Rear Suspension '87 4runner
04-05-2011, 05:30 PM
#21
Registered User
It is definitely the most cost effective solution out there. They're going to relieve your leaf springs from a lot of weight, give you a better ride, and the shorter coils (12''?) will give you a couple inches of lift....so back to stock height. My 14 inch coils brought it back to stock height plus 2 inches or so.
ingenious idea in my opinion and any one with a cutting utensil, a jack and torch and hammer can do it.
04-05-2011, 05:44 PM
#26
Registered User
I vote for the BJ Spacers. Crainking the T bars will gain you height, but you will loose flex and ride quality.
Last edited by rattlewagon; 04-05-2011 at 05:53 PM.
04-05-2011, 05:48 PM
#27
Registered User
two guys make them that I like(theres others...just dont know of them) http://4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/BallJointSpacer.shtml
http://www.wabfab.org/IFS-Lift-Kits/...ypage.tpl.html
longer shocks are reccomended, but I didnt and Im doing fine.
04-05-2011, 05:55 PM
#28
We'll see. I'll think about it over the next couple of days. The truck really isn't going to be off roaded since I have a quad... And I think if I raise it up I'm going to want bigger tires, which I cannot afford. Looks like the Zuk 12" springs are going to be thrown on order here next week when I have time to actually install them.
04-06-2011, 05:31 AM
#33
Registered User
not having to hack at your bump stops, IMO more of a factory (better) ride with replacement leafs depending on brand. Possible safety inspection issues with the ZUK coils. Yours is a FL truck so I won't bring up the PITA rust/corrosion issue to get the factory leaf springs out.
04-06-2011, 05:58 AM
#34
Registered User
Ok, so this is my first post, but I know a little bit about suspensions and I just bought a 4runner with this particular mod on it and I felt like giving my .02.
I read earlier in the post that you thought that you might need new shocks to lift your back end up, and the knowledgeable parties on here informed you that you do not. That is a true statement because the shock doesn't perform the "lifting" for the suspension.
The shocks job is to dampen the "springyness" (is that a word?) of the leaf springs. In other words, a spring's tendency, be it a leaf spring or coil spring is to come back to shape as quickly as it can after being compressed or extended. So when you hit a bump with bad shocks, you will get a lot of bounce. A good shock slows down that bounce.
The previous owner of my truck performed the Zuk mod and coupled it with a new set of longer shocks. (he went with the 14" coils) The ride is excellent and I'm still smiling about how good of an idea it is for such a low cost. Now I just need to do the BJ spacers in the front and my lift (for now) will be complete.
I know that this was a bit long winded, but the more you know, the better off you are.
I read earlier in the post that you thought that you might need new shocks to lift your back end up, and the knowledgeable parties on here informed you that you do not. That is a true statement because the shock doesn't perform the "lifting" for the suspension.
The shocks job is to dampen the "springyness" (is that a word?) of the leaf springs. In other words, a spring's tendency, be it a leaf spring or coil spring is to come back to shape as quickly as it can after being compressed or extended. So when you hit a bump with bad shocks, you will get a lot of bounce. A good shock slows down that bounce.
The previous owner of my truck performed the Zuk mod and coupled it with a new set of longer shocks. (he went with the 14" coils) The ride is excellent and I'm still smiling about how good of an idea it is for such a low cost. Now I just need to do the BJ spacers in the front and my lift (for now) will be complete.
I know that this was a bit long winded, but the more you know, the better off you are.
04-06-2011, 07:22 AM
#36
Ok, so this is my first post, but I know a little bit about suspensions and I just bought a 4runner with this particular mod on it and I felt like giving my .02.
I read earlier in the post that you thought that you might need new shocks to lift your back end up, and the knowledgeable parties on here informed you that you do not. That is a true statement because the shock doesn't perform the "lifting" for the suspension.
The shocks job is to dampen the "springyness" (is that a word?) of the leaf springs. In other words, a spring's tendency, be it a leaf spring or coil spring is to come back to shape as quickly as it can after being compressed or extended. So when you hit a bump with bad shocks, you will get a lot of bounce. A good shock slows down that bounce.
The previous owner of my truck performed the Zuk mod and coupled it with a new set of longer shocks. (he went with the 14" coils) The ride is excellent and I'm still smiling about how good of an idea it is for such a low cost. Now I just need to do the BJ spacers in the front and my lift (for now) will be complete.
I know that this was a bit long winded, but the more you know, the better off you are.
I read earlier in the post that you thought that you might need new shocks to lift your back end up, and the knowledgeable parties on here informed you that you do not. That is a true statement because the shock doesn't perform the "lifting" for the suspension.
The shocks job is to dampen the "springyness" (is that a word?) of the leaf springs. In other words, a spring's tendency, be it a leaf spring or coil spring is to come back to shape as quickly as it can after being compressed or extended. So when you hit a bump with bad shocks, you will get a lot of bounce. A good shock slows down that bounce.
The previous owner of my truck performed the Zuk mod and coupled it with a new set of longer shocks. (he went with the 14" coils) The ride is excellent and I'm still smiling about how good of an idea it is for such a low cost. Now I just need to do the BJ spacers in the front and my lift (for now) will be complete.
I know that this was a bit long winded, but the more you know, the better off you are.
Just curious NJRunner86, is the upper steel stopper cut short?(to about 1 inch) It's usually best to do that to minimize coil bind and noises when they cycle. The longer 14" coils cannot ever loosen up in a stockish Runner so falling out is not an issue. With the shorter 12 inch....it's best to let the wheel drop to it's max and measure/verify that those are not an issue.
ZUK
04-06-2011, 07:42 AM
#37
Hey guys, just to clarify, new stiffer shocks will raise the suspension. When the shock starts to die out, the rebound abilities are affected negatively and the shock will not rebound like new. I'm not saying that the shock will add 2" of lift, but a weak shock will cost a half inch or so of height. Case in point, an autocross car I had gained 3/4" all around when I replaced the shocks only.
04-06-2011, 07:46 AM
#38
Registered User
Zuk,
I'm not sure, I will have to look. I've spent most of my free time since owning my truck on here learning about all of the mods I can do. All of my experience is with chevys and jeeps. Now that I own a 'yota', I can see why they have such a following.
I will take a look at the springs this afternoon. Do you have a pic for reference? I can take one of mine and post it for reference relevant to this thread and so that you can give the head nod that it was done right.
Kudos again on such a great idea!
Carlspeed,
I agree that new shocks will help a little bit, but by design, the springs are what do all of the work for the actual lifting.
I'm not sure, I will have to look. I've spent most of my free time since owning my truck on here learning about all of the mods I can do. All of my experience is with chevys and jeeps. Now that I own a 'yota', I can see why they have such a following.
I will take a look at the springs this afternoon. Do you have a pic for reference? I can take one of mine and post it for reference relevant to this thread and so that you can give the head nod that it was done right.
Kudos again on such a great idea!
Carlspeed,
I agree that new shocks will help a little bit, but by design, the springs are what do all of the work for the actual lifting.
Last edited by NJRunner86; 04-06-2011 at 07:48 AM.
