I should really have had this figured out by now, but am still messing around with the rear leaf springs for my 1989 4Runner. I want to purchase new springs, but all the applications are for 1984-1988.

My truck looks exactly the same as the 1984-1988 4Runners; can I order the springs even thou they don't list the 1989? Isn't my truck the same darn thing?

Thanks. Oh, and pic is without the spare tire installed in vehicle. I really need to do something THIS YEAR with it.

vmax84

 

Yes, I think you would be ok in buying the springs through 1988. If I was you, I would just by some springs through Zuk's website and put in the helper coils bewteen the bump stops... then the leaf springs would be a mute point. I put coils on my 1988 and the ride is amazing. I didn't have to do any welding and just cut the bottom off of the bumpstop, spread them open a bit, flexed the rear axle and they went right in. I bought the 12 in 150lb coils and it went right back to the stock height. Best thing is I can haul a lot more in terms of lb's and don't ever have to worry about my springs sagging again. New leaf springs will sag again FYI.

 

Do u have a link to that website?

vmax84

 

i would go and do a chevy 63 swap. pretty cheap and easy to do.

 

Do it right and get new leaf springs. IMO the Zuk mod is ghetto and doesn't fix the fact that your rear springs are shot.

Are you trying to lift it or just get a stock height spring?

 

I am probably one of the few guys on here that wants to keep it stock, or at least the stock look. Just trying to get it back where it use to be.

vmax84

 

You can see by the 2nd pic the rubber bumper quite frequently hits the stop. :-(

And I wince to take it down a dirt road, let alone "wheel it".

vmax84

 

agreed do it right and get new springs. Although they are pricey at around 600.00 for springs Alcan makes good custom springs specific to your specs. I just had a set made and can't say enough good things about them.

They are 3" lift springs with a 400 lb over load spring to haul my qaud. Seriously they ride super smooth and perform on and off road!

 

What about these?

http://www.carparts.com/ALLOY-STEEL-...2329_10618.car

vmax84

 

I see what you mean about everything saying 1988 leaf springs, I've been searching around trying to find an 89 specific, and haven't found anything. But I'm almost 100% positive that the 88's will fit. 86-95 stuff is usually compatible on a vast majority of stuff, not much changed on the chassis or drivetrains. Check out JCwhitney.com, they have stock replacement springs for 86-95 trucks/4runners (though not specific to 88) for a good deal and they are stock height springs.

 

Thos are similar to the ones on JCwhitney's website

http://www.jcwhitney.com/replacement.../p2005966.jcwx

 

The manufacturer's number is the same from both companies: 90-119

I'm "assuming" they are the same spring, except J.C.Whitney charges more for them.

vmax84

 

Yeah they most likely are the same thing...I'd just order the ones for the 884runner or an 89 pickup try 'em out. (I'd be 99% sure they would fit) If not just return them.

 

I'll have to look into their return policy.......shipping back heavy stuff like this might get pricey in a hurry!!!

vmax84

 

The reason they list 84-88 is because the pickup body style changed in 89. Dont order the 89 pickup springs as I believe those are longer

 

I think the coil springs are the way to go, but I also speak from experience. Take a look at this site and see for your self. I don't think there "ghetto" at all, but I like function over looks.

http://www.gearinstalls.com/

And the link for the coils.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-R...mZ290014123883

 

I do agree that new leaf springs is a best bet but I have to question your response stating that the Zuk mod is ghetto.

On a first gen 4runner there is a lot of weight carried by the rear leaves, thus the sagging that is the norm. With the added coils, that never sag, the OP would get back to stock ride height and gain added carrying capacity. All for an easy and inexpensive install.

Even new leaves will sag and depending on what he does with the rig in the future they may sag in a hurry.

 

The Zuk mod is cheap, yes. Functional, yes. However, ghetto, yes. I'm just sayin there are far better ways to retain stock height and add carrying capacity ie. helper springs added to new stock height springs. More expensive, but I would much rather spend the money and do it right, even if the Zuk mod works for you. It just my opinion, and personally the Zuk mod looks like something you'd find on an old beat up Toyota truck in mexico.

But if it works for you and you're happy with it, more power to ya.

 

i have had helper springs on my toyota and it made it ride stiff as hell. I am about to tdo the Zuk mod myself andi agree that the new leafs are correct but more pricey and may sag again.

 

I like the idea of the coil ride, but putting a sawzall on my truck.........I don't think I could do that!!

vmax84

Will probably get the new springs from carparts at this point.