and RRs-Yellow/Red. I thought i counted 9 coils on the springs, when i last counted them. Would ordering the springs for a 99 4WD give me a little bit of a lift over these? I don't see that happening, since i counted 9 coils. But they are 10 years old, so I think that I would obviously see some height improvements.

I'm not looking to lift it, I just want it to sit level and ride better. I guess I could just order new stuff for my specific vehicle, but I thought I'd ask to see if there was anything else I could do. I'm not sure what difference a 4 cyl vs. a 6 cyl would do for the height of the suspension. I doubt little, if any at all.
Thanks
Adam
olds.gbody@comcast.net

[p nut]

You would see a bit of height difference with the 99 coils. But check with the dealership first, as my old 98 Limited had a recall on the rear springs, so I got them installed for free.

As far as shocks go, it depends on what you're doing with the 4Runner. If I were to get new shocks, I'd probably go with Tokico TrekMasters. I do some off-road, but mostly on-road travels.

[Lee]

i would order NOTHING from the dealership. instead decide what kind of ride you want.

firm, go OME shocks. softer, go bilstein HD's.

[MTL_4runner]

If you want close to a stock 99, do the OME 881/906 setup.
Shocks are very subjective but trekmaster or OMEs are excellent here too.

[FastOlds]

Thanks for the replys. Why does it state that the OME springs can only be used with their shocks? (as stated on trdparts4u.com's site)

I'm looking for the closest to stock ride as possible, while giving me a tiny bit of lift. I think I probably want the Tokicos, but even then I have a choice. On Ebay, there is a set of Trekmaster RTs, part #Gu3535 and GE3536, but I'm not sure if they would be right.

Unfortunately for me, I am not really good with the foreign trucks, as I am more of a GM guy. But I was smart and bought my GF a 98 4runner- so it would be reliable, which it has for almost 100k, since we bought it. Since she drives it everyday, I'd like to make it ride as smooth as possible, and do it right the first time. That's why I am relying on the good people on this forum to help me make the right decision.
Thanks

[Lee]

well for the rear thats obviously not true, but i never tried ome shocks with other springs so i cant say for sure that it isnt true.

for any of these, just go to the manufacturer website or call a vendor and ask for the model # that fits :)

[MTL_4runner]

If you really like the stock ride then do the all OME setup 881/906 N86C/N91SC (it will provide a bit of lift but not much). You can see pics of what it looks like installed in my signature. You don't need to have OME shocks if you use OME springs but the combo is definately worth the investment because it makes a big improvement over stock. If you still want the Trekmasters, then those are the right part numbers AFAIK.

[FastOlds]

I wonder how much difference there is between the 4cyl and 6cyl springs? I can't imagine the 2.7 weighing alot less than the 3.4, but I've been way off before.
Thanks for the replys. I like not getting scolded for asking questions.

[FastOlds]

Is it necessary to do any other mods to a 98 4runner when installing the 881/906 springs? Such as diff drop or anything like that?

Getting ready to order those OME springs and Tokico Shocks for my 98. My Gf said she would pay for half.

Thanks

[4Runner202020]

if you want a deal on some OME 881's i have some for sale that i put 100 miles on and are pretty much brand new. $115 shipped will get them to you. Ask around on here and people will tell you that you will save A LOT of money piecing together your lift... Just thought i'd let ya know.
Thanks

Bobby

[MTL_4runner]

Is it necessary to do any other mods to a 98 4runner when installing the 881/906 springs? Such as diff drop or anything like that?


Nope, that's it.

[FastOlds]

thanks. Gonna start getting the parts together soon. Going with the Trekmasters instead of the OME shocks. Thats mainly a cost factor.

Thanks again

[FastOlds]

I tried talking with the parts guy at the local Toyota dealership today. OME's site lists them as a distributor. He wasn't very helpful, telling me that I can't use just the springs, that you need to get the OME springs and shocks together and that it would cost "around $1100".

Does anyone really see anything wrong with the idea of using OME 881/906 with the Trekmaster shocks?
I'm trying to start to get this together soon.
Thanks again- I hate being confused, especially when i'm the one making myself confused.

Adam
98 4runner- 4cyl

[Lee]

heres the deal

if you get taller springs in the rear and actually plan to wheel, then you should get longer shocks (ome rear shocks are great)

in the front however, stock length works fine even if the springs are taller since you cant flex the ifs out enough to bottom it out.

so, rear needs longer shocks (i loved my ome rear shocks), front doesnt.

if you dont plan to wheel and this is for looks, stock shocks front and rear is fine.

if you go with a milder lift (as it sounds you are) then you probably dont plan to wheel hard which means stock f&r should be a-ok :)

[FastOlds]

ok, thanks for the simple reply. I hate to say it, but this truck will not be seeing any "wheelin'" Its a concrete warrior, and the closest it has seen to off-road was in my co-workers back yard, which is wooded and on a hill.

So Trekmasters and OME springs it is.
I'm still not too sure how much difference it will make that i have a 4 cyl and not the 6 cyl listed on OME's site though. That might have to a trial and error sort of thing.
thanks again for not blasting me...

[Lee]

well the v6 is significantly heavier so i bet youll sit higher in front than a v6 would but thats ok, you'll be level, instead of raked i bet :)