Bouncy Rear. Will new springs help?

[Collkid]

Hello all!

We have a 2001 4runner SR5 with 180k

It does NOT have any type of lift on.

Though we do use it as an adventure vehicle, it has turned into the primary baby hauler.

All that to say, it has a rough ride in the rear. Feel like the suspension is bottoming out.
A few months ago I replaced the rear shocks and it got significantly better, but the rear still has some bounce to it.

Would it help to replace the rear springs?
Is it as simple as it looks?
Compress springs, pull out, put in new springs?



Thanks in advance!

 

[Mark_BC]

Even easier. Just droop one side until the spring falls out. Put new one in.

 

[Arnezie]

Very easy to replace but shocks may also be needed


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[Collkid]

Even easier. Just droop one side until the spring falls out. Put new one in.

When you say drop one side, what do you mean by that?
Like undo sway bar?

Very easy to replace but shocks may also be needed


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I did the shocks already actually and saw a difference. So I'm wondering if the springs will make a further difference.

 

[Peadog]

Toytec has a video on YouTube for replacing rear springs.

 

[ColoRAD]

Yeah springs will help. I had a similar ride and put in some 5th gen rear springs and they made a huge difference.

I've also heard the Moog 81041 is a good replacement but may not hold weight as well.

Rear springs are relativity simple. If I remember correctly the process is to remove the rear wheels, unbolt the lower shock mounts, parking brake bracket, sway bars, and slowly drop the axle until you can pull them out. Be sure to keep an eye on the brake cable while you're lowering the axle so it doesn't overextend.

 

[Collkid]

Toytec has a video on YouTube for replacing rear springs.

I'll check that out thanks!

Yeah springs will help. I had a similar ride and put in some 5th gen rear springs and they made a huge difference.

I've also heard the Moog 81041 is a good replacement but may not hold weight as well.

Rear springs are relativity simple. If I remember correctly the process is to remove the rear wheels, unbolt the lower shock mounts, parking brake bracket, sway bars, and slowly drop the axle until you can pull them out. Be sure to keep an eye on the brake cable while you're lowering the axle so it doesn't overextend.

Perfect, that's exactly what i wanted to hear!

 

[Bumbo]

Very easy to replace but shocks may also be needed


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I did the shocks already actually and saw a difference. So I'm wondering if the springs will make a further difference.

It probably will help.

The job of the springs is to hold up the weight, and the job of the shocks are the control that weight.

Most of the time when someone says it's bouncy, it's a good indication that the shocks are blown.

Out of curiosity, what did you replace the shocks with?

As for springs, if you are bottoming out, perhaps the rate is off or the springs are past its service life which IMO seems kinda rare unless abused. I replaced mine with the OME 2895. Its a taller, and stiffer springs, helps a lot with carrying some weight, and drives quite nice in the city but if you dont want a lift I would look elsewhere.

 

[Collkid]

It probably will help.

The job of the springs is to hold up the weight, and the job of the shocks are the control that weight.

Most of the time when someone says it's bouncy, it's a good indication that the shocks are blown.

Out of curiosity, what did you replace the shocks with?

As for springs, if you are bottoming out, perhaps the rate is off or the springs are past its service life which IMO seems kinda rare unless abused. I replaced mine with the OME 2895. Its a taller, and stiffer springs, helps a lot with carrying some weight, and drives quite nice in the city but if you dont want a lift I would look elsewhere.

Just really basic ones. I can't even remember at this point.
I replaced the originals, so it made a nice difference.


I just ordered some Moog 81041's. Seems like that should work for my needs.

 

[Bumbo]

Just really basic ones. I can't even remember at this point.
I replaced the originals, so it made a nice difference.


I just ordered some Moog 81041's. Seems like that should work for my needs.

That’s the reason I asked… valving can make a big difference. Some brand new low grade shocks feel blown when you drive them side x side with something like a Bilstein 5100.

Someone can correct me if I am wrong, but I think It’s pretty rare for springs to “go bad” or wear out. If you are not carrying any additional weight the rate should be pretty spot on for the truck.

 

[Tyler James Inc]

Someone can correct me if I am wrong, but I think It’s pretty rare for springs to “go bad” or wear out. If you are not carrying any additional weight the rate should be pretty spot on for the truck.

Actually, it's very common!
My '01 was sitting on the center- progressive- bump stops when I picked it up- and that's with no additional weight/passengers!
OEM shocks are very affordable if you buy online, and they are VERY nice shocks!
The springs will absolutely make a world of difference, and I would bet a set of OEM Tokico shocks would also be a nice improvement over what you got. Of course, I have no way of knowing that without knowing what you put on it.

 

[Bumbo]

[MENTION=116470]Tyler James Inc[/MENTION] Fair enough and good to know.

If that's the consensus then I would try out a new set of springs, hopefully that puts you where you need to be.

I guess a fatigued spring would essentially have a lower spring rate contributing to the bounce because it cant support the weight well, and in turn over-working the shock.

I would also consider searching for springs that came off a lower mileage 4th Gen or FJ which I believe has a slightly stiffer rate just to save some coin.

 

[Tyler James Inc]

[MENTION=116470]I would also consider searching for springs that came off a lower mileage 4th Gen or FJ which I believe has a slightly stiffer rate just to save some coin.

He already ordered some Moog coils.
But I agree; I used some 5th gen rear coils to lower my '97 back to "stock" when I sold it, and they are great coils for our rigs, IMO.

 

[nissanh]

What brand shocks did you use?

I replaced OEM shocks with Monroe ($20 a piece) in a hurry and guess what, within 7000 miles, both went bad. If rear is bouncy, then it should be shocks.

 

[flipty]

What's the manufacture date on your tires? Man these things are picky about tires....

 

[theriddler]

It probably will help.

The job of the springs is to hold up the weight, and the job of the shocks are the control that weight.

:iagree:

Nailed it.

Springs=ride height and load carrying capacity

Shocks=control the up and down motion

Just make sure you match your shocks to the springs, a hard spring and a soft shock will still give you some bounce.

 

[phattyduck]

^^^ Generally correct, but if the ride height is too low, it could feel harsh/bouncy if it is too close to the bump stops.

Mine was harsh below around 19.5" fender-to-hub center with old but still decent shocks. Up even just ~0.5" it was fine in most situations (small top plate and rear spacers).

-Charlie

 

[Collkid]

Spent the morning changing out the Rear Coils.

On the 1 mile test drive, is sure feels like it made a big difference!


Thank you guys for your advice!

 

[theriddler]

Glad replacing the springs helped you out and you didn't have to replace those PITA shocks again, I checked my springs this morning on our #2 4runner and I only had 1.5" between the axle and jounce bumper...guess i'll be replacing these when i figure out how much lift i wanna go with.:cheers:

 

[Bumbo]

Glad replacing the springs helped you out and you didn't have to replace those PITA shocks again, I checked my springs this morning on our #2 4runner and I only had 1.5" between the axle and jounce bumper...guess i'll be replacing these when i figure out how much lift i wanna go with.:cheers:

The shocks have to come off to do the rear springs anyway so its not that big of a deal. The rear shocks are actually super easy to replace.