Spring Replacements (4 Viewers)

[Grouseman]

My 86 4-Runner has 324,000 miles on it. There is a rebuilt motor in it with about 15K miles on it and it is running well. The shocks have been replaced by me once around 240K miles. The rear springs are worn out.
I need to replace the springs, and shocks.

Thought about getting the springs that lift the Runner up 2-3", but then I have to buy the shocks at $80 a piece. I can get the springs at Downey for about $200 a pair, then shocks at $80 X 4= $320 plus shipping. Seems a little much.
Any other sources?
Have any of you guys gone this way with the lift and then expensive shocks?

SS

 

[tonkota]

Just steer clear of Northwest Off-Road!

 

[Tools R Us]

If your up for changing the hangers, the chevy swap is popular.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20665

 

[Grouseman]

Bear,

The price for the springs from Downey are cheap, I agree. It is the shocks at $80 a piece that is outrageous.

SS

 

[theo]

You can buy shocks from anybody; they don't have to come from Downey. You should be able to measure the collapsed and extended lengths you need and make note of the types of ends, then source them from about any manufacturer - Gabriel, Monroe, Doetsch Tech, etc.

 

[Grouseman]

Theo,

Your right. Downey gets alot for the extended shock. Anybody here have the 2-3" lift with the springs and buy a standard shock? Would love to get that info. I want to lift the truck, but too cheap to pay $80 bucks a shock.

SS

 

[No power]

Check www.marlincrawler.com for springs.
You could also get some alcan custom springs.
Like what was said before stay away from Northwest
offroad (way stiff) and allpro (sagged way to early and settled way differant)
That's just my 2 cents.
Good luck and let us know what you buy

 

[Grouseman]

Thought just crossed my fibble mind. Get the springs from Downey and have C-dan figure out which factory stock would work. Worth a try.
Any other ideas?

SS

 

[desertdude]

Have you checked with Deaver for springs not cheap but real nice - Bilstien 5150's By the best you can and cry once

 

[Grouseman]

Desertdude,

Do the Bilstiens give a good ride on the highway? 99% of my driving is on the road.

Thanks
SS

 

[desertdude]

Yes! I have to say beyond modifying my Tacoma for off highway adventures. I would do my suspension mods just for the highway driving improvements.

I drive approx. 3000 mile a month on the highway between AZ and CA. The ride has improved significantly. I have Donahoe coils up front and the Deaver 8 leaf spring pack with Bilstien 5150's on the rear. The 5150's do not fatigue after severe use due to the extra fluid in the reservoir.


The ride now is smooth and very solid stable in the cornering

 

[OicnaiC]

Go to Rancho's web site and find the shock specs page, it gives the collapsed length, extended length and the travel for every shock the make, it also tells what kind of mount they have on each end and what vehicle(s) they are designed for.

 

[Box Rocket]

One more vote for either the Marlin springs or some custom ones from Alcan.

I don't have first hand experience with the Marlins but I've heard lots of good things about them.

I do have firsthand experience with the Alcans. They are pretty expensive, but well worth it. The are made specifically for your truck with any amount of lift and they are VERY durable and the ride is excellent! I would also spring for some Bilsteins.