I have an '02 4Runner that I replaced the rear springs with new '99 4Runner springs and then used the Fabtech 2" spacers on. So I believer I have about ~3" lift. I also installed the coil overs in the front.

I did not replace the panhard track bar. I had to use a come-along to get it to bolt back up. I have heard mixed responses regarding replacement of this. Some say I must, others say it doesn't really matter with that amount of lift.

So what I've noticed is that on the drivers side rear tire the outside portion of the tread appears to be being "scrubbed" or worn unevenly with the rest of the tread. I have also since the lift noticed a drag or load to the engine that was not there prior to lifting.

I'm wondering if somehow the rear suspension is being pulled out of alignment due to the track bar.

Thanks to anyone who can help

 

Sonoran Steel makes exactly what you need, see the info below to answer your question.

http://sonoransteel.com/store_adjustable_bar.html

 

Thanks and I was going to purchase one, but do you have any input regarding a "short" panhard bar causing the suspension to go out of alignment. What will a short panhard bar do to the rear suspension.

 

Lifting the truck without replacing/elongating the panhard bar will move the suspenion to the pass side of the truck, which will throw it out of alignment.

The more you lift the truck, the more vertical that panhard bar wants to get. So, as a result, it moves the rear axle assy over in the direction of the frame mount, which acts as a pivot point.

Just like this:

 

"alignment of the rear axle within the wheel wells" -SS

The bar compensates for the added height of the lift, if you draw a Z then draw another making the top/bottom lines farther apart you will see that the Z no longer maintains right angles. Think of the bottom line as the axle and the top as the cross-member.

Hope that helps

 

It has helped and I am going to get an adjustable bar.

What do you think the "scrubbing" on the drivers side rear tire could be from? I never had that prior to the lift. Is this associated with the short panhard bar?

Thanks

 

Since the truck trys to track straight, its pulling the rear tire over while driving, giving you the scrubbing problem.

 

OK, Thanks for the response. I just wanted to try and figure that out. In addition like I mentioned I have been experiencing a dragging feeling while driving. The short bar would then explain that also if I'm getting scrubbing that would be additional friction the motor would have to overcome.

Thanks, thats all!

 

I drove without changing my Panhard Bar for about 2 years with about 3" of lift. I did add a Toytec PHB drop. With a lift your axle is not only off center but also the PHB now has an diagonal arc when the axle moves up and down. This causes the axle to move from side to side and you will get a swimming feeling in the rear. With the PHB drop the 4runner is more stable and doesn't swim.

The Toytec drop does need to be bolted and welded on. I also addad a short tube inside where the PHB was mounted to keep from crushing the mount when bolted.

 

I'm assuming you got a front-end alignment after the lift? I can't think of any reason the outside edge of a rear tire would wear after a lift unless you do lots of hard cornering. Are you sure the tire had not previously been on the front and was rotated to the rear without you knowing about the tread wear?

 

if i put 1" leveling springs in the rear of my 97 runner, will i need a adjustable bar?