Suspension

Recently took my 4Runner in for alignment. Experiencing extreme front tire cupping. The service department stated, " you need all your shocks/struts replaced!" Of course I asked for validation and they said there were sign of strut body oil leakage. After declining new suspension I reviewed the shocks once I got home. Could not find any indication of oil leakage. The vehicle only has 80K on the odometer so new suspension seems highly speculative. Has any owners experienced the tire cupping issues. BTW alignment was not an issue.

 

If you’re alignment is ok, then it maybe a tire issue.

 

Worn suspension can also cause cupping. Either check everything yourself or take it to an independent shop you can trust.

 

Check Tire balance, over/under inflation.

 

I'm dying to find out how this will turn out. The SUSPENSion is killing me!

 

If it turns out if you do need a new suspension and live in the Denver metro area, I am selling a brand new set of OEM struts, coils, shocks, and springs. They were installed on my truck for less than 1000 miles and have been sitting in my garage since July.

Asking $500 with UCA’s or $400 without obo - See photos.

 

How many miles on tires? How often rotated? What brand and age of tire?

 

You went to a part replacer shop, what you need is a mechanic to diagnose the issue.

 

I had an alignment done and they told me I had toe out than caused cupping up front. They balanced and rotated all tires...now the cupped tires are in the rear. No issue with Bilstein shocks.

 

Just because they're not leaking doesn't mean the shocks aren't done. You've got 80K on stock suspension. That's a pretty good run. Treat yourself to some new, high quality shocks and struts. I'm willing to bet cupping goes away and you'll be very pleased with the improved handling. Bilstein 5100 is a good starting point. IMO.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. The tires have been balanced and rotation every 5K, like clockwork. The Faulken tires have about 35K on them. Would like to have a trust worthy mechanic but in Myrtle Beach SC there are not any glowing recommendations.

 

80k on a suspension is pretty dang good. Maybe not much oil leaking from your shocks but the seals inside will be screaming soon if not already dead. My Fox shocks need rebuilding every 40-60k depending on how bad I beat them up. Wife's 4R has Bilsteins. Great shock. You'll experience some much needed replacing of parts around now for sure. Check outer tie rods, could have a touch of play by now, I've done two new sets each on inner and outer tie rods on my 04 Taco and she's at 270k. Ball joints could be seeing some wear, (my next set will be my 4th set) bushings perhaps getting long in the tooth. Anything with some play could start to exacerbate tire wear. Obviously start w/ balance and alignment but if you have play, no matter how much you align, you'll never get the movement to stop.

 

80k seems premature for OEM shocks. Got almost 270k out of my stock suspension on my Taco.

 

80K is indeed premature for OEM shocks.
Got about 160k from my OEM shocks. I am actually waiting for a set to arrive and looking to replace old suspension parts right now.