I have a 2003 4runner 4wd V8 and am looking for stiffer rear springs.

My boat really squats the rear.

I have seen the OME etc. but most of them are 2" lift springs. I do need some rear lift as I have done 5100s all the way around and have the front set at the max but was waiting until my C4Fab bumper gets here so I could get a better idea of what the winch and bumper is going to do to the front height.

Any suggestions on stiffer rear springs that will give me around 1 inch of lift?

I had the same issue with my ‘04, but it wasn’t just from towing my boat (that just made it worse). I had a permanent reverse rake due to carrying my work tools in the rear cargo area (they stay in there all the time, plus I have added weight from a rear storage platform). I have what I think are Tacoma springs and Bilsteins in front, and a slight lift, so I was looking to just fix the rear for now. I went with Icon 2.0 shocks and OME 2895E springs. That made it about perfect for me, and it rides very nicely. The “E” version of the 2895 springs is the same specs as the regular, but slightly shorter for those looking for minimal lift like yourself, or as I was.

Add an airbag kit inside the coil springs, Firestone Ride Rite or similar, this is what I did to keep the rear up when hauling a dirtbike on the hitch hauler.

Another option may be to see what springs Dobinson offers for an "all the time" added load. paging @Dobinsons Mike

Dobinsons Suspension - 4th Gen Options

It really depends how worn out and sagged your stock coils are for how much lift you'll end up with.

C59-599 would be our lowest height 220LB rate, which are around 10% firmer than stock. When we jump up to 260LB rate, they're all taller in free height, so it would be a solid 2" on the rear.

If the stock front coils don't work out on the 5100's, we have several front coil options that you can put on those struts and set them to the lowest clip height, gaining the lift from a taller coil instead of adding preload.

+1 on the Firestone units. Mine are about a year old and are holding up well. Installation was pretty simple.

How do these affect the ride?

Do you have a weight distribution hitch? They are a godsend for our trucks.

On the stock suspension I ride pretty level on the stock suspension and a distribution hitch while towing a 4000lb travel trailer.

Currently waiting for 5100's to come in but FJ springs and airbags are waiting to be installed. Because I tow a good amount I'm maintaining some rake so the truck handles well.

+5 on the Firestone coil-rite. Little rubber bump stop trimming and you're good to go. I hear they pop when off-roading


Also, without the bags and a full OME lift I hauled my dad's 4500lb tractor about 100 miles with rear sway bars disconnected and had no trouble. No brake booster either.

Airbags are cheaper than a load leveling hitch and will get you that inch.

I'm not a fan of Airbags. They can unload the springs. Meaning the rear vehicle weight is now on the airbags. This can lead to a floaty feeling. Depends on how much air pressure vs weight. The floaty feeling can be helped with Ping tanks. Expansion tanks to increase air volume. Airbags can also limit axle articulation if that's important to you.

I prefer custom made springs by Alcan on my Jeep. Custom springs are not the cheapest. They are made to your exact needs. Alcan or your preferred custom manufacturer will need to know the weight of each axle. I load my Jeep to the weight it normally encounters on the trail. On my trail Jeep off the shelf springs would last upto 3months. Custom springs lasted about 12yrs before breaking and needing replacement. The military wrap allowed me to drive off the trail to my trailer.

At least check on Custom made springs. I have nothing against OME (ARB). Just prefer custom springs.

Thanks for all the input. Really prefer springs over bags but will keep them in mind.

Dobinsons Mike, just used your ACH replacement on my LX470 and it is great. Doesn’t squat at all with the boat. My bumper should be here tomorrow and will be installed over the weekend so I can get an accurate measurement of what I need. How much lift would you expect for the C59-599 if there was no sag involved?

Glad you're loving our 100 series suspension!!

They're supposed to give 1" over stock height on a 4th Gen. Of course everyone's can vary by age and how much the stock parts are worn out.

To give me an idea of 220 vs 260lbs. What are the rate for the AHC conversion kit you sell and what is the height. Seems like I got around 2 on the 470 but didn't really measure very well prior to ripping the hydraulic garbage out.

Comparing that vehicle and the suspension it uses to a 4th Gen 4runner will only confuse you.

Your truck right now, running stock coils, is sagged most likely 1/2" to 1" since it was new, so by adding our new 1" coils, you may get 1.5" to 2.0" of lift over what it's at right now.