3rd gen 1996-2002 Toyota 4runner Driveline balance vibration

These can develop drive line vibrations over time, and particularly after drive line removal for repairs. While not generally catastrophic, it's a really good idea to get it taken care of before it causes damage to the engine or transmission.

One thing to check before getting the drive line fixed is the wheel balancing. They must be balanced using a "Lug Centric" adapter as opposed to more common "Hub Centric" balancers. It's a Toyota thing as I understand it. Some mechanics may say they can balance all wheels not even knowing about the adapter. Not to speak ill of anyone, it's just not universally known, and sometimes they get it wrong.

Here is a video explaining the difference:    • Introduction to Hub And Lug Centric Balanc...  

Drive line vibration tends to increase as speed increases, from about 45 MPH for mine. 65 was bad, 70 was terrible.

Wheel balance vibration tend to come in around 55-65 and can improve at certain speeds, like "59 is bad but at 64 it levels out". The vibration of wheel balance doesn't seem to be as linear as when the drive line was bad. Wheels out of balance tend to have a "vibration zone" at certain speeds, where the drive line vibration is like turning up the volume on your stereo, getting absolutely worse with every MPH increase.

There can always be other things too, this was just my experience.

Here are some mods I had done to the 4runner that were worth while:


Tokico Trekmaster Shocks, good for basic ride if the 4runner is not lifted. 1999 tall springs will work with these shocks. Will ride poorly with 906 springs unless heavily loaded down:

Rears: http://amzn.to/1B2Zcch

Front: http://amzn.to/1E4Fhfr


Old Man Emu ARB rear 906 springs, would probably be best with OME shocks, but I have no experience:

http://amzn.to/1BpnDWn


Front Bilsteins designed for 2000 Tundra, on lowest setting. You would need a Tundra spring isolator and 4runner top plate to run this shock with Tundra TRD springs:

http://amzn.to/1FJ4TAU


Tundra spring isolator if you are using tundra TRD springs:

http://amzn.to/1EUY5BH


Rear Bilsteins, which need ¾ inch shock bushing and taller bump stops (from Sonoran Steel, for example) to run correctly. Not running bump stops can destroy the shocks:

http://amzn.to/1wXakg6


This should be the right bushing, but check before you install and please report back if this is incorrect so that I can make the change here:

http://amzn.to/1BprZg3


That’s if you want to piece together a system. You would still want a track bar from Sonoran, as well as bumpstops if you want to run bilsteins, which rode like a dream. Then the brake lines too.


Honestly, the best option, in my opinion, is to get the Sonoran Steel 7.2:

http://www.sonoransteel.com


By far, the best tires to go under these 4runners (great MPG, traction, very light, great handling):

http://amzn.to/1D3nSbD


My first review of the tires:

   • Hankook Dynapro ATM: Best Tires For Toyota...  


1st follow up:

   • Hankook Dynapro ATM Best Tires Follow Up a...  


Long term follow up at 38k miles:

   • Hankook Dynapro ATM long term follow up 38...  

I miss the 4runner!