99 springs ?

[Sixpack577]

Hi, new guy from VA here.
I recently bought a 2001 4runner Sport 4x4 with 137k miles on it.
I have a couple of questions if someone would please help me.
The last Toyota truck I had was a 94 and I'm a former mechanic, but my knowledge of any newer Toyota's is limited.
If I replace my rear springs with new 1999 models(they are 1" taller, correct?), would that level my 4runner out? As you can see in the pictures it's sagging in the rear. It also softly bottoms out on bumpy roads, and I can easily bottom them out by pushing down on the rear bumper.
Are the 99 springs enough to make it sit level?
I want to add a 3" suspension lift but can't afford it at the moment, so I'm just trying to get it to sit level in the meantime.
If the 99 springs will level it, does anyone know where they can be bought online?
If they won't level it, any suggestions?
I also have another question, and I have been searching the forum but can't find definate answers.
What do I need to add a 99 or older gen3 electric rear differential lock?
Do I need the complete axle housing and axles, or just the assembled ring and pinion?
Adding a switch and wiring should be basic.
Any links, advice, or companies/salvage yards that sell used ones?
Thanks for any help.

 

[Sixpack577]

I'm trying to load pics but it keeps saying uploading of file failed.

 

[4-Ripcord]

99 springs arent cheap. Just save for the lift.

for Elocker retrofit you can either swap the whole axle or modify your existing housing to fit the elocker 3rd. Either way a used elocker will run you about $500.
Search "elocker retrofit" for more info.
To find used elockers, search in the TTORA classifieds. there are always elockers over there.

 

[Sixpack577]

99 springs arent cheap. Just save for the lift.

for Elocker retrofit you can either swap the whole axle or modify your existing housing to fit the elocker 3rd. Either way a used elocker will run you about $500.
Search "elocker retrofit" for more info.
To find used elockers, search in the TTORA classifieds. there are always elockers over there.

I found the OME 2" lift rear springs for $169 a pair. I just wondered if the 99 springs at 1" of lift would make it level, and I thought the OME may cause a slight downward rake towards the front.
It's kind of pointless without the pictures though, since I can't get them to load.
Thanks for the info and the link on the locker too.

 

[IanB]

'01-'02 are generally the lowest of all the 3rd gens, with the '99 being the tallest, and the '96-'98 somewhere in the middle. '99 rear springs would bring your rear up to, and likley beyond level as a result, providing a bit of rake. Not a bad thing in moderation, allows for towing or carrying loads without the rear sagging. The OME 906 2" lift springs would likely result in a lot of rake, may not be a bad thing either, depends on what you want.

 

[Sixpack577]

'01-'02 are generally the lowest of all the 3rd gens, with the '99 being the tallest, and the '96-'98 somewhere in the middle. '99 rear springs would bring your rear up to, and likley beyond level as a result, providing a bit of rake. Not a bad thing in moderation, allows for towing or carrying loads without the rear sagging. The OME 906 2" lift springs would likely result in a lot of rake, may not be a bad thing either, depends on what you want.

Thank you sir! I'll get a new set of 99 springs then. Any idea as where to buy them online? Every time I search it always gives me links to everything except stock springs.
The front has non adjustable coilovers and rides great too. I don't want to mess with it until I can afford a full 3" lift.
Thanks for the advice on how to get it closer to level in the meantime.

 

[badattitude]

you want the 16" inch wheel spring I think

1999 Toyota 4Runner Parts - ToyotaPartSales.com

 

[Stick Figure]

I ended up going w/ the 99 "tall" springs.

part numbers:
FR Springs - Blue / Yellow (48131-35400) Passenger Side
FL Springs - Blue / Pink (48131 - 35350) Driver Side
REAR Sprigs - Yellow / Red (48231 - 35210)

from my build thread

I ended up at 21.5" From the fender center to wheel center.

 

[Sixpack577]

you want the 16" inch wheel spring I think

1999 Toyota 4Runner Parts - ToyotaPartSales.com

Yes, I have 16" factory wheels.
Thank you for the link!

 

[Sixpack577]

from my build thread

I ended up at 21.5" From the fender center to wheel center.

