Stiffest shocks for towing availible?

imtheant · 07-05-2008, 09:41 AM

Going to be towing a 4000 lb boat all over the place and need to upgrade my shocks to something much stiffer. What do you recommend and do I need to get 4 new shocks or just replace the rear ones? The stock shocks are fine for daily driving, and its a 2002 SR5. Thanks

Ron Helmuth · 07-05-2008, 09:45 AM

Stiffer springs might help more than stiffer shocks. But I am not a "tow' guy.

Some folks recommend the airbag helper within the springs in the back end. Lots of options.

Yodaforce · 07-05-2008, 10:24 AM

It is not the shocks that you need. It's the springs. And yes, I would recommend air bags. They install in the spring and when you need some more support in the rear, you just air them up to level out the vehicle when it has a load on it. This is best so it won't affect your factory ride when you're not towing. The shocks just control the rebound of the suspension when driving over bumps so you're not bouncing around.

imtheant · 07-05-2008, 10:28 AM

I cant afford to deal with airbags, nor do I have the time to find a place to get them installed. Sooo, what is my next step? New springs and shocks? So new shocks wont help me at all keep my rear ride height better when the boat is attached?

seaofnames · 07-05-2008, 10:40 AM

Springs for sure.

I got the front and rear addco sway bars and holy hell are they awesome for control on the highway! I haven't towed anything over 1000#, but even just driving around it has a lot less body roll.

Oh! I noticed you have an auto..get an extra tranny cooler!! stat! If you are towing 4000# around more than a few times a year, It will prevent your tranny from grenading.

crolison · 07-05-2008, 10:46 AM

get some ome 891's, they will help your sagging butt while towing, but the downside is you will be raked.

and get a tranny cooler.

DailyDrive · 07-05-2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imtheant

I cant afford to deal with airbags, nor do I have the time to find a place to get them installed.

Airbags are cheaper than both both shocks or springs, and they are easier or the same as far as installation goes. I'd guess that you are thinking of something else here, not simple airbags with a Schrader valve.

kmcaprice14 · 07-05-2008, 03:30 PM

yeah, we aren't talking mini-truck airbags, but rather load leveling airbags... not nearly the same thing

but if you really dont want them, I'd say go for 890s or 891 springs in the rear. I run 890s with 881s up front, and I am slightly raked, but not bad at all. I can put a decent load on the rear, and not sag too much either. Plus 890s are very streetable when not towing as well.

imtheant · 07-05-2008, 06:09 PM

I was thinking the airbags were more complex, thanks for the clarification. So if my stock springs and shocks are fine for regular use, would the addition of airbags be enough to help with the towing of my boat without having to purchase new springs and/or shocks? Currently my 02 only has 65K and the ride height suspension seem just fine.

RobD · 07-05-2008, 06:30 PM

As stated earlier, you want to upgrade your springs for weight carrying ability. You're best bet is probably a set of Old Man Emu medium or heavy springs, combined with a set of Old Man Emu Nitrocharger shocks. You will notice a huge difference.

Ron Helmuth · 07-07-2008, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobD

As stated earlier, you want to upgrade your springs for weight carrying ability. You're best bet is probably a set of Old Man Emu medium or heavy springs, combined with a set of Old Man Emu Nitrocharger shocks. You will notice a huge difference.

I had a stock 99 without tall springs-I just went to an Old Man Emu shock and spring combo at all 4 corners.

891s have my back end up 3 inches from before-on a 2002 I am not sure what effect it would have. I like the stinkbug (raked) look and I am loving the stiff ride out back. You can mitigate the stiffness of the springs somewhat with the Comfort shock (Nitrocharger by Old Man Emu) but I did not select that for my rear end.

You could likely get by with 890 springs instead of 891s, but as you can see the options are kind of endless....

cackalak han · 07-07-2008, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imtheant

I cant afford to deal with airbags, nor do I have the time to find a place to get them installed. Sooo, what is my next step?

Your next step is to man up and get it set up PROPERLY. Have you ever towed 4000lbs with the 4Runner before? It's not exactly a walk around the park. You WILL feel its heft and you will need to get used to braking, manuvering, etc. Do EVERYTHING you can to prevent damage AND keep yourself safe. If you can't afford to do that, you can't afford to tow. But either way, you will be paying for either a proper set up now, or the damages later. Usually, a proper set up from the get-go is cheaper.

