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Rear shocks and coils…

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Clydes4Runners, Dec 26, 2023.

  1. Dec 26, 2023 at 7:07 PM
    #1
    Clydes4Runners

    Clydes4Runners [OP] New Member

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    Hi All,

    My 3rd Gen was bottoming out hard even on small divots/potholes. I had my shocks replaced - same issue. I installed new coils (stock) - same issue.

    Looking under with no additional load, regular condition - the shocks are completely compressed with no visible shaft protruding.

    Is this normal?

    Thanks for any advice/thoughts.
     
  2. Dec 27, 2023 at 10:53 AM
    #2
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    No, they shouldn't be fully compressed.

    What shocks did you use? Was your car lifted and somehow it lost that lift? (spacers were removed?)
     
  3. Dec 27, 2023 at 11:48 AM
    #3
    Clydes4Runners

    Clydes4Runners [OP] New Member

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    Good to know! Not sure if it has been or was lifted. The shocks are rough country.

    I’ll snap some pics tonight.

    Thank you.
     
  4. Dec 27, 2023 at 12:19 PM
    #4
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Post the shock part numbers you installed. Also the springs...what part number? Were they 2wd or 4wd springs?

    Springs control the height. Shocks do not. Does your car sit level or does the back end look low?

    Im thinking your shock bodies are too long with no travel.
     
  5. Dec 27, 2023 at 5:25 PM
    #5
    Clydes4Runners

    Clydes4Runners [OP] New Member

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    Car sits perfectly! Don't know the exact shock. The springs I received from Rock Auto - said they were for my 2000 (8/99 production) 6 cylinder, 4WD, automatic. I've attached pics of it sitting with no load on level ground. Think the person that installed the shocks didn't quite get the top installation correct but still that wouldn't account for the horrible bottoming out I am experiencing. Does anyone have some stock pics of what my rear end should look like??!!

    IMG_4742.jpg
    IMG_4743.jpg

    IMG_4738.jpg
     
  6. Dec 27, 2023 at 6:25 PM
    #6
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A Toyota Gigolo

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    ^Your shocks are incorrect for your vehicle. Your shocks are fully compressed with no shaft showing. That means the shock is already bottomed out not allowing any axle uptravel.
     
  7. Dec 28, 2023 at 9:23 PM
    #7
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

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    1. Rancho shocks are some of the worst garbage you can buy, sorry just take them out right away

    2. Rancho shocks are aimed to be used with lifted vehicles; this means the shock would require a longer compressed and extended length compared to stock

    3. Due to the second reason stated above, since you have no lift, your shocks will forever run compressed and will fail prematurely

    Buy factory-equivalent shocks, and replace your current set and it will ride like new again
     
  8. Dec 28, 2023 at 9:52 PM
    #8
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A Toyota Gigolo

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    ^Those are Rough Country N3 shocks, made in a different gulag than Ranchos. But yeah, the shocks were made for a lifted application.
     
  9. Dec 28, 2023 at 9:55 PM
    #9
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

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    Oof well you knew what I meant :laughing:
     

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