Thanks for the info and link!

 

[IanB]

Yes, I have 16" factory wheels.
Thank you for the link!

The tall springs came with the 16" wheels, so you need to make sure to order them that way, is what he meant I think.

 

[cj80cruiser]

Thank you sir! I'll get a new set of 99 springs then. Any idea as where to buy them online? Every time I search it always gives me links to everything except stock springs.
The front has non adjustable coilovers and rides great too. I don't want to mess with it until I can afford a full 3" lift.
Thanks for the advice on how to get it closer to level in the meantime.

The new ones will be expensive. I have a link to the question I posed about part numbers. The Durk was kind enough to supply me with that info so I'll pass it along. HERE IT BE

If you're trying to save money I'd get someone with a 96-98 4wd that had their rear springs replaced not long ago by toyota. My 96 sit's pretty high in the rear compared to the front. The previous owner replaced them but I don't know at what mileage. I'm at about 110K right now. I'd sell you mine pretty cheap but it will be around christmas before a guy I know brings me his Landcruiser springs.

Measure your center of wheel to fender height front and rear. You may not need 99 springs to lift the rear up level.

 

[Sixpack577]

The tall springs came with the 16" wheels, so you need to make sure to order them that way, is what he meant I think.

I already ordered the 99 springs from the link in post# 7, $166 shipped, so not too bad. I hope they are the talls. I thought all the 99's were the same height though.
Oh well, either way will raise the rear some.
I may try some 1" to 2" spacers front and rear after to try and get it level and up an inch or so if need be. A small lift would be fine now with stock size wheels and tires.
I'm still reading as there's tons of info here. So much so that I can't keep up with all the spring rates and numbers, spacer sizes vs actual lift height, and what interchanges.
Thanks

 

[4-Ripcord]

I still dont get it.. why spends hundreds on 99 coils if you plan to lift it 3" in the near future?... just save your money for the real lift. No sense in doing it twice.

 

[cj80cruiser]

I still dont get it.. why spends hundreds on 99 coils if you plan to lift it 3" in the near future?... just save your money for the real lift. No sense in doing it twice.

Like Ripcord said, that sucks because you could have got the OME's for almost that price. I know you're not ready for a lift but you could have got some used rear springs that don't have the rear sag problem and been good to go until you got the lift you wanted.

I'd cancel that order if it's not too late.

 

[Sixpack577]

The new ones will be expensive. I have a link to the question I posed about part numbers. The Durk was kind enough to supply me with that info so I'll pass it along. HERE IT BE

If you're trying to save money I'd get someone with a 96-98 4wd that had their rear springs replaced not long ago by toyota. My 96 sit's pretty high in the rear compared to the front. The previous owner replaced them but I don't know at what mileage. I'm at about 110K right now. I'd sell you mine pretty cheap but it will be around christmas before a guy I know brings me his Landcruiser springs.

Measure your center of wheel to fender height front and rear. You may not need 99 springs to lift the rear up level.

Front wheel centers to fender are 20".
Rear wheel centers are 20" driver side and 19.75" passenger.
The springs are definately worn out though, so I ordered the 99's anyway.
I wish I could get my pictures to load, as the rear sag looks excessive.
I'm sure it would be easier to tell if everyone could see the pics.

Can anyone confirm how much spacer lift is needed front to back to get a 2001 to sit level? That is using new 99 rear springs too.
I recall reading that with the spacer lifts, that a 1" rear spacer will actually raise it more than 1", same supposedly for the front. Does that sound right?
Just say I wanted to lift it 2" and for it to sit level.
What thickness spacer front and rear would I need?
I'm sorry for all the questions, I'm just having a hard time figuring out exactly what I need. There are so many suspension threads and part numbers.

 

[cj80cruiser]

Front wheel centers to fender are 20".
Rear wheel centers are 20" driver side and 19.75" passenger.
The springs are definately worn out though, so I ordered the 99's anyway.
I wish I could get my pictures to load, as the rear sag looks excessive.
I'm sure it would be easier to tell if everyone could see the pics.