Adam F · 07-07-2008, 02:12 PM

Air shocks. They cost $65 for the pair. Ride good, level the truck, and you can adjust the pressure in them to raise the rear end to give you a firmer ride for towing. You want Monroe MA700

See this thread...

http://www.yotatech.com/f31/potentia...-shocks-60181/

4biker · 07-07-2008, 05:08 PM

Just to clarify, springs actually support the weight of the load. If you don't have enough spring support, you'll get pushed all over the road, and you'll waste all your grip strength on the steering wheel, instead of the wakeboard rope handle. Shocks control the rate of up-and-down motion your load causes, and help to keep you rubber-side-down. As C. Han stated, 4000lbs is a pretty heavy load that you want to keep under control. If you're towing a lot or over long distances, you will want to invest in a sturdy suspension system, or your friends will drive separately and cross their fingers in the car behind you.

If you can afford an '02 4runner and a Malibu wakeboard boat, you'll be perfectly fine dropping less than $500 on a quality suspension system (front & rear springs plus rear shocks). OME makes a very high quality suspension system, but you will end up with a mild lift. I got the 881 front and 906 rear springs, because I can still run the stock tire size if I want to. The rear OME shocks are really nice, or I'd also look at getting the pressurized air shocks that Adam F suggested too (air shocks would probably have to be adjusted every time you attach and remove the trailer). Give toyteclifts.com a call (or any other good vendor) and they can help you out a lot. Airbags and air shocks (alone) are also worthwhile options, but require more maintenance and thought. Regardless, I'd have new shocks on the rear axle too.

Good luck!

Ron Helmuth · 07-07-2008, 06:45 PM

here is a link to another YotaTech member with similar issues...

http://www.yotatech.com/f2/rear-air-bags-148893/

Gerdo · 07-07-2008, 08:46 PM

I had some AirLift air springs on mine. They were great. The only problem that I had was when 4 wheeling and you articulate, the spring would extend and the air spring would stay centered and sometimes the air line would pull off the bottom of the bag. I decided to go with the TRDs up fornt and now I have OME 891 in back. I tow 2000# - 3000# and they do great.

CJM · 07-07-2008, 09:00 PM

You want 3 things:

1. Airbags, nothing special-just decent ones will do.

2. Heavier coils and shocks for the rear and might as well replace the front shocks and struts with better quality too. Too all of you suggesting springs: ITS A 4Runner!!!!!!!! It dont have any, it had coils they are not springs!!!!!

3. A brake controller and a trailer with brakes will be a godsend. Might want to look into upgrading to tundra frontend rotors and calipers as well for extra braking power.

The V6 will pull that load, you may have issues with stability b/c of the lack of width and issues with power b/c thats a heavy load and within 1000lbs of maxing the towing load. Any gear you carry will add to that.

Ron Helmuth · 07-08-2008, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerdo

I had some AirLift air springs on mine. They were great. The only problem that I had was when 4 wheeling and you articulate, the spring would extend and the air spring would stay centered and sometimes the air line would pull off the bottom of the bag. I decided to go with the TRDs up fornt and now I have OME 891 in back. I tow 2000# - 3000# and they do great.

okay we have it the 891 is a good choice for a rear coil if you like to tow.

Gerdo let me know if I am off base....

4biker · 07-08-2008, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJM

2. Heavier coils and shocks for the rear and might as well replace the front shocks and struts with better quality too. Too all of you suggesting springs: ITS A 4Runner!!!!!!!! It dont have any, it had coils they are not springs!!!!!

Coils are springs just like leaf packs are springs. They have different strengths and weaknesses, but they're both springs. Coil springs are usually more comfortable, but leaf springs usually handle loads better. Is that coily deal in your clicky pen not a spring just because it's not made up of a leaf pack?

SoCalPaul · 07-08-2008, 01:11 PM

2. Heavier coils and shocks for the rear and might as well replace the front shocks and struts with better quality too. Too all of you suggesting springs: ITS A 4Runner!!!!!!!! It dont have any, it had coils they are not springs!!!!!

07-05-2008, 09:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
imtheant Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 27	Stiffest shocks for towing availible? Going to be towing a 4000 lb boat all over the place and need to upgrade my shocks to something much stiffer. What do you recommend and do I need to get 4 new shocks or just replace the rear ones? The stock shocks are fine for daily driving, and its a 2002 SR5. Thanks __________________ 2002 4Runner SPORT V6, 4:10 gears automatic -Malibu Wakeboard Boat Hauler

07-05-2008, 09:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
Ron Helmuth Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Denver metro area-CO Posts: 575	Stiffer springs might help more than stiffer shocks. But I am not a "tow' guy. Some folks recommend the airbag helper within the springs in the back end. Lots of options. __________________ 99 4Runner SR5 4wd 3.4/5 spd Factory Rear Locker/Rear Diff Breather Extension LT265/75/16 Nitto Terra Gs- AR767s Old Man Emu springs- 881 fronts/891 rears Old Man Emu shocks- N91s fronts/ N86 rears All Pro Off Road sliders/ARB "Taco" bumper Redline Tuning hood struts -prop rod now useless! TrueFlow Air Filter fed by airbox deckplate mod Rear wing custom painted in body color (white056)

