Best Way to Beef Up Rear Suspension

[sgb77]

Newb needs help beefing up suspension.

Guys,
I'm a newb trying to figure out a way to beef up my suspension in my 98 toyota 4runner.

I was not allowed to start a new threat, because my user name is also new, so I figure I'd give this a shot.

I have been hauling my utility trailer around, a handful of times, though some of those loads have been pretty heavy. Anywhere from 2000 to 35000 lbs total weight.

My rear shocks are gone, and I want to be able to haul that kind of weight, but need suggestions on how to beef up my suspension without breaking the bank.
Will I need airbags or can shocks handle the weight?
From what I've read 3rd gens should be able to haul much more weight than I was pulling. I don't understand why my shocks gave out. I changed them about 3 years ago.

Please help me understand.

Thank you.

 

[Bad Luck]

Guys,
I'm a newb trying to figure out a way to beef up my suspension in my 98 toyota 4runner.

I was not allowed to start a new threat, because my user name is also new, so I figure I'd give this a shot.

I have been hauling my utility trailer around, a handful of times, though some of those loads have been pretty heavy. Anywhere from 2000 to 35000 lbs total weight.

My rear shocks are gone, and I want to be able to haul that kind of weight, but need suggestions on how to beef up my suspension without breaking the bank.
Will I need airbags or can shocks handle the weight?
From what I've read 3rd gens should be able to haul much more weight than I was pulling. I don't understand why my shocks gave out. I changed them about 3 years ago.

Please help me understand.

Thank you.

Shocks don't "handle" weight like a spring does. The shocks purpose is to dampen the bouncing movement and the spring is meant to carry the weight. So to answer your questions, you need new shocks. If you would like to handle heavier tongue weights better (without the rear end sagging as much) then I would recommend looking into air bags for your rear coils.

I'm also going to assume you meant 3500 rather than 35000.

 

[sgb77]

[MENTION=319302]Bad Luck[/MENTION]
Yes, I meant 3,500. Thanks for your comment, most of the time I will be transporting the same amount of weight. In this case, should I upgrade the springs, or will adding airbags prevent the shocks from being under too much stress and failing again.

Thanks.

 

[Bad Luck]

[MENTION=319302]Bad Luck[/MENTION]
Yes, I meant 3,500. Thanks for your comment, most of the time I will be transporting the same amount of weight. In this case, should I upgrade the springs, or will adding airbags prevent the shocks from being under too much stress and failing again.

Thanks.

I would go with air bags over new springs for several reasons:
1) Air bags are adjustable for ride height with and without a trailer.
2) If you go with stiffer springs your unloaded ride will suffer. Most likely resulting in a stiffer and taller rear suspension than you currently have.

Here's a good "how to" thread to reference: DIY : Load Leveler Air Bags - 3rd Gen T4R