Heavy Coilovers for 93runner's Snowplow???

[weever]

Hi
I have a 93 4runner that is used primarily for dump runs and hauling dogs around etc....I have a 6' western snowplow I use on it in the winter and need advice on some heavy duty coilovers? or some way to beef up the front end.
I have replaced the rear springs and shocks all around with the Bilsteins years ago but the front sags big time with the plow on it. It probably weighs 200lb+

I plan to keep this truck indefinatley as it is very reliable...although my ne FJ is great too!....Thanx

 

[KLF]

Your truck has torsion bars in the front, not coilovers. You can get heavier bars from Downey and SwayAway.

 

[weever]

Oh yeah I forgot. You are right. Do you think beefier torsion bars will do the trick.And if do what would you recommend???
Thanks

 

[KLF]

I had SwayAway 25mm t-bars on my old '92 4Runner, I really liked them. Great ride, much more responsive.

BUT. You asked for my opinion, so I'll give it to you.

Toyota's are not meant to be plow trucks. You will slowly destroy that 4Runner if you continue to plow with it. Even if you can keep the suspension from sagging, the rest of it will eventually fall apart. Sell the plow, pay someone else to destroy their truck.

I bought an '84 xcab many years ago that spent a few winters pushing a plow. Every part of the front suspension was worn out: springs, bushings, bearings, seals, etc. I sold the plow as soon as I got it, never used it. Eventually the tranny fell apart. This was at approx. 140K miles, too early to have serious issues like this. Then the salt monster attacked the frame, and it was all over.

There ya go.

 

[dtrain]

Airbags would work well.

 

[weever]

While I have to agree with you 100% about the truck could get destoyed. My Flawed philosophy is this:

1. I live in Flagstaff Arizona, so we average 100 inches a year but is usually lots of small storms that pass quick with the sun coming betwwen storms unlike....Alaska where its a perma freeze and big snows

2. I try to make lots of small passes and when its more than 15 inches or heavy wet big snow, I call my neighber with the backhoe....

3.The snow melts, here in the desert before a lot of Icing occurs.

4. I refuse to do all my neighbors driveways, except one.

5. I never try to move big piles.(call in the backhoe)

SO in short our winters a pretty moderate to say the least and I take it easy. Its just the Truck has 190,000 miles, paint is bad and it has quite a few dents too...and its not my daily driver anymore...

 

[bjowett]

IMO, pick up some beefy torsion bars to keep the ride height acceptable. Repack your front wheel bearings with a good HD synthetic bearing grease. Install zerk fittings on the ball joints (if not already equipped) and grease em' frequently. Service all fluids- trans, transfer, diffs, don't forget the power steering!, grease up the U joints... plowing is severe service to say the least. Toyota's handle it very well for their size.