05 4Runner Suspension

Recently got a 2005 4runner v8 w/ 165k miles for $5,500. First toyota ive ever owned and I love it. Needs a little work. The tires I have are dry rotted and worn. Getting new tires, little worried alignment wont be perfect because of my suspension. Clunks when I hit bumps and the worn tires has uneven wear (outer part of the tire). Kind of on a tight budget. I recently had toyota diagnose what I thought was an alternator problem even after i replaced it myself. They said it was my throttle body so they cleaned it a little (for free) a bit and now car isnt shutting off anymore. Engine runs very nicely but the idle seems a little high when cold (1700rpm). Once warm itll settle down to about 550rpm.
Im not sure if I should continue to put money into it (I can replace things myself).

Whats some recommendations for affordable way to fix suspension? OEM control arms and struts are pretty expensive. Maybe an affordable aftermarket company?

 

Affordable is a relative question... but maybe start with whatever options Rockauto.com recommends? You wont be gaining any capacity/lift but that should fix the clunks and suspension issues, pending you finding other problems

 

Youre definetely right about affordability being reletive. Think I may start with ordering all 4 struts and springs. Then a month or two later the upper and lower control arm. I did want to lift the front atleast 1-2" because it does seem like my 4runner is slightly lower on the front. Once I get the struts, UCA and LCA, ill replace everything myself and then get an alignment again. Probably go with the Bilstein 5100 unless theres a better recommendation around the same ($500) price range.

 

What if I told you it's possible to upgrade your entire suspension with mostly Toyota parts for well under $1000? I actually did it for $200 total (and an afternoon of my time for the installation) the first time. No, this isn't gear that "fell off a truck." Many late model Tacoma buyers want high-end suspensions and they take off their OEM stuff and sell it on FB Marketplace and such. I know the parts are plug and play* on 4th Gen 4Runners at least through the 2020 Tacoma model year b/c I have 2020 parts on my truck right now (UCAs). I think it goes even later than that but can't guarantee, you'll need to research that if the Tacoma is later than 2020. Anyway, the whole story is in the suspension post linked in my sig. I eventually went with Eibach all around but started with 2015 Tacoma TRD Offroad gear, upgraded later to a 2020 TRD Offroad, and that's what I had until a year or two ago when I went with Eibach.

Two caveats: The parts are used but typically only have a few thousand miles on them and often not even that, and while UCAs aren't hard to find, LCAs are. I eventually replaced mine with a set from 1A Auto. Affordable ($195 for both shipped) and rock solid so far. They're a great source and also have an impressive playlist of 4th Gen installation and info videos if you do any of your own work.

Those LCAs, late model Tacoma UCAs and coilovers (that's the front shock and spring assembly), a set of Bilstein's 4Runner rear 4600s (or 5100s if you're carrying extra weight like a custom bumper, etc.) would be a great setup for well under $1000. That's the major stuff. Doing the sway bar bushings is also a good idea and those parts aren't that costly.

* Rear Tacoma shocks will work on a 4th Gen but the bushing has to be changed out. Details are in my linked post.

 

I don't have rear tacoma shocks on mine but I read that the valving on these rear shocks are too soft for our 4R due to SUV bodied vs truck bed. Do you have them on yours how do they ride?

 

I’ve heard that too and disagree. I ran the Tacoma rears on my truck for a couple of years and they were fine. My YT channel is linked in my sig. I had Tacoma rears on during the 2019 Kentucky Toyota Trail Ride and they obviously weren’t an issue.

With that said, ride is subjective and it’s relevant that Tacomas have leaf springs in the back, not coils. They may be stiffer (I’m not certain) and that would explain the difference in the shocks. Also, the “too soft” statement is likely true for trucks carrying additional weight like custom bumpers, tire carriers, etc.

 

Do you know if the rear tacoma shocks longer than the 4R's?

 

I'm not sure. The post linked in my sig has pics of the Tacoma shocks.