Ok i got 1990 4runner and am thinking about a SAS. I know about leaf spring but my problem is since the truck has coil springs in the back i would like coil springs in the front. I know of 4 link and i think there is a 2 link suspension setup. I would like to know what i could do to get the coil springs instead of leaf spring.

 

 

why would you want coils instead of leafs?? just swap out the rear coils also...

 

When I get around to a SAS, I want to go coils or coilovers or maybe even airbags. The only member I know of with coils on a SFA is 4Runner4ever . You might want to PM him for ideas/pics. He used control arms/coils up front if memory serves.

Most use leafs up front since it is a proven design and there are kits available to make it "easier". With all the long arm kits out there for TJ's, it's just a matter of time for a coil kit to be produced for the 2nd Gen 4Runner. If you plan to do much road time with it, you should consider 4 link and include a sway bar somehow.

 

A straight radius arm set-up in the front would be the most straight forward to implement.

Building a 4 link requires knowledge to make it streatable as well as trailable. Doing it with separate coils and shocks would really crowd the space up there. Coilovers would be a better deal.

Are you doing it yourself or having a shop do it? Any fab shop worth a darn ought to be able to make you a streetable 4 or 3 link front with coilovers that will wheel like mad.

Don't forget that lifting the rear coils really has it's limits. I think it would be a bigger worry getting the gas tank out of the way so you can run a real 4 link or a wishboned three link in the rear. Lengthening stock links beyond an inch or so really is not worth it.

 

Well thanks for the info. I did some research of my own on the 4 link and have seen a wishbone setup. I dont think any of those setups would suit me cause i am just new to wheeling. As for coil spring i was under the impression that they are better and can stretch more. And as for the radias rod with coil setup, that would make you axle swing forward or back (depending on location of axle F or R). If I am right, I think i read that thats not the greatest thing. I would probubly go with leafs front and rear. Besides the only reason I would go with SA is less parts, bit stronger diff, ease of workability and fairly cheap (1200 cnd for leaf axle swap + the axle ). As opposed to ifs lift. oh and i wouldn't be doing the work myself.

 

Tom,

Just a comment, and don't take this as bashing you or anything. Everybody, including yourself, knows the merits of a solid front axle. However, if you're just getting into wheeling, I'd hold off before going whole-hog SAS. Have you even tested the limits of your current IFS system? Are you locked at the moment? Do you find yourself having to get winched over/out of obstacles because of your IFS? There are alot of people on this board that wheel pretty hard with IFS, and I'd suggest that before you spend a couple grand doing SAS, build up your skills, push the limits of the vehicle you have, and you'll only be that much better of a wheeler by the time (and if) you decide to go SAS.

 

ya i understand all. The reason I would think about SAS is because of lifting purposes. Not wheeling capabilities. IFS lifts tend to be more expensive like the Downey or Total chaos and I am not sure about the diff drop kits heard some not good things about it.

 

if you're not gonna wheel it, don't bother with the solid axle. it will end up costing you a lot more than a simple lift kit when all things are said and done

that said, stay away from pro comp's suspension. it's junk

 

oh I gonna be wheeling it, I wouldn't have bought this truck for around town. Its to slow. The think is I dony like diff drop kits.

 

Sounds like you want 35's and not IFS lift kits.

Stick on a 3" bodylift, adjust fenders accordingly, re-gear and be done. If you are motivated, you can lift the drivetrain and move the gas tank really making a tough belly.