Forum Discussion

hookie's avatar
hookie
Explorer
Aug 15, 2013

Should I get new springs?

I recently bought an '03 Toyota 4-Runner V8 to tow a 2014 Sportsmen Classic 190. The GVWR of the TT is 3500 lbs. The 4-Runner has 100k miles. It definitely needs shocks and I will deciding on which ones soon and put them on. But I'm wondering about putting on new springs at the same time.

This is NOT just a towing question. It's just in general - it's my DD. The front is a bit lower than the back, but I think that'a how they always were. Would new springs help with keeping the truck from bottoming out when going over speed bumps I experience at low speeds in a parking garage (feel it in the rear only)? Would it help keep the truck 'flatter' when taking turns?

It's my understanding the springs hold up the vehicle while the shocks keep the vehicle from continuing to bounce and help keep the tires firmly on the ground.

So, what is the criteria for deciding if you need new springs? Edumacate me please? Would you do it? Spend the extra cash now while more convenient since the shocks will be replaced??
Tow Vehicles

8 Replies

  • wintersun's avatar
    wintersun
    Explorer II
    Aug 17, 2013
    Unusual to have the front bottom out unless you have a damaged shock absorber or two. Usually you would see a fluid leak on the side of the shock. Only real fix is to replace the springs. These vehicles commonly have the rear end lower than the front and for that the simplest and cheapest and most effective is to add a leaf spring at the rear. Cost will be under $150 parts and labor at a offroad shop.

    Avoid the Midas types of places and go to a place that specializes in suspension work and have them check out the vehicle thoroughly.

    Good shocks overall are the Bilstein's in the 4600 or 5100 series.
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    Aug 16, 2013
    Suspension springs really don't wear out.

    If you are bottoming out the stock springs you will bottom out the new springs if you get stock ones.

    If you get an aftermarket rate that is a whole different ball of wax.
  • TexasATM's avatar
    TexasATM
    Explorer
    Aug 16, 2013
    If you're replacing the front springs, try to find some that are already assembled with the shock; it will make the installation a LOT easier. If you don't, you'll have to have a spring compressor. It can be done (I've done it), but it would be much easier/faster to buy them already together.

    The rears are super easy to install, both shocks and springs. Once you get the shocks off, the springs almost fall out.
  • qball6's avatar
    qball6
    Explorer
    Aug 16, 2013
    Weird. I just traded an '03 4runner limited V-8 with 100k for a Tundra. Please tell me your runner is not that goldfish color.
  • jfkmk's avatar
    jfkmk
    Explorer
    Aug 16, 2013
    I don't know if they sell springs as well, but I got a great deal on Bilstien HD shock at shockwarehouse.com
  • amxpress's avatar
    amxpress
    Explorer
    Aug 16, 2013
    You can get rear replacement springs by Moog for less than $100.
    Add to that a set of Bilstien shocks and you'll be good to go.
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2013
    If it bottoms out you need springs and yes it would be good to do it now. Check with aftermarket spring manufacturers, you may be able to find some springs that will perform better than stock. Two companies come to mind- Deaver Springs and National Springs. Four Wheel Parts Wholesalers may be a source as well.

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