Rear sag - 89 4Runner
 

I know this has been covered a million times before, but I just have a quick question that I couldn't find an answer to searching.

I have a 1989 4Runner V6 SR5 that is sagging BAD. Only started about two months ago but it's getting really bad lately. I did just move to Edmonton from Trail (drove about 1000km loaded with all my stuff) so I think that may have something to do with it. I'm also a university student on a VERY tight budget. I doubt I'll do the work myself as I'm lacking jackstands, though I'm going to talk to my uncle who may be able to help me out. Anyways, what's the best add-a-leaf kit that will raise the back end back up to stock, maybe a little higher for cheap? I'm pretty much flat broke so the cheaper, the better, but I don't want to buy crap that will start sagging soon. I'm hoping to go to something aimed at a heavy duty load as I move around a fair bit and will be hauling significant loads. A stiff ride doesn't bother me much, I'd rather have something that can handle a load and not sag over time and deal with a jolt every now and then than a cushy ride but sag again. Also, anyone know of any good shops in Edmonton with reasonable prices? Thanks guys,

Steve

Not sure if the 89 has springs or not. But if so , I would Just go for a STOCK new set of springs.


KG

Look for a local spring shop, the could build you a new set of leafs re-using your old main leaf and it should only cost 2-300 bucks (i was quoted 250 to fix mine including all labor)

Check out this thread to give you some choices
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ght=rancho+aal
Search with the term aal (add-a-leaf) to find info.
For your application a new set of stock springs might not be the best bang for your buck. My buddy just put on an aal on his 88 and it lifted it and it can handle weight without sagging. I dont recall the brand...Ill ask .

Why not just get them re-arched temporarily until you can afford some quality springs later on?

I haven't heard good things about re-arching springs. I need this truck to last about 2 years then I'll have money to upgrade (ie. turn it into a good offroader) and I'll be buying a Tacoma for a daily driver.

Right now I'm leaning towards an add-a-leaf kit as it looks like it's the cheapest option that still lasts.

just finnished adding a set of rancho add-a- leafs to my 88 4runner. the set cost around $70 and took me about 2 hrs to do the job. if you can turn a wrench you can install these. there is a tech write up in the tech write-up section under maint. section written by I think 98bobsr5 that will lead you through. the title is "rancho add-a-leaf- 1st generation. I gained about 3" and kept all my stock shocks and u-bolts.

I also have an 89 and I went a bit more expensive route but I love it. I bought the Downey 3 inch rear springs and left out the leveler spring on the bottom of the stock pack. This worked for leveling the rear nicely and also gives it a nnice smooth ride both on and off road.

I'm mechanically inclined, but unfortunately I don't have a jack or jack stands for lifting up my 4Runner and holding the axle. Anyone in Edmonton want to help a student out?

do not replace with stock springs.
do not re-arch.

do the rancho AAL or Downey 2" rear springs.

The other option is to adapt a set of air-shocks to reduce the load on the springs.. this is probably a bit harder than doing an add-a-leaf. There are no OEM air shock apps for th 86-89 4runner unfortunately.

Get some nice new springs in the rear, ones that give good lift. Then lift the front end to make it look level, then get new tires, gears, transfercase gears, etc!

Nah nah just kidding. But sometimes thats how it all starts. You can get an add-a-leaf kit for it. They make two kinds, short leaf or long leaf. The short leaf may get you more lift, but stiffens the ride so you know. The long one should lift it about 1" and wont kill your rid experiance if you dont want stiff. You can go a more expensive route, and thats getting a new leaf pack alltogether. Depending on where you live, there usually is a sping shop in most big towns that can build you some for not a bad price (and installed too). Or you can get some new packs from an offroad company. Your choice.

Standens springs in Calgary does leaf springs, they are cheap (because they make them) but are top quality. I had them done on my 85 when I was landscaping. I asked them to put 1 ton springs on. They rode better than the stock springs. I would put a 1 tone load in the back & it would drop maybe 1/4". I would oftern put 2 to 3 tons in it & it hadles it fine. The record was 4.4 metric tonnes - simply amazing. it handled it like it was a regular load in a regular truck.

Hey celica, how much did it cost to get the springs done?

Yep that is who i was thinking about.

I've got the Rancho aal's on my '89 - no big complaints. An all-day project, but I had some busted fingers at the time, and I had to get new u-bolts made (mine's an early '89). I no longer hit the bumpstops on the frame and can hold loads better. Washboard dirt roads are worse, especially on the curves, and the springs squeek sometimes. If I had the time and inclination I'd add some UHMW sliders between the new and old springs. You might want to consider this for your installation. As for jackstands - use whatever is avalable. Everything used by the pros - jackstands, wood cribbing, concrete supports, etc.. has verifiable load ratings. Check around.

P.S. You'll probably have to jack up the rear end quite a bit and support it under the frame to allow the rear axle to drop down far enough.

shackles to hold you over. if you want cheap otherwise id get rancho add a leaf.