to Zuk, or not to Zuk....
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
to Zuk, or not to Zuk....
Well, my 88 runner is sitting on the over load springs in the back, and the right side is about an inch lower measuring from fender to rim.
With so many Zuk variations its a little confusing as to which springs to choose. If I understand correctly, using the no weld method, the 12 inch springs should get me pretty close to stock. 14 inch will net me a little bit of a lift. I planned on lifting the whole thing just a small amount (maybe 2-3 inches) until these tires are worn out in a few years then going higher with taller tires. I'm assuming the 14 inch springs will get me there but I wanted some verification, or proper instructions from those more knowlegable.
These pictures are with the roof removed, no gear in the cargo area, and no spare tire. With the roof and spare the springs are more or less a straight line and im bangin off the bump stops everywhere I go. We love riding around with the whole family (my wife and three daughters) in this truck so I need to get this straightened out.
With so many Zuk variations its a little confusing as to which springs to choose. If I understand correctly, using the no weld method, the 12 inch springs should get me pretty close to stock. 14 inch will net me a little bit of a lift. I planned on lifting the whole thing just a small amount (maybe 2-3 inches) until these tires are worn out in a few years then going higher with taller tires. I'm assuming the 14 inch springs will get me there but I wanted some verification, or proper instructions from those more knowlegable.
These pictures are with the roof removed, no gear in the cargo area, and no spare tire. With the roof and spare the springs are more or less a straight line and im bangin off the bump stops everywhere I go. We love riding around with the whole family (my wife and three daughters) in this truck so I need to get this straightened out.
Last edited by Kingjerd; 05-12-2012 at 10:29 AM.
#3
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ive seen so many different writeups with so many different results. I'm leaning more towards the 14 inch springs and ball joint spacers but wanted to run it by some of you guys before jumping the gun. Ive been all through Zuks site as well.
#6
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
I just completed my ZUK mod yesterday. I would ditch the lower bump stops and make some lower retainers from some 1/8" or 1/4" plate and 2 1/2" OD pipe welded together. The springs seem to sit better on my homemade retainer than using the existing lower bump stop. Cut the upper bump stops to about a 1 1/4" in length. Use a crescent wrench to spread the upper bump stop about an 1/4" and the springs should pop right in.
#7
Unless you are going to haul or tow a lot, I would leave it like it is.
These early 4Runners and Pickups are designed with the rear end sitting slightly lower than the front. Go back and look at the original ads or brochures, the rear wheel well is always closer to the tire. In my opinion, it is a misconception that the front and rear end are supposed to be even/level.
Unless your springs have negative arch or completely flat, I would say they are fine.
These early 4Runners and Pickups are designed with the rear end sitting slightly lower than the front. Go back and look at the original ads or brochures, the rear wheel well is always closer to the tire. In my opinion, it is a misconception that the front and rear end are supposed to be even/level.
Unless your springs have negative arch or completely flat, I would say they are fine.
Trending Topics
#8
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just completed my ZUK mod yesterday. I would ditch the lower bump stops and make some lower retainers from some 1/8" or 1/4" plate and 2 1/2" OD pipe welded together. The springs seem to sit better on my homemade retainer than using the existing lower bump stop. Cut the upper bump stops to about a 1 1/4" in length. Use a crescent wrench to spread the upper bump stop about an 1/4" and the springs should pop right in.
No welder availible but good idea on using the cresent wrench to spread the upper bumpstop.
Thanks to all, ill look into all of your stirrups for info.
#9
Unless you are going to haul or tow a lot, I would leave it like it is.
These early 4Runners and Pickups are designed with the rear end sitting slightly lower than the front. Go back and look at the original ads or brochures, the rear wheel well is always closer to the tire. In my opinion, it is a misconception that the front and rear end are supposed to be even/level.
Unless your springs have negative arch or completely flat, I would say they are fine.