Can anyone confirm how much spacer lift is needed front to back to get a 2001 to sit level? That is using new 99 rear springs too.
I recall reading that with the spacer lifts, that a 1" rear spacer will actually raise it more than 1", same supposedly for the front. Does that sound right?
Just say I wanted to lift it 2" and for it to sit level.
What thickness spacer front and rear would I need?
I'm sorry for all the questions, I'm just having a hard time figuring out exactly what I need. There are so many suspension threads and part numbers.

Those new 99 springs are going to set you arse high over your 2001 front springs. Did you order 99 4wd or 2wd springs? Did you order the part numbers I posted earlier?

I'll measure my fenders and let you know what I have with a 4wd 96 limited.

My truck isn't on the most level of surfaces with the driverside rear is sitting on a bit of a bump. I also have tools on the driverside rear and about a half tank of gas so keep this in mind.

Front is 20.5" both sides. driver rear is 20.5 and passenger rear is 21.50 give or take a quarter inch.

 

[Sixpack577]

I still dont get it.. why spends hundreds on 99 coils if you plan to lift it 3" in the near future?... just save your money for the real lift. No sense in doing it twice.

I agree with that, but, I said future, how near I don't know.
There is no doubt that the springs are worn out either, and they needed replaced.
New springs were $166 shipped, a ToyTec 3" lift is over a grand.
That's over $800 I can use elsewhere now, and even if I get some spacers I'll still have over $500 left.
It's also my daily driver, so with a good lift would come tires, probably wheels, and on and on.
I'm into sportbikes and that's where most of my toy money goes(when I have it).
I bought the 4runner about a month ago and just put in all synthetic fluids, did a transmission flush, fuel filter, WeatherTech ventshades and floor liners, Volant airbox, drilled/slotted rotors and ceramic pads, and removed the running boards.
As well as I have a timing belt, tensioners, waterpump, coolant flush, B&M trans cooler, sparkplugs and wires, electric fan, CD player, remote start, O2 sensor, and blue leds to put on, and add a hose to the rear differential vent...as I find the time.
So I've spent enough already.
I'm not someone who cuts corners either, I just want a level ride for now that doesn't need to be anymore off road capable than stock.
Otherwise I'll use it! My daily driver would quickly go downhill.
Thanks for the advice though.

 

[Sixpack577]

Those new 99 springs are going to set you arse high over your 2001 front springs. Did you order 99 4wd or 2wd springs? Did you order the part numbers I posted earlier?

I'll measure my fenders and let you know what I have with a 4wd 96 limited.

My truck isn't on the most level of surfaces with the driverside rear is sitting on a bit of a bump. I also have tools on the driverside rear and about a half tank of gas so keep this in mind.

Front is 20.5" both sides. driver rear is 20.5 and passenger rear is 21.50 give or take a quarter inch.

I ordered the springs in the link in post# 7.
If the rear is too high then I'll just get what I need to bring the front up.
Given how much it's sagging now, and that the 99's are only 1" taller I'll think/hope I'll be ok.

 

[cj80cruiser]

I agree with that, but, I said future, how near I don't know.
There is no doubt that the springs are worn out either, and they needed replaced.
New springs were $166 shipped, a ToyTec 3" lift is over a grand.
That's over $800 I can use elsewhere now, and even if I get some spacers I'll still have over $500 left.
It's also my daily driver, so with a good lift would come tires, probably wheels, and on and on.
I'm into sportbikes and that's where most of my toy money goes(when I have it).
I bought the 4runner about a month ago and just put in all synthetic fluids, did a transmission flush, fuel filter, WeatherTech ventshades and floor liners, Volant airbox, and removed the running boards.
As well as I have a timing belt, tensioners, waterpump, coolant flush, B&M trans cooler, sparkplugs and wires, CD player, remote start, and blue leds to put on, and add a hose to the rear differential vent...as I find the time.
So I've spent enough already.
I'm not someone who cuts corners either, I just want a level ride for now that doesn't need to be anymore off road capable than stock.
Otherwise I'll use it! My daily driver would quickly go downhill.
Thanks for the advice though.

Well you can recoupe some of that money by selling those 99s on here used when you decide to lift it more.

Seems you'll need atleast a 1.5" spacer up front now just to level it with the 99 springs though.