Lately I've been hauling a lot of stuff in my 4runner, I bought a hitch hauler for my dirtbike and have been driving around with that thing and gear in the back for a bit. I'm guessing the whole setup is about 400lb about a good 24" out from the actual hitch. I didn't notice the rear sagging any more than normal, but the other day I had the wheels off for a tire change and notice the bump stop just laying inside the coil.

I had a closer look at it looks like the steel backing that makes up the spring perch just rusted/snapped off where the bump stop is attached. Like I said now it is just rolling around inside the coil.

My question is, is it OK to drive it like this for a few weeks while I wait for parts to come in? Being careful not to bottom out? Also, what are my options for fixing this? I'm guessing I need a new spring perch, I wanted to go with some stiffer springs and new shocks as well, not after a lift but just to eliminate the sag with all the extra weight in the back.

 

should be ok as long as you don't bottom it out... the bump stop's job is not only to prevent stuff from striking the under carriage, but its main purpose is to prevent shock absorber damage

good idea getting stiffer springs and shocks too

 

thanks! what would you guys recommend for new springs/shocks? I want to fix the sagging rear mainly because I installed new headlights and when I'm loaded up with gear, I blind everybody on the road. I don't do any wheeling in my runner, it only gets taken down fire roads to unload my dirt bike. Mainly looking for a comfortable ride, I will probably do all 4 shocks and the rear springs at once. I was thinking cheapie monroe shocks and LC springs?

 

anyone? I want to replace all 4 shocks for ride comfort and get rid of sag in the rear. Will be hauling around 300lbs on the hitch and probably another 100lb of gear in the back, so want some stiffer springs and shocks for body control.

I really just want to get some cheap monroe shocks, fix up the bumpstop and call it a day. Not sure if I go with landcruiser coils in the rear if I would need to go with a longer shock though? I don't want to spend more than $400 on this.

 

I have the Monroe senseitracs on one of my 4runners.

I don`t have a need for any lift so I just use stock replacement springs.

From General Spring in Kansas City I get better prices shipped to the house then the spring shop right down the street from the whare house the springs come out of for the same springs

 

Called a few local shops and got quoted $90/corner for sensatracs does that sound right?! I thought monroe were supposed to be cheap shocks.

 

sensatracs are their "premium" line shocks... their cheaper ones don't have that branding

personally, I'd go with KYBs or Gabriels if you don't want something fancy... I have KYB Gas-a-just shocks in the back and they work great. They vary the valving depending on load. So when I have a bunch of stuff in the back, it compensates automagically

I've seen Gabriels that have beefy shock bodies too

so since you are towing, you want good shocks and not just crap that's "good enough" for hauling screaming kids around to the soccer practice