3rd Gen 4runner Front Suspension Rebuild

We're back to wrap up the suspension overhaul on our 1997 4runner. Definitely a two beer episode. Bring your whole-y jeans, you're Autozone loaner tools, and your patience to help us give this classic off road SUV a new lease on life.
Stuff I used:
Bilstein 5100’s - amzn.to/3pn74MR
I've started cashing in all the free jokes. The links above may be affiliate links. Please use them to help support me making more content (and a fool of myself). Enjoy!

[@TrailNachos]

I felt this in my bones. I have all these same conversations with myself when I decide to ”try” and work on my own cars.

[@tpc01x]

This is the reason why I just pay people now.

[@b.hatemen]

Amen, brothers.

[@timrasputkov5357]

Last summer I bought a 3rd gen runner and had to replace 5 suspension parts (LBJ, UBJ, inner & outer tie rods, sway bar link). What was supposed to be a 2 day project became a 5 day project. Miraculously I even took it out camping the next day.

[@WastingTimeInTheWoods]

Well, that’s about two weeks faster than it took me so I’d say you’re doing all right :-)

[@LikeOnATree]

So many times I’ve been doing something on one of my vehicles and only at the end do I see the light as you demonstrate! Thanks so much for the honest portrayal of the ups and downs. I look forward to your videos, they are awesome - thank you!!!

[@cbob1]

I had this problem with my 354k mile 4th gen 4R. I solved it by buying a 5th gen. Now I wish I'd kept the 4th gen (and sourced out the repairs). Motor & trans were still perfect but 80 mph was "sketchy". Love your approach to working on stuff.

[@WastingTimeInTheWoods]

Hard to loose a couple cylinders. Even with similar power output, it just sounds like it's going to explode when you gun it. Love 5th gens though, and wish I had your MPG on 87.

[@lanieroutside]

Great video! I have a 99 and have contemplated doing the suspension myself. But first I have to get the rear end rebuilt which is not cheap. Cool trucks and getting harder to find. Look forward to seeing your progress.

[@Br1anuk]

Wow I thought I was cheap! On my 2001 Prado I only replaced the springs and shocks to give it a 2" lift. I'm so glad I paid a mechanic to do it. Great work. Ive bought a second generation 2014 Touareg TDi with the very rare low range gearbox and locking rear Dif to replace my Land Cruiser Colorado. Really enjoy your videos though.

[@WastingTimeInTheWoods]

Thanks mate! It’s one half advanced frugality and one half delusions of becoming my family’s hero as I easily fix the old girl on the side of the trail someday ; )

[@VessupVisuals]

Thanks for convincing not to do this job. Btw i really enjoy your content!

[@TobyCostaRica]

This gives me flashbacks to my full suspension rebuild on a first Gen Tundra. My truck was on jack stands for a month.

[@WastingTimeInTheWoods]

I got this done a bit faster than that... but not much. Glad it wasn't a DD at the time.

[@TobyCostaRica]

@@WastingTimeInTheWoods Bringing the shocks to get rebuilt took a week. Uniballs, coilovers, and Poly bushings are so high maintenance vs OEM. Never again! keep up the great content!

[@therealcarterhansen]

Loved the video! Your method at the end of rebuilding the shock at the end is genius btw! Gonna try that on my next lift...

[@WastingTimeInTheWoods]

Soooooo much easier to use the truck as the spring compressor. Thx for watching!

[@therealcarterhansen]

@@WastingTimeInTheWoodsHonestly so stoked to try it! Great videos and humor. Keep em coming🤘

[@87karci]

Thanks for reminding me to outsource any suspension work in my GX460 in the future. Great video. Cheers!

[@WastingTimeInTheWoods]

No problem 👍 I suffer and toil so my friends are reminded not to make cheap bastard mistakes : )

[@wesleyroup]

I recently picked up an ‘01 Limited 4WD T4R and LOVE IT!! My suspension was completely shot as well, and in my research found the 5100s as the most popular option, but I found a few reviews that said they’re softer than the super soft stock suspension, which gives the exact result you mentioned with your initial install at the 1” lift. Instead, I picked up the 6112s which give a firmer on-road feel (better for daily driving) while dampening larger bumps, which makes it still great for off-roading or hitting those speed bumps. Just thought I’d share my experience with that.

[@WastingTimeInTheWoods]

I’ve heard good things about the 6112’s I wouldn’t say the 5100’s are soft though. What I said was the ride was way too harsh using the preload setting. Even using the stock preload setting on the 5100’s the ride is still firmer than stock IMO. Glad to hear you found a nice one & thanks for watching!

[@Asian_Connection]

great job, should also changed the wheel bearing

[@WastingTimeInTheWoods]

Not a bad idea.

[@alexmckee1]

All these immaculate no rust 20+ year old vehicles "whaaa this bolt is stubborn!" My brother, you don't know pain until you work on rust belt vehicles.

[@WastingTimeInTheWoods]

I never said I was resilient!

[@leveluplife8585]

There is no way this job is as bad as you make it sound. I’m very confident the tie rod would have freed up from the inner because these things have boots protecting them from rusting together like other cars. Just use a more leverage on it? Or hit what you got with a hammer? Idk, I’m helping my buddy out soon so maybe it is this bad

[@WastingTimeInTheWoods]

There’s no way to overestimate my incompetence with a wrench… but the boot you’re referring to covers only the inner tie rod’s junction with the rack. Not the outer tie rod. In any case Im sure it will be easier for you than it was for me. Good luck!

[@leveluplife8585]

@@WastingTimeInTheWoods Not sure what my buddy’s will look like under there yet, but I think the worst case would to be replacing the inner and outer tie rod and if we free up the steering rack it’s just to install poly bushings. I’ve got a big crescent wrench and some hammers to try if my box ends don’t do it

[@WastingTimeInTheWoods]

@@leveluplife8585 Watch Timmy The Toolman's video on it. That's what I did first. He's a much better mechanic than me!

[@davidtrevino5211]

Did u order a front end kit from a company? If so can u list the name .. I have a 2001 4runner

[@WastingTimeInTheWoods]

No, I just made a parts list and ordered from my local dealership. All oem except the shocks and swaybar end links.

[@james_the_darklord]

You will need an alignment when you change to new shocks

[@thomasjefferson3552]

i just bought the 5100's for my gen 3 in case i wanted to lift in the future. do they ride okay for you in the stock lift setting?

[@WastingTimeInTheWoods]

Yeah. Ride great at stock setting. Pretty stiff one notch up. I would pair with lift springs instead of adjusting perches.

[@clausiusuf]

Now… do the timing belt!

[@WastingTimeInTheWoods]

Good advice!

[@gato9573]

Timing belt isn’t bad, just do the water pump and thermostat while you’re in there. My valve cover gaskets went out after a month of driving so I did those as well. Along with spark plugs and wires. Now it’s time for this job 😂

[@lloyd-qt1mg]

Super irritating music ....I clicked out after 11/2 mins.

[@WastingTimeInTheWoods]

Oh man, you almost got through it : ) Noted.