07-05-2008, 10:24 AM	#3 (permalink)
Yodaforce Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: West NC Posts: 235	It is not the shocks that you need. It's the springs. And yes, I would recommend air bags. They install in the spring and when you need some more support in the rear, you just air them up to level out the vehicle when it has a load on it. This is best so it won't affect your factory ride when you're not towing. The shocks just control the rebound of the suspension when driving over bumps so you're not bouncing around. __________________ "That's all I have to say about that." -Forrest Gump

07-05-2008, 10:28 AM	#4 (permalink)
imtheant Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 27	I cant afford to deal with airbags, nor do I have the time to find a place to get them installed. Sooo, what is my next step? New springs and shocks? So new shocks wont help me at all keep my rear ride height better when the boat is attached? __________________ 2002 4Runner SPORT V6, 4:10 gears automatic -Malibu Wakeboard Boat Hauler

07-05-2008, 10:40 AM	#5 (permalink)
seaofnames Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Coquitlam, BC Posts: 88	Springs for sure. I got the front and rear addco sway bars and holy hell are they awesome for control on the highway! I haven't towed anything over 1000#, but even just driving around it has a lot less body roll. Oh! I noticed you have an auto..get an extra tranny cooler!! stat! If you are towing 4000# around more than a few times a year, It will prevent your tranny from grenading. __________________ 1996 4Runner. Revos, tundra brakes, 5" deckplate, ISR, inverter, addco sway bars, marlin 1200lb clutch. More to come! Last edited by seaofnames : 07-05-2008 at 10:41 AM.

07-05-2008, 10:46 AM	#6 (permalink)
crolison Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: knoxville, tn Posts: 1,594	get some ome 891's, they will help your sagging butt while towing, but the downside is you will be raked. and get a tranny cooler. __________________ 97 4runner, 2.7 5speed 4wd, 4.556, 255/85/16 Maxxis Bighorns rear diff breather, 4 hella 500's driving, sliders, wilderness rack custom bumper arb locked rear toytec adjustables, ome 891's, bilstein 5125 manual hubs broken front and rear swaybars My Profile

07-05-2008, 03:30 PM	#8 (permalink)
kmcaprice14 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 179	yeah, we aren't talking mini-truck airbags, but rather load leveling airbags... not nearly the same thing but if you really dont want them, I'd say go for 890s or 891 springs in the rear. I run 890s with 881s up front, and I am slightly raked, but not bad at all. I can put a decent load on the rear, and not sag too much either. Plus 890s are very streetable when not towing as well. __________________ 1998 5spd V6 4Runner SR5 OME 881/890

07-05-2008, 06:09 PM	#9 (permalink)
imtheant Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 27	I was thinking the airbags were more complex, thanks for the clarification. So if my stock springs and shocks are fine for regular use, would the addition of airbags be enough to help with the towing of my boat without having to purchase new springs and/or shocks? Currently my 02 only has 65K and the ride height suspension seem just fine. __________________ 2002 4Runner SPORT V6, 4:10 gears automatic -Malibu Wakeboard Boat Hauler

07-05-2008, 06:30 PM	#10 (permalink)
RobD Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 1,073	As stated earlier, you want to upgrade your springs for weight carrying ability. You're best bet is probably a set of Old Man Emu medium or heavy springs, combined with a set of Old Man Emu Nitrocharger shocks. You will notice a huge difference. __________________ 1991 4Runner, 3.4 5VZFE swap, OME shocks/springs, 33" BFG All Terrain T/A KOs, Pioneer head unit, Infinity speakers, XM Satellite radio

07-07-2008, 02:12 PM	#13 (permalink)
Adam F Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Cincinnati Ohio Posts: 1,980	Air shocks. They cost $65 for the pair. Ride good, level the truck, and you can adjust the pressure in them to raise the rear end to give you a firmer ride for towing. You want Monroe MA700 See this thread... http://www.yotatech.com/f31/potentia...-shocks-60181/ __________________ Parting out 3vze V6, click for details 88 4Runner. In process of V8 swap

