Just wondering if a special coil spacer must be used on the rear end of my 1994 4runner. Or, we have these round 1 1/2 inch spacers at the store, can i use them? they are like a rubber donut, with a knotch on one side for the spring to seat in and flat on the other side. i might be able to get a pic of them tomorrow if they are in stock.

 

I would just replace the springs, it will give you more travel and make it a smoother ride. I plan on doing this summer sometime.

 

Yea just replace the springs. If your not sure of the material used for the spacers that look like rubber donuts i wouldn't recommend using them.

 

A spacer like that should be fine if it matches the diameter of the spring.

 

Here is a spacer designed to fit the 2nd gen 4Runner rear coils:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...ngSpacer.shtml

Or as mentioned, some new springs, maybe 1"-2" lift would do the trick.

 

Ya, not sure of the material used to make them. Have to save up for a lift though. i have pretty big plans for her, wasnt able to get done what i wanted on my other previously owned 'yotas. but i love this 4runner and plan on keeping this one. the interior is emaculate, not one single ding on the body, paint is perfect aside from a few rock chips on the hood and grill. I picked it up from the original owner with a salvage title, he even had pics of the fence he hit, and of the damage to the truck. the front left fender was crunched, the bumper was bent, no frame damage, but he took the insurance money and bought it back, then had a local body shop repair it with no bondo, received a new fender and bumper, i got it for 1500 because the dummy water pump (fan pulley hub) was seized. got that for 150, fixed her same day, and here i am, with every receipt since 94 and a great running truck.

 

I wouldn't put a dime into it until that salvage title is converted to a "real" title.

 

Thats pretty much illegal... Its called washing a title.

My dads 91 is salvaged, he is a CHP officer of 28 years, rear-ended by a drunk driver, the insurance company salvaged it, we put a new bed on her and all the holes lined up perfect, no frame damage, even though the insurance inspector said there was.

 

No, it's PERFECTLY legal AND REQUIRED in many states if you are going to drive it on the street.

Each state has their own process to go through. You need to contact your DMV (or maybe your county courthouse - whoever does auto titles in your area) for the process.

Wikipedia has a good summary:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junk_title

 

In california you cant get salvaged removed from the title, also, california will not accept out of state salvage, you cant register one here. However, if it was salvaged in california, you are required to pay for a brake and light inspection and the branded title. If a vehicle was wrecked and repaired in california, and the insurance called it a loss, before it can be driven on the road again, you have to get the branded title. what some junk dealers do is register a car in other states repeatedly until one state leaves off the salvage or junk title, then it is brought back to california with a clean title, this is called washing, and it is a federal crime.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr13.htm

 

here is some info on "washing" the title and what not.


http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/newsrel/archive/2005-11.htm

 

I was not referring to "washing" the title - I was referring to the inspections, etc required to be able to register and drive it. MANY, MANY people have bought vehicles with salvage titles thinking they are a great deal and are never able to get plates for them.

Didn't want you to be caught in that trap with a rig you just put a bunch of money into.

 

Ahhhh, i see. This is my 4th salvaged vehicle. When you buy it, you have to make sure the title is already branded and in hand. Its the ones who are selling the car telling you it will be salvaged but the title isnt branded yet, those are the ones that screw you. I see what you mean though, thanks for looking out. I think this is vehicle number 17 for me in two years, i havent found a vehicle that totally in love with, until i drove this 4runner, from that point, i was infatuated.

 

also, in california, you wont be given a title back until the inspections are complete.