Hi guys and gals, on my wife's 98 4Runner Limited , I have lately noticed it's leaning left (drivers side) . I have changed shocks this past summer if that helps to know.
Can anyone please tell me what could cause this and how to correct. It's very noticable and I need to correct it.

 

It may be the springs...

 

mine has gotten bad heard its the panhard bar pulling the axle over but curious to see if there is another reason.

 

I have the same problem, I measured from center of wheel to fender and I'm about 5/8" lower on the front left. This is quite a common observation amonst the various toyota forums. As far as reason...some also say it's cause the battery, driver, and gas tank are all on the left side, but I personally don't think so...who knows. I've heard of guys "fixing" it by getting adjustable coilovers, and I recall coming across some posts stating there are aftermarket lifts out there that are slightly longer on the left side to compensate for it.

 

The stock 4Runner springs in the rear are the same length. It makes perfect sense for the gas tank to make it lean. Especially if it is full.

I have had OME 890's and LC's in the back. With both sets, the driver-side coil was about 1/4-1/2" longer. I sat level in the back with both sets. It's just how 4Runners are bro. Still gotta love em

 

Toyota trucks, 4Runners have had this issue for ever. Our OME (Old Man Emu springs which give you a 2-3 lift are different sizes just for this reason. On my own 2nd Gen. I had the same lean. Put the OME setup on and it leveled it out fine. So your choices are: live with it or look for a new set of Springs. Remember shocks only absorb, not lift, Springs do the lifting. There are several manufacture of Springs and shocks but for the money I would run a setup that is designed for the 4Runner. Check the Vendor section and you will see what we have to offer for your vehicle. good luck.......

 

myth confirmed!

 

would changing the rear springs help? I heard there might be a recall on my model year about rear springs

 

Maybe its your body weight?

 

There was a recall on certain '98/'99 models but it was not for a leaning condition, it was because they would bottom out on the bump stops. The recall only applied to specific Vin. #'s. I am sure if yours qualified it would help but the lean will come back over time.

 

Just got a quote from Stealership for new rear springs:
$343 labour to change rear coils
$132 per rear coil and thought I'd ask- $200 per each front
Does this sound right??

 

for that much get some aftermareckt ones for sure. You can get a lift while you are at it if you want and if not there are a lot that are near stock.

I have this same problem on mine, when it is parked in teh driveway it is very noticable. I plan on getting all new supension parts next year though so i will just live with it for now.

 

Seems high to me for rear springs. There are all kinds of writeups in the suspension section about install rear springs. It takes us less than an hour to change both sides and that is only using a high lift.

 

x2 on doing it yourself. It took me about 2 hours the first time I did it and I only used a 2x4 to get the rear coil + 1.5" spacer in.

 

Just jack up one side. Slide the tire under the tire on the other side and lower back down. The leverage will tip the axle enough that the spring will probably just fall out. Repeat for the other side. Easiest way I have found to do it short of hiring someone else to wrench on your junk

 

I'm sorry but that just sounds wrong .

Anyhow as per the springs You can get yourself a set of '99 springs a lit cheaper and do it yourself. Or there are a bunch or other choices if your not opposed to a slight lift.

 

It'll take 1/2 hour to change them yourself. VERY VERY easy.

 

Ok you guys have inspired me! I will do the job myself. Anyone know a write-up and or instructions on how to do this?

 

Put the truck on jackstands, under the rear frame. Remove both wheels. Remove the bolts on the lower shock mounts and pull the shock off the mount (might need a prybar). Now put a jack under the left drum brake, and jack up the axle as far as you can. You should now be able to grab the right side coil and remove it by hand. Now jack up the right side and do the same.

 

Thanks for that!
Will try it out!