07-05-2022, 05:42 PM
|
#1
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Seattle
Posts: 184
|
|
Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Seattle
Posts: 184
|
Advice request on suspension
Hello everybody.
2018 SR5 stock.
I am exploring the possibility to upgrade the springs / suspension to firm up a bit. I go camping and overlanding and sometimes the rear sags a bit (I do tend to take more gear that I need ...). Nothing crazy, medium difficulty roads, no rock crawling.
I know the springs / suspension on the 4runner are a bit soft.
Now - I do NOT want a lift, and I looked into airbags but I don't plan to tow, and they seem flimsy to me. I also don't plan to put bigger wheels / tires. Everything is stock so far, except RCI skid plates.
I understand a lift would change the angle of the shafts and might create issues / early failures. And I don't really need a lift for where I'm going.
So I am looking to maybe replace the springs and / or suspension, but without a lift. There is a shop here in Auburn, WA, that can do the job.
Any help to clarify my options appreciated.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-05-2022, 07:31 PM
|
#2
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: san diego
Posts: 3,188
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: san diego
Posts: 3,188
|
not the answer you are looking for but airbags is your answer. FYI, i ran airbags for years and they held up fine for when loading the car down for camping. Alot of my buddies still run them.
Your other option is springs with stiffer spring rates, and keep in mind, there is no free lunch here. If you aren't loaded down, your vehicle will ride like a Uhaul truck.
so pick your poison.
__________________
2016 trail 4runner, twin locked on 34's.
Can read more of my build here (2 parts):
https://www.lasfit.com/blogs/news/ho...ad-build-part1
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-06-2022, 12:08 PM
|
#3
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Seattle
Posts: 184
|
|
Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Seattle
Posts: 184
|
Will keep the airbags option open.
Stiffer springs means keep the existing shocks and replace the springs only ?
Will look into this option, any recommendation for springs ?
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-06-2022, 01:13 PM
|
#4
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Denville, NJ
Posts: 763
|
|
Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Denville, NJ
Posts: 763
|
Another vote for the airbags. The rear did stiffen up a tiny bit with my AirLift bags even when at the minimum 5psi, but I've gotten very much used to it. It's noticeably better when loaded down for vacations or Home Depot trips and amazing for towing. I've had them on for over a year without issues and they are cheap. I just keep a mini bike pump in the car too, so easy to air up and down when needed. One of the best upgrades I've done, honestly.
I'd advise against stiffer springs unless you are adding more weight to the vehicle with them. Otherwise, it will ride like a dump truck.
__________________
Pete - 2018 Silver TRDORP w/ KDSS. 2" Fox 2.0s and 285/70r17 Maxxis Razr ATs
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-06-2022, 03:16 PM
|
#5
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Seattle
Posts: 184
|
|
Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Seattle
Posts: 184
|
Understood.
Thank you all for the feedback.
Will look into airbags.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-06-2022, 03:46 PM
|
#6
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 108
|
|
Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 108
|
eibach makes a kit that can hold more load and has threaded collars to adjust the rear height depending on your load. I heard it's pretty easy to adjust them. I would check that system out.
__________________
2021 MGM 4Runner TRD Off Road, KDSS
Eibach | Falken | CaliRaised | Sherpa| Joe's | Rago | Odyssey | Redarc | Rigd | Waterport | Baja Designs | Diode Dynamics | MaxTrax | Level 8 | OVS | S-Tech | Midland | Dr. KDSS | ARB | JLT | Anzo
2022 MGM Corolla Hatchback 6-speed
2010 Black/Black C63 AMG, 460 whp (I miss this car every day)
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-07-2022, 07:47 AM
|
#7
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 712
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 712
|
@ skag1T
- Dobinsons has an option for nearly every application.
@ Crikeymike
will probably be able to help you out.
Dobinsons 5th Gen T4R Suspension options - lots of choices
__________________
2015 Trail Premium
SCS/BFG, King/Dobinsons/JBA, Icon/Sonoran Steel, Hefty Fabworks, Shrockworks, RCI, XD HID, Gobi, FJ Toyman, GZila, Dog-Proofed
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-07-2022, 03:00 PM
|
#8
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: SEA, WA
Posts: 105
|
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: SEA, WA
Posts: 105
|
+1 airbags. I'm running Air Lift 1000. Easy to install and they've been working great. I installed the valves in the rear plastic bumper near the hatch latch for accessibility + a clean look and use a Milwaukee M12 inflator.
