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.

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.

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 ?

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.

Understood.
Thank you all for the feedback.
Will look into airbags.

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.

@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

+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.

+2 on the Dobinson thread at the link, Mike has a lot of options. Call him if your not quite sure.

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.

airbags are great because you can pump them up or down depending on your load and they are definitely not flimsy.

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.

Nicely done, truck looks great!