Toyota Hilux Surf (4Runner) 97 Suspension upgrade - your thoughts please.

[globalkiwi]

Hi,

I am looking at upgrading the suspension on my 97 Toyota Hilux Surf (4Runner). I have two options as quoted, but there is one major difference.

1. OME suspension - would give a 50mm (2") lift.

2. KYB suspension - no lift.

I don't mind a 25mm (1") lift, and would prefer the OME (it is about NZD200 more than KYB and I have more faith in ARB products than others) but is 50mm (2") too much for a Surf?

It occurs to me that the original suspension has sagged substantially in the last couple of years, so perhaps 2" isn't that much.

I know I need it upgraded as the Surf began to wallow, waggle, and flutter after I attached the Foxwing awning to the Rhino Rack.

Thanks.

Regards,

Richard.

 

[98roamer]

I put the OME lift on my 98 4runner and the wife didn't even notice the difference. The rear was sagging so it's even more pronounced due to it being lower than it should. It is really nice to have the suspension safe and sure footed again.

I tried the kYB before the OME and it felt worse than stock. Save the money and get what you know works.

 

[globalkiwi]

Thanks 98roamer,

Did your 4Runner get lifted 5cm? Or is it about the same? Were there any tyre options that the new suspension opened up for you?

Regards,

Richard.

 

[98roamer]

I went with the OME 880 front springs and the OME 906 rear springs with OME shocks. There was some lift but not much since I was had already replaced my factory 98 springs with the slightly taller 99 year springs. I would say that 5cm would be the most it lifted it. The rear was higher due to the stiffer springs.
http://cruiseroutfitters.com/tech_OME_coils.html



I wanted a better ride than the factory or the trekmaster shocks and springs were providing so I didn't really look at what size tires are now available. I did move to a 265/75R16 and I'm sure I could go up the the 235/85R16 but a 32" is fine for me.

I don't normally have the roof rack on but when I do and put any load on it, I don't even worry anymore about sway, its' all gone with the new OME. To compare: I drove it completely empty, no people or anything and with an fairly empty gas tank and it rides stiff (mostly due to the rear springs). As soon as I added people or any load the ride smooths out and its secure. I would recommend it even though I wasn't needing a lift, it was the only option that I found to get he ride and load carrying ability I wanted.

http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/
They were a huge source of info and parts, highly recommend them, but might not be really close to you.

 

[blakeape]

I bought a lightly rolled 97 4runner with an OME lift on it that I am currently daily driving. I have another 97 with a rusted frame and good body that will be getting swapped on to it. I am very impressed with the OME kit. I have owned and installed a handful of spacer lifts and had a few trucks/4runners with stock suspension. The OME if firm and controlled but not too stiff or harsh. I say OME all the way!

 

[Laxaholic]

I like the 4runners.

What kind of range do they have? Heard their tanks are too small?

 

[globalkiwi]

Hi Laxaholic,

My tank on a 97 is bang on 60 litres (15.85 gallons). I get 10L/100km, or around 23.5mpg. That is a bit low as during the week I'm often urbanised for my job. On the open road it is more like 8.5L/100km, or around 27.6mpg.

I take 20 or 40 litres of fuel with me depending on where I'm heading and for how long. Not had a problem with fuel yet - though NZ does not have the vast distances of other parts of the world.

 

[boma23]

KYB Monomax and Moog

I know it's an old post, but figured I'd post as the info is relevant and this one came up when I was researching.

Mileage wise I have a 94 KZN130 (3.0td) which consistently gives 320km per tank, and a 97 RZN185 (2.7 petrol) which sees about 340kms (light starting to come on), My commute is 5 miles: from sea level to 1700ft and back down, so you could expect more with gentler use.


back to suspension for the '97 3rd gen, i just did mine. KYB do a std Gasadjust unit which has an underdamped reputation, and an uprated "Monomax" for SUV/4WD specific use. On the 3rd gen I just went with Moog and KYB as they seemed to garner good reviews for my intended use, and the price was right:

KYB 565002
KYB 564002
Moog 81041
Moog 81090

Picture 1 shows just the rears on with the saggy old fronts still unchanged. With all four corners on the car now sits perfectly level at the same height of the rears.



Picture 2 is the rear wheel gap after fitting, which to me looks around a 1" lift over new, although could be less.



Ride on road might be considered firm, although a bit fidgety over small corrugated surfaces, but i'm really happy, as I'm a spirited driver and the car corners like something half it's weight now, genuinely suprising (coming from a ex-trackday junkie too). Springs feel quite stiff and were a pig to get in, a little sketchy with the spring compressors.

Quality seems good, and I've used KYB adjustables on previous track cars so am confident in quality.

Not taken it off road yet, but the very controlled damping should be an improvement over old, but this one is only an occasional off roader, messing around in a local quarry now and again and a bit of green laning.

For the price I couldn't be happier - $320 for the lot with current Amazon prices