If you do go with airbags, I recommend running the lines separately/independently vs tied together so you have flexibility with load balance.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-07-2022, 03:03 PM
|
#9
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Kilingworth, CT
Age: 59
Posts: 614
|
|
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Kilingworth, CT
Age: 59
Posts: 614
|
+2 on the Dobinson thread at the link, Mike has a lot of options. Call him if your not quite sure.
__________________
2019 TRD OffRoad - Fox w/Resi, 650lb Springs, JBA HD UCA, T12 Rear Springs w/DS 5mm Spacer, Odyssey 34R-PC1500T AGM w/Diode Upgrade and CTEK Monitor, NOCO battery charger wired to external port for shore power, Rago Hidden Winch Plate, Comeup Seal 9.5 RSI, RCI Sliders/ Skids, 285/70-17 Cooper AT3 XLT on Fuel Rims, Various LED upgrades, OE Engine Heater w/External Port, XenonDepot Low Beam HID & LED 3k Fogs, ScanGauge, Midland GMRS, Accessory Mount for iPad, mike and Inreach, iKamper Mini 3.0, Custom Kitchen/Cargo system, ARB 50Q, Goose Gear dual drawer, Wilco Solo Tire/Hilift/RotoPax Carrier.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-07-2022, 03:47 PM
|
#10
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Fayetteville AR
Posts: 776
|
|
Member
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Fayetteville AR
Posts: 776
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by skag1T
Understood.
Thank you all for the feedback.
Will look into airbags.
|
I would stick with coils. If your main concern is a saggy a$$ when you load down the rear go with a variable rate coil. Which means they progressively stiffen under a load. Unloaded you'll still maintain a comfortable ride. Most of these suspension companies make coils designed specifically to your exact truck. I went with skyjacker for my lift and it's awesome for reasonable prices.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-09-2022, 04:21 PM
|
#11
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: May 2017
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 1,232
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 1,232
|
airbags are great because you can pump them up or down depending on your load and they are definitely not flimsy.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by RysiuM
I just look at them and say: you have not the absolute slightest idea what you are talking about. This is 4Runner.
|
'15 Trail Premium, GOBI Stealth, CVT Summit Awning, ARB Safari Snorkel, TRD Pro susp. w/Bilstein 6112 coils & 1" spacer (front) & OME 895 (rear), 285/70/17 BFG KO2, Spidertrax wheel spacers, TRD Pro package (wheels, grill, valences, & skid), full RCI aluminum skids, C4 Fab diff skid, Toytec bump stop extensions, plenty of lights, patches, stickers, and other miscellaneous mods (backup & front camera, accessory meter display, rear window/hatch, bumper cup holders, Wit's End fire extinguisher mount, Ellis Precision TRD shift lever)
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-10-2022, 04:36 PM
|
#12
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Seattle
Posts: 184
|
|
Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Seattle
Posts: 184
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jakeepoo3
I would stick with coils. If your main concern is a saggy a$$ when you load down the rear go with a variable rate coil. Which means they progressively stiffen under a load. Unloaded you'll still maintain a comfortable ride. Most of these suspension companies make coils designed specifically to your exact truck. I went with skyjacker for my lift and it's awesome for reasonable prices.
|
Jakeepoo do you have the part numbers of your coils ?
Looking at skyjacker web site they only show lift kits for the 4runner.
I like the idea of a variable rate coil ....
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-11-2022, 10:09 AM
|
#13
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Fayetteville AR
Posts: 776
|
|
Member
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Fayetteville AR
Posts: 776
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by skag1T
Jakeepoo do you have the part numbers of your coils ?
Looking at skyjacker web site they only show lift kits for the 4runner.
I like the idea of a variable rate coil ....
|
My coils are for a three inch lift.. Your original post says you don't want a lift, you want to remain stock height. But the rear sags when you go over landing. You would just need a coil designed to carry heavier loads and keep the same ride height and ride quality. I'm not sure if skyjacker sells those separately you might have to use a different company.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-11-2022, 11:26 AM
|
#14
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Cocoa Florida
Posts: 268
|
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Cocoa Florida
Posts: 268
|
Nicely done, truck looks great!
__________________
2019 ORP KDSS MagGrey RSG Sliders/ICS Fab above console mount
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is On
|
|
|
|