These early 4Runners and Pickups are designed with the rear end sitting slightly lower than the front. Go back and look at the original ads or brochures, the rear wheel well is always closer to the tire. In my opinion, it is a misconception that the front and rear end are supposed to be even/level.
Unless your springs have negative arch or completely flat, I would say they are fine.
oh i can still flex the rear out the same as stock
this is what it would look like with 1.5 inch bj spacers up front and the zuk mod i used for the rear plus 32 tires
#10
I don't know how close it will be from bottoming out or how much weight he would be hauling around. The factory top is about 150-180 pounds from what I have read. That is not a lot of weight. The stops are there for a reason. They are supposed to hit at some point.
If you believe there is a problem, buy some new leaf springs.
If you believe there is a problem, buy some new leaf springs.
Last edited by BeMiceElf; 05-12-2012 at 06:04 PM.
#11
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Today we took a family trip to the beach. No top, but a full tank of gas, three kids in the back seat, all our stuff to camp on the beach tonight and toys for today and tomorrow. I was about an inch from the bump stops on the passenger side, inch and a half on the driver side. Every speed bump leaving our neighborhood I bottomed out on. I'm sure some new leaf springs should be swapped in, but the zuk mod would help for now especially since its not a totally permanent mod if it doesn't need to be.
#12
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
Today we took a family trip to the beach. No top, but a full tank of gas, three kids in the back seat, all our stuff to camp on the beach tonight and toys for today and tomorrow. I was about an inch from the bump stops on the passenger side, inch and a half on the driver side. Every speed bump leaving our neighborhood I bottomed out on. I'm sure some new leaf springs should be swapped in, but the zuk mod would help for now especially since its not a totally permanent mod if it doesn't need to be.
14" x 125 pounders .....4.5" rear lift....a little high for some but the ride should be unbelievably soft. 4.5" lift might mean new shocks....or if you have a clever way of extending your stockers a little.
Last edited by ZUK; 05-18-2012 at 06:27 PM.
#13
Registered User
I have the same set up as toyo tech. 14x125lb. 1.5" BJ spacers up front. 265/75/16 (32") duratracs. Good stance, great ride.
#14
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Went with the 12 inchers since these tires are only 31's and Im not lifting the front until later. These springs are pretty inexpensive so Ill get more when these tires are done, along with BJ Spacers and taller tires.
The wife just called me and told me the springs arrived 15 minutes ago!!!! WOO HOO!!! Looks like Ill be under the truck tonight!
The wife just called me and told me the springs arrived 15 minutes ago!!!! WOO HOO!!! Looks like Ill be under the truck tonight!
#16
Registered User
ABSOLUTELY do the zuk mod! I just did mine using 97 4runner rear coils and it couldn't have POSSIBLY been easier. Did i mention it looks great, rides fantastic and cost me 25 bucks?
#17
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
Went with the 12 inchers since these tires are only 31's and Im not lifting the front until later. These springs are pretty inexpensive so Ill get more when these tires are done, along with BJ Spacers and taller tires.
The wife just called me and told me the springs arrived 15 minutes ago!!!! WOO HOO!!! Looks like Ill be under the truck tonight!
The wife just called me and told me the springs arrived 15 minutes ago!!!! WOO HOO!!! Looks like Ill be under the truck tonight!
The 12 inchers should still give 3.5" of lift.....the ride should be very soft.
Last edited by ZUK; 06-11-2012 at 04:55 PM.
#19
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
HOLY EXPLICIT WORDS!!!!! The ride....I never knew it could be so plush! It looks so much better!!!! Still has a slight lean to the right, but I think a slight turn of the right front torsion bar should fix that. Its lower on the right front as well. I originally thought it was all in the rear but I guess not. Pics on the way.....downloading them off my phone now!
*Edit, Heres the pics*
Before shot....
And the final result is stronger functional, and way better looking!! Thanks all for the info!
*Edit, Heres the pics*
Before shot....
And the final result is stronger functional, and way better looking!! Thanks all for the info!
Last edited by Kingjerd; 06-11-2012 at 09:11 PM.