Hello,

I'm in somewhat of a weird situation. My 1996 Limited 4runner's @ss was dragging, so I looked into replacing the rear coils with EMU's. So..I ordered a pair of rear springs (890)s from rocky-road. I had a shop install them for me $80. When I got there my back end was about 3inches higher than my front!
My 4runner looked like a drag-strip car...So I went back on the site and ordered two for the front to level it out..So I went with the front two (880)s. I got those installed yesterday for $175 including alignment. Well...That lifted my front end up 1.5 inches. However, it still looks alittle weird. Not bad, it sits kinda like an Xterra.

I'm alittle pissed at the vendor for having the wrong part #s grouped together. What should have gotten was:

880s for the front
906s for the back (Those werent an option I had on the webpage).

Question? Is there anyway (hopefully cheap) to bring the front up alittle more to level out the truck? I heard spacers aren't a good idea according to EMU. Rocky-road said that they may swap the rear springs, but I will have to pay for installation again...

Thanks in advance.

 

You will probably want to add a few OME trim packers to the front set up to level it out.

 

Bamachem (andy) has 3/8" spacers that will increase the front lift 1/2." you will also need extended studs from Wheelers off-road. add this to the outside of your strut and you should be sitting more level.

 

or, you can double-stack a set of spacers w/ the studs and it will raise you 1".

spacers are $37 for one set or $70 for two sets shipped.

extended studs (must have them to use the spacers) are $13.95 + shipping from http://www.wheelersoffroad.com. you have to call them to order the studs.

 

Thanks for the great suggestions.

Would I need to remove the front springs to install the spacers? Is that something that I could do? I would hate to pay $170 to get them installed again...

 

not sure about trim packers, but the 3/8" spacer is easy. you remove the strut assemly and replace the studs in the top out spacer and add the new spacer to it. tighten it down and reinstall.
yes, you will need a spring compressor to hold the spring, but it is not diffiuclt or time consuming

 

I may go with this....DayStar - Not bad price. Will I have to pay for another alignment?

96-02 4Runner 1.25" Lift Front Coil Spacer Kit: 59.95 This kit mounts on top of the upper strut coil support plate and doesn't affect the actual spring rate. That means the ride firmness will feel similar to stock after installation of this kit. Comes with necessary longer stud kit.

 

You have to remember that OME's were not meant for 4 Runners anyways. And, if you would have done some more research, most people who have had any OME springs on the front were not happy with the lift or ride quality. IMO, when purchasing things like this it's best to actually call and talk to a knowledgeable vendor, not just order on the WWW. Good Luck.

 

Jim,

Are people really unhappy with the ride quality? I thought it was a huge improvement. I could see how people were a little upset with the lift height because it doesn't even out with the back, but a couple Bamachem spacers can fix that.

 

Mickdady,

Did you have the same problem? Did the spacers work for you?

 

Same problem. I did mine on purpose though because I haul a trailer. But even with the trailer it still sits a little high in the back so I am ordering some of Andy's spacers and longer studs soon. The trim packers don't really help much, they only give about 1/4".

 

One thing I just noticed...The shop installed my front coil springs with the lower cup facing down..Anyone know if this will effect my lift or cause damage?

Looks like I will order some of Andy's spacers as well. I just hate paying for the installation again.

 

What do you mean by lower cup?

 

The cup is supposed to be up for OME

 

Ditto THAT UP not Down!! Not sure how that mistake could be made though? the cup holds the coil seated properly.

 

I thought I remember the cups were welded to the strut body....anyway, that sounds really dangerous...not to mention you are loosing a few inches in lift

 

No, the cups slide down the shaft and stop at a rivet. I just dropped my 4runner off at the shop. They are going to reverse the cups tomorrow.

 

Wow, I can't believe that they put them upsidedown.... I hope you dont pay them again for the labor.

Id get an all-pro 1" spacer (out of the spring pack) or a 1.5" daystar spacer...

 

Guys, I think I screwed up.....NEWBIE HERE. Do you have to run OME springs with their struts on the front?? They cup is welded on the strut. It cant be turned around...Are there any aftermarket brands that will work?

Thanks

 

OME or Tundra coils. I suppose you could run stock but the ride would be pretty bad, you wouldn't get any lift, and the springs wouldn't sit in the cup very well because the diameter of the coils is different.