koda_71

sorry. I don't know anything about suspension.

My 88 4runner sags in the back due to weak leaf springs. it is expensive to replace the leafs around $1200

I put new shocks on but they don't do lick.

is there a shock system that could balance it out? plus, i want to load to heavy mountain bikes on the back and still have the truck not sagging like an old mare.

I've seen other 88's with some fancy shock systems that look pretty heavy dudy.

what are my options?


thanks in advance

toyota4x4907

Shocks have nothing to do with ride height. They are there to dampen or "soften" up the bounce caused by the springs. To counter rear rag in your 4runner, you can have the leafs re-arched, I'm pretty sure; Add-a-leaf as you mentioned, longer rear shackles or do a pretty interesting mod by putting a coil spring in between the leafs and frame. I'll look for the post about that and send it your way!

toyota4x4907

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...ks-zuk-157035/ take a look at that.

koda_71

that is a sweet mod thanks

I don't think the leafs need to be re-shaped. they are weak so they sag if any weight is put in the truck

I'm surprised there isn't a set of shocks that can be placed on there and that are so strong they won't sag the truck down

toyota4x4907

Like I said man, shocks do nothing for ride height. All they do is soften the ride so you aren't bouncing everywhere. If they were so strong that they made it not sag, they probably wouldn't dampen the suspension enough it would be like riding with no suspension....

bikerbob

To me it sounds like you are using the word shock as we use it referring to mountain bikes. On a bike we call the suspension component a shock, which includes the shock and spring. On the rear of your truck, if it is in stock form, the spring and shock are two different parts. On a bike front or rear, the shock and spring are usually one unit.
To fix the sag on your truck new springs, or shackes will be needed.
I think you are headed in the right direction just misinterpreting the way the terms are used referring to your truck.

83

I agree. Saggy leaf springs are what's causing your sag. If you put new heavy duty shocks in there they'll just compress to fit your sag. If you re-arch, or even better, re-arch and add-a-leaf, or even better get good aftermarket replacement leaf springs, that will fix your sag. There are also many other options you'll find once you start looking, including coils. Honestly if you googled 4 runner sag or something like that you'd probably find more than you'd care to read. Good luck!

Just remember- leaf springs are causing your sag. The shocks just absorb bumps, etc.

yotasavg

check out Old Man Emu. they have a nice setup that will get you new leafs, or an add a leaf, and shocks on all four corners.

AxleIke

One: Shocks are short for Shock Absorber. They are there to dampen the spring. A spring's natural tendency is to oscillate. On a truck, this means the truck gets "bouncy", so, when you hit a bump with no shocks, the truck bounces up and down for a while.

Shocks dampen the spring oscillation. They allow the spring to compress and extend, but return it to it's equilibrium state as fast as possible.

There are shocks out there that can hold up the weight of a light weight vehicle, called "air shocks". Rock crawlers run these sometimes, but they would be quite sketchy on a street driven truck, as they do less to dampen, and function more like a compressed air spring.

Two: 1200 dollars for new springs? Are they perhaps made of titanium?

New springs run about 200 bucks. A little more for a better set. Whoever told you 1200 was trying to rip you off by about 1000 bucks.

bikerbob

There is always th 63" Chevy option if you don't want to spend a lot of money on springs.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...threadid=20665

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

Is that price from the dealer? You can get some decent replacement springs from JC Whitney for about $150, or you can get some custom made springs from some place line Alcan Spring for maybe $500 or so.

A good add-a-leaf kit is another good option: http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...es.shtml#FAQ14