Suspension has been my key focus this week. (exhaust is next week ) but i finally got around to installing my new shocks and lowering my T-bars. i knew they were bad (bought it that way from the PO) but they were cranked literally all the way up. the upper control arm was sitting on the bump stop. heres some pics... im about to order a new magnaflow cat, 18" muffler, and stainless tip, so those go on next week. should i keep lowering the Tbars?

this is what the CVs were before i lowered.



and after



another after



Side after lowering



more shock install




new addition

 

How much difference did lowering the torsion bars make on how the truck handled? My truck's torsion bars are almost maxed out and I can roll over a small tree root and it feels like the truck doesn't have any springs on it at all. It also wants to waller around on the road some.

 

night and day. it had literally no travel so when you hit something the truck went with it. its still not all the way back to stock, but it seems pretty good, i might take them down lower still.

 

Other than the poor shocking abilities, did your truck have any other handling problems as a result of the turned up t-bars?

 

ugh im not sure, ive driven it all of 20 miles or so since ive owned it.. but i didnt notice any handling problems just a crap ride.

 

Dang Cwaters...5.29s and like 31 inch tires. You can probably cruise 5th gear going about 30 can't you? What are you turning going 55? Nice 4Runner by the way. Can you take a picture of the a arms from farther away from the truck? Showing both sides. That will give us a better idea what kind of angle. The last picture of the angle is deceptive because of the angle and you can only see the one a arm and very little of the mounting brackets.

 

Well first, my truck is an auto. Second, the 5.29s are sitting in my garage waiting to be installed so i cant comment on the rpm. Third, im running 265x75s which are a 32in tire. The 5.29s may be a bit tall but it wont be that bad. ill sacrifice a little top end for better power. Im going to lower them a bit more tomorrow to get it to more of a stock height. ill post another pic then. thanks for the compliments.

 

Sorry I forgot you had 16 inch wheels. I had the same size on 15 inch wheels on my runner when I got it. Didn't realize you had an auto either. I wish I had the factory graphics like yours.

 

all good i was going to get a new set from james dean when i paint it but cant justify 250 for them.

 

heres a pan out.. this is why i was only doing a single shot cause its hard to see the angle.. i only got 1 shock installed on the front b/c the driver side is being a PITA. i lowered them some more and i think im happy with where its at. nothing to exciting but i guess il just use this thread for work i do. time for an alignment



new height

 

i think im gonna ditch my POS spare tire too. i only drive it in town and i keep a tire patch kit and a portable air compressor in the back. so i dont really think i need it.