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View Full Version : suggestions - 140K miles on original suspension


garrett
08-12-2009, 09:57 PM
My main question is do coil springs "wear out"?

I'd like to get some new shocks to improve the ride; probably the tokico trekmasters that steve schaefer offers.

As much as I'd like to get his Tundra/OME lift, I can't afford it and really don't need it.

I have also read that the steering rack bushings from wheelers help, so i will most likely get those too.

Any other suggestions on what to change and if the trekmasters are a good choice?

thanks!
Scuba
08-12-2009, 10:16 PM
Springs can wear out, best way to tell is if they're sagging..

IF you have bad ride quality, its more likely the shocks though.

but if it was me id replace it all while I was in there
Good Times
08-13-2009, 12:01 AM
as your vehicle ages things will fall apart. Part of reclaiming that factory ride would be replacing any and all worn items. bushings, springs, shocks and other moving parts should all be replaced if worn or non-functioning.

good luck
troyboy162
08-13-2009, 03:12 AM
the tokios are going to be better then some monroes or walmart equivilent but arnt steves like some special valving? you may find the standered tokios to be cheaper and more then fine for street use. OME/cruizer lift is pretty cheap if your looking at new shocks regardless. used ome springs and used cruizer springs will run you 150ish
Robinhood4x4
08-13-2009, 07:29 AM
The spring rate of our coil springs will never change with age. Spring rate is governed by material properties, coil diameter, wire diameter and # of active coils, none of which change with time on our trucks. So springs don't get softer with time.

However, like the others said, they could sag or stress relax over time but this has no impact on ride quality unless you start hitting the bumpstops. Even if you start hitting your bumpstops, then your ride will get stiffer, not softer.

This leaves the shocks which is most likely the problem as they do wear out sooner or later.
gilby4runner
08-13-2009, 01:27 PM
At 100k mine were on the bumpstops. I went with the OME combo and have been very pleased with the results.
YotaFun
08-14-2009, 06:04 AM
At 100k mine were on the bumpstops. I went with the OME combo and have been very pleased with the results.


Stepdads 02 sport has been on it's bumstops for a while....
Sometime nver the winter he will be going with Sonoran's 99 setup.
Needless to say my mom like the ride in my lifted truck better cause I actually have a little travel lol
MTL_4runner
08-14-2009, 06:28 AM
Mine was on the bumpstops at just over 90k (I did quite alot of towing with it too so that certainly didn't help either) which was what initially started me modifying the 4runner. The OME setup I'm running still rides great and in hindsight I wouldn't have done it any other way.
DHC6twinotter
08-14-2009, 08:18 AM
I've got 214k on mine, and AFAIK, everything is still original. No sag either and rides good. :hillbill:

When I do need to replace the suspension, I'd probably go with either bilstien or OME for the shocks, cruiser coils in the rear, and an OME steering stabilizer.
YotaFun
08-14-2009, 11:13 AM
I've got 214k on mine, and AFAIK, everything is still original. No sag either and rides good. :hillbill:


From your avatar Dan Man, It looks like you have some sag back there to me...
Scuba
08-14-2009, 01:58 PM
X2..
Robinhood4x4
08-14-2009, 06:25 PM
Is it really sag when it comes like that from the factory? :D
CJM
08-14-2009, 06:45 PM
2wd fellas..
YotaFun
08-14-2009, 07:32 PM
2wd fellas..


means nothing.
still has sag
CJM
08-14-2009, 08:31 PM
Perhaps..
garrett
04-05-2010, 06:20 AM
bringing back an old topic...

when yall say "on the bumpstops," do yall literally mean contacting the axle at normal ride height?? or just really close, closer than from the factory?
MTL_4runner
04-05-2010, 08:57 AM
bringing back an old topic...

when yall say "on the bumpstops," do yall literally mean contacting the axle at normal ride height?? or just really close, closer than from the factory?


When someone says the truck was "on the bumpstops" it typically means the truck hits the rubber conical bumpstops (just above the rear axle on each side) when going over bumps. When the springs get really bad even undulations in the road can cause this. If your truck hits the bumpstops when going over a speedbump or your rear seat passengers complain about a rough ride over bumps, then you probably need new springs.