Just got a new 1987 mint 4Runner. Rear leaf springs are sagging. Was going to get a new set of OME springs that claim to have a 2" lift. New Bilstein shocks all around too. Will I also need to add a set shackles to the rear? Hoping I don't have to, but do I need to also mess with the front, add a set of ARB Front Torsion bars or 2" front spacers? Hoping I can just add the new OME rear springs and shocks and be GTG! Thx
Gen1 4runner New Suspension
- Thread starter NYIronPig
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- Thread starter
- #3
welcome other better options here. I am very familiar with Land Cruiser suspension options, just new to 4Runners.
Have you looked into an add a leaf? if you just want to level it out. If there is a shop that could custom built a set of springs for you I would go that route.
The OME rear springs are going to give you closer to 6in of lift compared to your sagged original springs. It's a viable solution, but plan to tune the spring pack according to your needs. From OME the springs are much too tall and extremely stiff. They're more like 1000lbs constant load springs. I have a set in my pickup and I had to remove the bottom-most overload spring, and the bottom most full length leaf. That brought me down to a slight rake with the OME torsion bars.
I would recommend getting the OME anti-inversion shackles with the grease-able shackle bolts. My original leaf shackles and bolts were trashed after 180K original miles. Theres a very high chance yout front mounting bolt on the rear leaves are seized in the bushing, so make a plan to cut those out with a sawzall and replace with a OEM bolt/nut/sleeve or an equivalent aftermarkert. I'd pickup a set of u-bolts and nuts as well for the install.
You'll likely get more input in the minitruck section. The 1st and 2nd gen 4runners are mostly just minitrucks with a cap.
These threads might help:
Old man emu CS009r - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/old-man-emu-cs009r.1181132/
First Gen 4Runner Stock Rear Springs - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/first-gen-4runner-stock-rear-springs.1311375/
OME Rear Leaf Springs and Bushings on 1986 Pickup - Bushing Sleeves? (and bump stops) - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/ome-rear-leaf-springs-and-bushings-on-1986-pickup-bushing-sleeves-and-bump-stops.1266659/
I would recommend getting the OME anti-inversion shackles with the grease-able shackle bolts. My original leaf shackles and bolts were trashed after 180K original miles. Theres a very high chance yout front mounting bolt on the rear leaves are seized in the bushing, so make a plan to cut those out with a sawzall and replace with a OEM bolt/nut/sleeve or an equivalent aftermarkert. I'd pickup a set of u-bolts and nuts as well for the install.
You'll likely get more input in the minitruck section. The 1st and 2nd gen 4runners are mostly just minitrucks with a cap.
These threads might help:
Old man emu CS009r - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/old-man-emu-cs009r.1181132/
First Gen 4Runner Stock Rear Springs - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/first-gen-4runner-stock-rear-springs.1311375/
OME Rear Leaf Springs and Bushings on 1986 Pickup - Bushing Sleeves? (and bump stops) - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/ome-rear-leaf-springs-and-bushings-on-1986-pickup-bushing-sleeves-and-bump-stops.1266659/
- Thread starter
- #6
also looking at these OEM like springs out of KC that I am reading other have had good luck using on the rear of a 4runner:
1984 - 1988 Toyota 4Runner rear leaf spring, 4(3/1) leaves - https://www.generalspringkc.com/1984-1988-toyota-4runner-rear-leaf-spring-4-3-1-leaves/
1984 - 1988 Toyota 4Runner rear leaf spring, 4(3/1) leaves - https://www.generalspringkc.com/1984-1988-toyota-4runner-rear-leaf-spring-4-3-1-leaves/
I would go with the OEM like springs, maybe use longer shackles if they don't level things out, and not lift/change the front end.
You're on a roll with the purchase of old Toyota iron!
You're on a roll with the purchase of old Toyota iron!
- Thread starter
- #8
Building this one for my Parents who live on St. Augustine beach. You can drive on the beach there, and my parents keep getting stuck in their weak AWD Honda. I want to give then a fun 4x4 that works great and looks great with that top off. Porn star red perfect interior with a slamming sounds system sold me on this 2 owner rig.
