Suspension upgrade

Hey guys! I'm not very experienced in this area so I'm seeking for help. I'm going to be replacing most of my suspension on my 01 PreRunner. I went to a mechanics shop because it crashes over bumps and has a pretty bad ride. It's also very bouncy in the front. They told me my front lower ball joints and struts need to be replaced. So along with those, I want to replace springs, coils, and shocks. I did some research for the parts and I've seen Billstein shocks got good rep. Would these be good for comfort? Also what parts would y'all recoommend as far as springs and all of that? It's my first vehicle and I really want this to last as long as possible. Want to get stuff that will last me. Any replies greatly appreciated!
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It depends on what you plan to do with your truck...
Read the questions, answer them and read some of the links and they will help you on the right path. But if you are looking for bang for the buck, dependability and reliability ... Look at OME.
They make complete systems... Not piece mealed items.
Now if you are looking for comfort... You are driving a truck, not a car... So comfortable is not in the cards... Unless you are a mall crawler.

You can replace the LBJ yourself.. Super easy and no realignment.

 

Lol well New Orleans does't have the best roads so I'd like a little more comfort. And I know trucks aren't supposed to be comfortable, but the way my truck crashes over bumps is completely unacceptable. I don't plan on going off-road or anything like that so I suppose a mall crawler would suit me lol

 

it mostly depends on what you want to spend.. for my struts i did cheap and got kyb monomax shocks and they work great on road and even ok off road
i am going to be going to mid travel here soon when i get the money but thats looking at 1600+ dollars
there are many routes that you can take and many price differences. if you want lift or adjustible go with bilstien 5100s they are good

 

I just need new springs, shocks, etc. It has 165k miles on it so its about time they get replaced. Honestly don't need a lift but I read that the Billstein's have it to where the front is lifted 2.5" and the rear 1.5". Would that make it look weird? My truck is bone stock with the premium chrome wheels. So I don't want it looking wonky. Also, price is something I'm concerned about. College is sucking me dry. Lol

 

no that would be level where the front is same height as rear it looks way better IMO

 

Ok thats great. Didn't want to lift it too much

 

If you are looking for just the basics... check out Wheelers, they have various systems and components to look at... they pretty much sell all manufactures at a decent price. Quick question - how does your rear leaf springs look?
Flat or a negative arch?
If either - you will need to either get an Add-a-Leaf or a new leaf pack.
Don't forget, installing an IFS system is easy and can be done in one day.
So if you post up in your state's chapter for TW, iH8MU or TTORA, I am sure there are guys/gals that would be willing to help once you purchase the items.

 

Check your tire pressures. Make sure they are no more than 35 psi. I usually run mine around 30 psi. I assume you have radials, since old-time bias ply tires can be harsh.

It seems to me, a stock pre-runner shouldn't have a really harsh ride.
If the springs are wearing out, shouldn't the ride get softer, not harsher?

 

I put the tire pressure to what ever it said on the inside of my door. Although, my front tires look more pudgy than my back. Is it from the weight in the front?

 

Not too familiar with suspension. Are these the leaf springs?

 

Yes, that's your leaf springs.
I used a OME setup on mine just to get a better ride. It worked.
Can't beat it for a complete lift/ no shortcut package for 1K bux.
I do however wish I had gone with the middle rate spring, I think 881....and softer valved shock instead of vice versa. The only off roading I do is down the beach and the ride quality on the road I think would have been........hey this place doesn't have a "cloud 9" smilie!
BTW I'm familiar with your roads. Ours are really the same for the most part. I think you'd like OME
Also if you could use the Bilsteins instead of the NitroChargers, I'm sure you'd be satisfied too. I don't know how much more that would cost to substitute.


I looked it up, I wish I had bought the 10mm LONGER spring same rate as mine. I would up using a small spacer to get the front up as it was raked too much with the rear springs from Dakar. Otherwise I think it money well spent. It rode sooo nice when it was all new. It's prob. time for some new shocks again now. And again, it's not wearing and getting softer....it's hitting hard once more. Damping gone is I reckon what does it.

 

You know that's a good point and on most vehicles I've had that was the case. Mine was a TRD sprung vehicle though and I guess when the shocks went, the truck would get into the higher rates easier. It was skating over bumpy corners terribly. Since I wasn't real impressed with the ride stock I decided to just change it all. I knew the rear springs were weak and would go soon too. Really, I think I've read that Toyo. springs (frt. and back) don't hold up well in the long run anyway.

 

Is there a way I can buy just the springs and struts from OME? Because money is tight and $1k for all of the parts that comes with the kit is a bit high for me especially if it comes to where I don't necessarily need those extra parts

 

yes. Springs are 160 a set

 

What about lower ball joints?