99 4runner, 3.6L, 4wd, and E Locker. 230K miles and its time to replace shocks and springs, however I cant find a setup that DOESN'T raise the truck. I am very interested in a engine swap in the future and I keep reading about the need for a body lift and I am not interested in a truck raised 4-6 inches. I don't do any serious off roading so a stock setup has served me just fine, but I do tow a lot so Im looking for higher GVW. I've read enough to convince me that Old Man Emu is definitely the way to go, but I'm wondering if anyone knows of a progressive rate spring to go with the OME shocks, or any other option short of cutting the OME springs to keep the height stock. Thanks
Need new shocks and springs but no lift
- Thread starter vtbooth05
- Start date
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I have a set of factory toyota shocks that have less than 1000 miles on them from my 97 4runner. I went with a lift kit that included new shocks.
PM me if you are interested.
PM me if you are interested.
A couple points to your request:
First, having different shocks that are rated at X has nothing to do with changing your GVW of a 4 runner. The towing capacity of your truck has more to do with the frame strength and brakes than most of anything else and little to do with springs.
Now, I know that springs matter but in a different way.
I just went through a TSB replacement campaign on my Tacoma because the rear spring pack was too weak for its payload capacity-note not its GVW or towing rating. Those 2 specs never changed. The 3 spring pack could not hold its payload capacity and made the suspension bottom out.
I dont follow the new engine/need a lift statement. Please clarify.
I would suggest you buy stock rear/front springs and bilstein shocks for all of them. Shocks make a huge difference when under load (towing) and I bet you would be happy with the results and the lower cost of that option (you could get springs from a pull yard or ebay).
First, having different shocks that are rated at X has nothing to do with changing your GVW of a 4 runner. The towing capacity of your truck has more to do with the frame strength and brakes than most of anything else and little to do with springs.
Now, I know that springs matter but in a different way.
I just went through a TSB replacement campaign on my Tacoma because the rear spring pack was too weak for its payload capacity-note not its GVW or towing rating. Those 2 specs never changed. The 3 spring pack could not hold its payload capacity and made the suspension bottom out.
I dont follow the new engine/need a lift statement. Please clarify.
I would suggest you buy stock rear/front springs and bilstein shocks for all of them. Shocks make a huge difference when under load (towing) and I bet you would be happy with the results and the lower cost of that option (you could get springs from a pull yard or ebay).
- Thread starter
- #4
Thanks for the replies. Im looking for upgraded shocks over stock but thanks for the offer. I was under the impression due to the ARB website claiming their Nitrocharger shocks and springs set in Medium stiffness would increase GVW by 300 lbs. I am very familiar with the Tacoma recall as I went through hell trying to get my local dealer adhere to the TSB back in 2007. That being said when I hook a 3000 lb trailer up to my 4runner, which ends up with something like 300 lb tongue weight, my rear suspension is crying.
What I'm trying to accomplish is an improved ride, i.e less body roll, with the shocks and more towing capability, less rear end sag, with the springs without raising the vehicle. My biggest concern with raising is i plan on doing a 1UZ engine swap in the foreseeable future and most build threads I have read involve some sort of body lift. With a 2-2.5" suspension lift now, plus a 2-3" body lift later, I now have a 4runner that is at least a full 4" above the stock ride height. I do very limited off road driving and that is not the direction I am trying to go with my truck.
Thanks again
What I'm trying to accomplish is an improved ride, i.e less body roll, with the shocks and more towing capability, less rear end sag, with the springs without raising the vehicle. My biggest concern with raising is i plan on doing a 1UZ engine swap in the foreseeable future and most build threads I have read involve some sort of body lift. With a 2-2.5" suspension lift now, plus a 2-3" body lift later, I now have a 4runner that is at least a full 4" above the stock ride height. I do very limited off road driving and that is not the direction I am trying to go with my truck.
Thanks again
Hi.
I dont doubt that you can add 300 more lbs BUT I consider that negligible. The fact is that a vehicle can only tow what the frame/brakes can stand to tow.
Anyhoo, I still say go and buy some new OEM springs and compliment with some Bilstein 5125/5100's.
I dont doubt that you can add 300 more lbs BUT I consider that negligible. The fact is that a vehicle can only tow what the frame/brakes can stand to tow.
Anyhoo, I still say go and buy some new OEM springs and compliment with some Bilstein 5125/5100's.
- Thread starter
- #6
I see what you're getting at. Yes I completely agree, I would never consider towing more than what is rated at the moment. Maybe after a 1UZ swap and a tundra brake upgrade an extra 1000 lbs at most but for now just a setup that can handle the already approved towing capacity without a significant amount of rear wheel sag.
