briholt

I'm thinking out loud here, hoping for some feedback.

I've never messed with rear suspension before. My 1991 22re extended cab is sitll in pretty good shape. The body has about 220K, engine about 73k. There isn't much sag, if any of the bed. From fender to top of rim it is 12 inches.

I see that the truck is rated at 1100 lbs (from my owners manual with respect to hauling a camper (I think)) with gross vehicle weight being around 5600 pounds (3000 on the back 2600 up front).

I'm hauling some gravel (1/2 yard; which ways somewhere around 1300 - 1500 lbs) and i noticed that with the load, there is no clearance above the bumper stops.

So, here is my question, would a Zuk Mod let me carry more weight? If so, any idea how much? Or would it make sense to swap out the current leaf springs for a pair that can handle more?

These look like the springs: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-R...mZ290014123883

I noticed that there are different "ratings" on those springs, how does one use that information? For instance, the first is 125 lbs. What does that mean?

Thanks for your thoughts.

yotarover

do this. add a leaf , super duty shocks if you can find the ones you can inflate get them, zuk mod. worked for me when hauling mulch,gravel. but it's not going to make it 100% better

T_F_E

Get zuk springs 12x150 they work great.

RMA

i have to disagree with wabbit here ..if you can afford to get new leaf springs get them .. also the zuk mod helps alot , i have them on my 4runner and can carry a heck of alot more weight than with out them .

mtnwkr

With new leaf springs wouldn't you still have the same 1100lb load carrying capacity? FWIW, I have the 14x100 coils on my 91 ex cab and I'm at 14.75" from fender to wheel, did BJ's up front with diff/sway lowering. Not a bad lift for under $150. I read not to use the 12" coils on a pick-up. The pick-ups have more travel than a runner and the springs can potentially pop out if fully flexed.
Haven't hauled anything since but I'm sure it will help.

briholt

Thanks for the notes, all.

Thanks for the Mod to cleaning this thread up.

I'm gravitating towards the zuk, but will heed the caution about 12'' being too short. I'll need to think more about it because I don't really need to lift it. Just trying to help with payload.

Cheers fellas.

briholt

I think this is the ideal. Pricey, but I'll start saving up for it...Thanks

snobdds

I have a truck with the 12" 150lb coils and I have never had them pop out when fully flexed...not even close. In fact, 1st gen 4 runners have the same leaf spring rear suspension as the trucks, Same travel same everything. Don't believe everthing you read

A long time ago, I went with downey's HD leaf springs hoping to carry more payload. Well, after 3 years the springs were flat. So I went with the ZUK mod (12" x 150) and it's been well over 8 years and the truck is still hauling heavy loads with no sag.

mountaingoat

My friend runs Timbren load boosters in his Tacoma, and loves them. You can really freight that thing now.

They're basically just oversized rubber bump stops that are designed to work as a spring. Cheap too - about $100. Certainly less than new leaf springs.

mtnwkr

[quote=snobdds;51787155]I have a truck with the 12" 150lb coils and I have never had them pop out when fully flexed...not even close. In fact, 1st gen 4 runners have the same leaf spring rear suspension as the trucks, Same travel same everything. Don't believe everthing you read
quote]

My information came from Zuk himself, the info is on his page. Thats great that they worked for you on your truck! When I disconected my shocks and jacked up the rear by the hitch I had over 13" between frame and leaf pack, so it makes sence that the 12" springs could come unbuttoned.

From Zuk's site. "Pick-ups don't seem to sag like the Runners. They also seem to have a larger distance from leafpack to underside of frame so the 14" coils are a better choice for them."

briholt

Snobdds, when you made the zuk mod by making those cuts of the bracket, did you cut them and the angle or a little higher? What are you driving?

Just trying to see if there was anything obvious that would give you protection from the springs popping out.

Also, how do you all use the rating of those zuk mod springs? I understand that they are weight ratings, but what is the difference of say, 125 or 150? What does that translate into, saying in payload hauling?