Why are alot of people converting 2nd Gen 4runner springs from coils to leafs?

Hope this is the right place for this.

Thanks

 

I have not heard of that. Everyone here just upgrades the coils or install spacers.

 

Anyone who SAS's their rig (with leafs) takes a serious look at converting the rear to leafs too. SAS's lift the front 4-5". You are at the limits of the coiled rear and stock arms at that height. The coil/link suspension on the 4Runner has some weaknesses too. Mainly, lower links can bend from contact and the links can tear the brackets off of the housing.

 

Thanks guys,
What if new mounts were made at the frame and housing? would the housing itself hold up?

 

Yes. The housing isn't the problem, the problem is that the towers/mounts are too weak. When you lift past a certain point, too much pressure - beyond their designed threshold for pain...

 

It would be easy to make new links (if they aren't commercially available already) and box/strengthen the mounts.

4" of suspension lift in the rear shouldn't be a big deal at all.
Make new CA's (control arms) and a trackbar, box the mounts and everything should be good to go.




Fred

 

yes you could build new links, and CAs but it way easier to cut out all the coil stuff and throw in 63" chevy springs. plus you get a lot of flex.

 

IMVHO and for me anyway, coils are better

Move controlled flex, no axle wrap problems, etc., etc.

Look at what most competitors run

The rear coils/5 link suspension is the main reason that I'm looking at gen II 4Runners right now rather than Toyota trucks.

Here's what I also do:

'98 TJ, 35 MT/R's, auto tranny, 4.56, Detroits front and rear..



















Unflexed side view:









Fred