1st Gen (1986) 4Runner rear end issues

[khany2002]

My dad has a grey 1986 Toyota 4Runner SR5 with the 22RE engine, with 100,000 km on it (about 65000 miles) -- all on the original motor with no rebuild, etc., pretty much all highway

There is no external rust on the truck (it's paint is still perfect, and is constantly waxed, and has original clearcoat), whatsoever, and barely any rust underneath the vehicle either.

The truck runs perfectly, however, after all these years, the rear leaf springs seem to be sagging and not providing as smooth a ride as they used to.

When I drive the truck, I find I can easily bottom out the suspension if I'm not careful going over speedbumps, etc.

The truck is not modified, therefore, getting a lift kit, or other attempted modifications would not work well (the vehicle had never seen snow until 2 years ago, and now is a winter daily driver, and is constantly cared for by myself and my father), and the truck never goes offroad.

We've called around to local shops, and the dealership, and they all want about $400-500 (CAD) to change the rear leaf springs on each side (so about $800 CAD total), then add labour, total coming out to about $1600 (CAD).

We all know the truck's market value is essentially nothing, and, given it's nearly new condition, with so few kilometers (miles) on the engine, it seems like a waste to sell the vehicle, however, we feel that $1600 for stock parts is absolutely rediculous.

What I was wondering was are there any aftermarket parts available for the 4Runner, which won't raise it up higher (or noticeably higher) than stock (it is still running the stock rims, and litterally stock tires (We're probably going to change them this year -- but my dad sees no point, since they're not worn out yet, but I reason that after 20-ish years, the rubber has hardened), so, it would look odd having too much lift at the rear.

Also, we live in Ottawa, Canada -- there's not much by means of offroading trails, etc. -- we're pretty far out of the way for all that kind of stuff I think -- so, to find reasonably priced parts, for this vintage of truck, I'm presuming would be very difficult, so, if anyone could offer tips or ideas where I could get these parts for the truck, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for all your help,
Khany2002

 

[gohawks444]

Nice ride. I can assure you that the market value is far from nothing if it is that low miles and that kind of condition.

There are numerous posts on here about remedies for the sagging rear end which is typical in the 1st and 2nd Gen. 4runners. When i purchased mine with 200000 miles I looked through the receipts and found a "add-a-leaf helper?" which I assume to care of the sag for now.

Sorry I'm not informative about it but I see threads on here all the time about the subject.

 

[fourwd1]

You might be able to find aftermarket springs packs that provide minimal lift (1-2"). Get some of the 4x4 magazines and start looking at the advertisements.

AAL's (add-a-leafs) are also an option. One made to provide a 2" lift may get you back near stock. Look for a full length AAL, it'll give a better ride than the short ones.

 

[Jim_Chow]

I ended up going with Old Man Emu leaf springs for the rear of my '86 runner. The stock suspension was dead long ago (1st gens are famous for sagging springs due to the extra weight of the shell). The OME's are designed as a complete system...shocks/springs/bushings/shackles are all designed to be used together. Don't forget the steering stabilizer, too (often overlooked). The springs were about $500 USD per pair, then bushings. Shocks are about $70 each, steering stabilizer about the same, rear shackles about $100/pr. OME's give a 2" lift.

The only good stock height springs available I found are custom made by Alcan spring in Colorado. There's a wait time (month or two). Cost was like $450/pr USD. Avoid the springs sold at Northwest Offroad...too harsh/brittle, and their customer service/return policy/warranty is extremely poor, prices over-inflated for what you get. The Downey Offroad stock height springs supposed to ride well, but fatigue easily. These might be your best bet. IIRC, you need to reuse two of the leafs in your current spring pack, but they were only like $25 USD/pr. My OME's are still holding their height after 60K miles, some of it high-speed offroad on washboard. They are very durable, probably the best you can buy for the 4Runner/Landcruiser.

 

[Bachjow]

I ended up going with Old Man Emu leaf springs for the rear of my '86 runner. The stock suspension was dead long ago (1st gens are famous for sagging springs due to the extra weight of the shell). The OME's are designed as a complete system...shocks/springs/bushings/shackles are all designed to be used together. Don't forget the steering stabilizer, too (often overlooked). The springs were about $500 USD per pair, then bushings. Shocks are about $70 each, steering stabilizer about the same, rear shackles about $100/pr. OME's give a 2" lift.

I'm bringing this thread alive because I just installed the OME springs on my 89 4runner whose original suspension was clapped out at 400,000 miles. (I don't yet have enough posts or I would have started a new thread.)

The OME springs brought my rear back to stock height and beyond. It sits about 2 inches higher than the front now, and I'm not sure whether that's okay. I need to install new shocks before I can know how it will drive, and I'm not sure whether to buy them based on the extended and compressed heights I have now (with OME springs in the back and stock everything in the front) or whether I should remove a leaf from the new rear springs, or whether I should simply lift the front an inch or so. I just spoke with ARB tech support and they advised against removing a leaf, because they hadn't heard of anyone doing that, but I know people do it. If that's my best option, which leaf should I remove? If I choose to leave the leaf pack as is, does anyone have any opinions about whether it is okay to have the back of a first gen slightly higher than the front, or any other related advice for me? Any and all will be much appreciated!

 

[89FourRunner]

Your problem is rrally common. The OME springs provide more like 4" of lift, and even ball joint spacers up front have a hard time of leveling out the truck. Pulling a leaf is the best option. Some of the guys on here have done it and hopefully will chime in.

 

[sam24th]

I had OME leaf packs on my 84 Toyota and they rode super stiff. They actually gave me a negative shackle angle. I tried pulling the overload springs out but it still rode terrible in my opinion. It did lower the truck maybe half an inch or so though. Ended up going to a chevy 63 swap. Sorry I couldnt be much more help but thats the experience I had with OME springs. Just a side note, I drove the truck for almost 4 years with the OMEs int he back hoping they would settle a bit, but they never settled.

 

[89FourRunner]

I have been running a 2" add a leaf kit for four years now and it has been great. Get a long leaf kit from Rancho, it is really cheap and it is easy to install to your existing factory packs. Nothing ghetto about it. No need to spend money on new leaf packs. The 1.5" to 2" that the rancho long leaf add a leaf kit will provide will elevate the sag, and the truck will ride the same. No need for new shocks or anything, you will be happy.

 

[dieselhead59]

same boat

i am in the same boat~ i just finished my 5vz swap and my rear sags about an inch (when unloaded) i was thinking about finding an airbag kit but apparently there isnt one for the 1st gen. So now i think maybe the rancho add a leaf. All i really want is to get rid of the sag in the back and keep my ride smooth. Any other imput from anyone with experience?

 

[fourwd1]

Try the long AAL.