Hi,
I have a 1986 22R-E automatic 4runner. The rear end is sagging quite badly. What is the best way to remedy this issue, add springs, new springs or what? Any and all advice would be much appreciated. Also, if I should buy new springs where should I buy my parts from?
Thanks,
David

 

i would recommend doing an add a leaf

 

If those are original rear leafs, which they probably are if you are asking, buy some new ones front and rear and new shocks too. Mine were so old/worn out they were bent over the wrong way...

Marlin Crawler

All Pro Offorad

Lots of places carry stuff for your Yota.

 

or if you're cheap you can use a 1" lift block. probably no more than $25 and would take you an hour at most. but if your springs are shot you might as well replace them.

 

I just had both rear leaves lengthened for like 250-- improved wheel travel too

 

What do you want to use the truck for? what size tires, etc? Do you want to lift it?

If you want to keep it basically stock height, I agree with Jimabena74 and suggest add-a-leaf. It may give you a tad more lift than stock, but hopefully not too much. ONE major caviate I would add to that - the last stock 4Runner I had needed new rear springs - the rear springs were horribly worn out. The smaller leafs were wearing into the longer leafs... wearing through. Check that before you go add-a-leaf.

If you want new rear springs, and not much lift, I'd suggest OME all around. They have a very nice 2" lift spring set. It's spendy, but very high quality. Another inexpensive option is Downey. They have 3" front and rear springs. I've used the rear 3" springs on a past 4Runner - they sag, but ride nice. Should be good for about 2" after a year or so. If you want to go higher, check out Skyjacker. I really like their 3" springs. Marlin makes a nice set of springs as well, but you'll need to do a tad bit of welding for their rear kit.

Good luck!

 

New springs IMO.

 

cheap solution: add-a-leaf. i got the procomp add-a-leafs from summit racing (www.summitracing.com) for under $30 for the pair. had a guy put them in for $40 and now my 4runner sits level (actually the back it a little bit higher, but not much).

 

Best band for the buck.

www.downeyoff-road.com

A pair of springs will only run 160.00

 

Agreed. This is what I just did. They're up to 186.50 now but, still a bargain to fix it right. The good thing about AAL is it's cheap. The bad thing about AAL is it's cheap.

Mike

 

I went with longer shackles to level mine out. I used AOR shackles, and new poly bushings. I think they were 3" longer than stock but i forget. It made it almost perfectly level.

You can get cheap shackles at pep boys, auto zone for less than $20. You'll probably need new bolts and or bushings depending on how hard it is to remove your old stuff.

 

I did the shackles as well - went with daystar greasable super shackles from 4x4 connection, very good service from these guys - fast responses to all emails/questions.

Link to that product: http://store.yahoo.com/cruiserconnec...4wdpu4run.html


Kit came with everything needed and easy directions, only basic tools required.

Took me approx 1 hour to install, was fairly easy and results were great - leveled the truck, rides fine.

I went with the 1.5" lift which is part number: KT61004

 

I have a first generation 4-Runner. I was thinking of getting the 2" lift maybe 3" will measure this weekend. What shocks did you guys use when lifting the Runner up. I only want to lift the Runner up so it will be level. I want a shock that will give me a real good ride on the street, not much 4 wheelin in this truck.

Thanks for the advice
Steve

 

Steve, I went with my normal shocks which were new Monroe gas matics - nothing specila - just normal shocks - ride seems as good as I can get for this truck, what I really should have done was replace rear leaf springs but it was going to be too much for me so I just sent with shackles - about 2" of rear lift - sits very level now.

Hope it helps,

Chris

 

Both my truck and runner had a saggy rear end. We just bought longer shackles from Performance Acc. VERY high quality. MUCH beefier than stock. They are all one piece, and come with new grade 8 hardware. Both ride perfect now.

 

Steve, I installed Downey 3" lift springs on the advice of sschaefer3 and I am glad I did. I initially got 3" of lift but it has settled in at 2" and looks great. I would not have expected to need that much lift. For shocks, it's a long story.

I went with Rancho because I was able to find the most info on them as far as actual compression/extension measurements but was still a bit in the dark. I found a part number on one site indicating Rancho 5144 for a 0-2 inch lift application but when I got them they were only about 1/2-3/4" longer than the old ones I took off. I installed them anyways and used them for about a month and thought they rode very nicely. I have since sold them and went back to the old shocks and now I KNOW they rode better. I am now waiting on a set of 5143's which have a couple inches more extension as I want to have max travel available. If you're not going to wheel much I don't think it will matter which ones you go with. You might check in with member SoCal4running. He bought my 5144's and could give you a second opinion on them.

Here are links to:
Downey for springs @ 186.50/pair
http://www.downeyoff-road.com/home.html

The best price I found on Rancho w/ free shipping
http://performancelifts.com/cgi-bin/...eq/tf=sku.html

another good Rancho source. Bought my first set from them before I found the site linked above
http://www.seattlediscountparts.com/...p-1-c-261.html

Good luck
Mike