Land cruiser coils in a 4runner

[Toddler]

You'll have to excuse my ignorance on this if it was posted somewhere, I think I read every thread on it and searched the whole site.
I'm doing the cruiser spring lift in the back of my 95 4runner and everything I read says "It's a direct replacement".
I picked up some front springs from a cruiser mechanic.
I then removed my stock coils.
the cruiser coils and 4runner coils are a different diameter.
so they're not gonna sit in the pads properly.
I came back and searched again and found this: https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/45074-fj80-fzj80-vs-lx-coil-springs-3.html#post806074
The "cruiser" coils that I got are green/yellow/white and light blue/yellow/white.
So it looks like I got the Lexus coils.
But this is what troubles me, you guys are saying that these coils are one of the desirable coils to lift the 4runner, but the are definitely not a "direct replacement".
Does anyone elses coils not directly bolt in or should I go look for another set of coils?

 

[Tools R Us]

The front cruiser coils fit 3rd gen runners, rear coils fit 2nd gen.

 

[Toddler]

Thank you very much, that sounds like an honest answer that makes total sense.
I will go back to the mechanic and hopefully he will have a set of rears for me.

 

[Toddler]

Ok, So I went a traded the fronts for rears. No Charge, Thanks Steve.
I've pulled the shocks and disconnected the brake line, Any tricks to get these things in?
I used the jack to push the axle down but it's still a no go.
I read somewhere to use a spring compressor, any way to do it without one?
Any help is appreciated. Todd

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Taking the rear sway bar off might help. I think you may also have to disconnect one of the control rods...

 

[rippin4runner91]

When i put my 4runner spacer in, i had my friend stand on the axle and we used a pry bar to push it open enough to get it in. It was a ghetto way of going about it but it worked. I do agree that taking the sway bar off and the control arms will help. patience my friend. good luck

 

[Bogo]

Get the spring compressors. They were made for a reason. You are running into it right now.

 

[Tools R Us]

Also, the stock rear shocks from the same Cruiser work well in this application.

 

[Toddler]

Thanks for all the help guys, I got a set of spring compressors that a friend lent me.
Springs are in, shocks are next, the pin tops are rusted solid,I guess finding a way to cut them off is next.
Front solid axle is rebuilt and in, I just have to put in new brake pads and install the motor.
I have a 95 Sequoia edition with a sas from Trail Gear, I'll be running it on 33's.
I'll post a picture when I'm done as there's no room in the garage to stand far enough away to get a picture of the whole truck.

 

[Toddler]

OK, I got it outta the garage.

These leafs are crazy tall.
Supposed to be a 3" leaf.

I knew that they needed to settle so I left them alone and went out driving gravel roads for two days hitting every pothole I could see.

I don't think they'll ever settle, I may have to pull a leaf or two.

 

[Hilux]

These leafs are crazy tall.
Supposed to be a 3" leaf.

Sorry you didn't get that info before you did it...

IMO they should better publish the actual lift numbers b/c I think they leave out the added height the new spring hangers provide...


It's all over the place their 3" and 5" lifts are more like 5" and 7".

 

[Toddler]

Thanks, that made sense.
I went and talked with the Toyota guru's at a shop in town and they told me which leaf to pull out, so that's done.
It's sitting lower already but feeling real soft, I think it'll sink now.
I'd take a pic for ya but it's dark right now.
I'll get one after work tomorrow.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Holy smokes, I'd want to lose about 3" of lift on that front end. Does the front driveshaft stretch that far?

 

[Toddler]

Holy smokes, I'd want to lose about 3" of lift on that front end. Does the front driveshaft stretch that far?

It needs to lose about 8 inches of lift.
And I don't have a front driveshaft, I'm waiting for it to settle so I can measure for one.

 

[raevenzero]

The geometry on the front axle must make that thing terrible to drive. Ever feel like a shopping cart?

 

[Toddler]

It's not bad, It's got some bump steer.
I just picked up some centering bolts that are threaded all the way.
So I'm gonna pull some leafs until I'm happy, and if it starts sagging then I'll start reinstalling them till I'm happy once again.
I have to get my 33's mounted now.
I'll post another pic when I get it level.

 

[Toddler]

I got three leafs out right now and pretty happy bout it.


shackle angle.