07-07-2008, 05:08 PM	#14 (permalink)
4biker Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SLC, Utah Posts: 253	Just to clarify, springs actually support the weight of the load. If you don't have enough spring support, you'll get pushed all over the road, and you'll waste all your grip strength on the steering wheel, instead of the wakeboard rope handle. Shocks control the rate of up-and-down motion your load causes, and help to keep you rubber-side-down. As C. Han stated, 4000lbs is a pretty heavy load that you want to keep under control. If you're towing a lot or over long distances, you will want to invest in a sturdy suspension system, or your friends will drive separately and cross their fingers in the car behind you. If you can afford an '02 4runner and a Malibu wakeboard boat, you'll be perfectly fine dropping less than $500 on a quality suspension system (front & rear springs plus rear shocks). OME makes a very high quality suspension system, but you will end up with a mild lift. I got the 881 front and 906 rear springs, because I can still run the stock tire size if I want to. The rear OME shocks are really nice, or I'd also look at getting the pressurized air shocks that Adam F suggested too (air shocks would probably have to be adjusted every time you attach and remove the trailer). Give toyteclifts.com a call (or any other good vendor) and they can help you out a lot. Airbags and air shocks (alone) are also worthwhile options, but require more maintenance and thought. Regardless, I'd have new shocks on the rear axle too. Good luck! __________________ 1997 4Runner Ltd, E-locker, OME 881/906's with black Tokico's, 265/75/16 Yokohama Geolander AT+II's, 1000w inverter, dual batt setup My Profile 1998 Rocky Mountain Element TO (Canada Red)

07-07-2008, 06:45 PM	#15 (permalink)
Ron Helmuth Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Denver metro area-CO Posts: 575	here is a link to another YotaTech member with similar issues... http://www.yotatech.com/f2/rear-air-bags-148893/ __________________ 99 4Runner SR5 4wd 3.4/5 spd Factory Rear Locker/Rear Diff Breather Extension LT265/75/16 Nitto Terra Gs- AR767s Old Man Emu springs- 881 fronts/891 rears Old Man Emu shocks- N91s fronts/ N86 rears All Pro Off Road sliders/ARB "Taco" bumper Redline Tuning hood struts -prop rod now useless! TrueFlow Air Filter fed by airbox deckplate mod Rear wing custom painted in body color (white056)

07-07-2008, 08:46 PM	#16 (permalink)
Gerdo Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: SouthWest Littleton, Colorado Posts: 660	I had some AirLift air springs on mine. They were great. The only problem that I had was when 4 wheeling and you articulate, the spring would extend and the air spring would stay centered and sometimes the air line would pull off the bottom of the bag. I decided to go with the TRDs up fornt and now I have OME 891 in back. I tow 2000# - 3000# and they do great. __________________ 2000 4Runner Sport, 3.4L, 5 Speed, Custom ProRunner Brush Guard, Opened intake, K&N Airfilter, BFG A/T LT265/70R16, Bilstein Shocks, FreeFlow Exhaust, Poly Rack Mounts & Swaybar Mounts, Tundra TRDs up front and OME 891s out back. ToyTec Panhard Bar Drop. SS Front Diff Drop. Home-built 2x2 Sliders. See My 4Runner!

07-07-2008, 09:00 PM	#17 (permalink)
CJM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4,580	You want 3 things: 1. Airbags, nothing special-just decent ones will do. 2. Heavier coils and shocks for the rear and might as well replace the front shocks and struts with better quality too. Too all of you suggesting springs: ITS A 4Runner!!!!!!!! It dont have any, it had coils they are not springs!!!!! 3. A brake controller and a trailer with brakes will be a godsend. Might want to look into upgrading to tundra frontend rotors and calipers as well for extra braking power. The V6 will pull that load, you may have issues with stability b/c of the lack of width and issues with power b/c thats a heavy load and within 1000lbs of maxing the towing load. Any gear you carry will add to that. __________________ 96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

07-08-2008, 01:11 PM	#20 (permalink)
SoCalPaul Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Valencia, CA Posts: 140	2. Heavier coils and shocks for the rear and might as well replace the front shocks and struts with better quality too. Too all of you suggesting springs: ITS A 4Runner!!!!!!!! It dont have any, it had coils they are not springs!!!!! __________________ 1996 4X4 4Runner LTD. Purchased used 5-08, 120K. Now has 265/75 16 Terra Grapplers, Performance Products springs, Bilsteins. Gone, but not forgotten: 2001 Tundra, V8, 4x4, Xtra cab, Limited, TRD Offroad. PP springs, Bilsteins, Snugtop shell. Owned 0-112k mi. 1992 4Runner, V6, 4x4, 5spd, SR5, PP springs, Bilsteins. Owned 0-219k mi. 1988 Pickup, I4, 4x4, 5spd, SR5, Ranchos, rear shackles, shell. Owned 0-122k mi.