Hope Springs Eternal

[Philbert]

Hello again guys,

Like many 4runner owners, I've been victim to the "sag" of the rear end. While it makes my truck look crippled, my recent concern is the comfort and/or wear on the chassis.

When I go over small speed bumps in parking lots, the back really shimmies and it feels like I'm carrying a ton of bricks in the back (when the truck is empty) - the rear end just slams and bangs a LOT.

I finally got down and checked out the back - looks like the gap between the bump stops is really tiny - see photos below - less than 2 inches is my guess.

I had a Pro Comp 4 inch lift kit installed about 12,000 miles ago and they used blocks in the back - not new springs - to lief thte back.

My questions are:

1) Is this small gap dangerous to ride around with till I replace the springs later this year (assuming the bump stops are making contact when I go over these speed bumps and other bumps...)?

2) What's a good set of springs I can replace these with (I have a friend who has the tools and know how to install)?

3) When I replace the springs with new 4" or 5" ones, do I keep the blocks in from the 4" lift kit on there, or will that create a ridiculous lift in the rear?

4) Is it bad to have a slightly higher rear than front?

Here are some photos of the gap (or lack of) right now:

(about 2 inch gap...maybe):

View from behind - driver's side rear:

Rear driver's side leaf spring - see how flat it looks??

Again - see the utter flatness here?

Any insight from those who've dealt with this would be wonderful I plan to replace these in the fall and want to ensure I can make it till then - I likely will drive less than 5,000 miles between then and now - this is my 3rd car.

Thanks

 

[Alabama4Runner]

I hate blocks. You need new springs. Yes, remove the blocks. Buy OME or Alcan springs for the rear and, yes, I would buy greasable pins and anti-inversion shackles. OME make them or you can get them from someone else.

 

[Philbert]

Thanks for the tips - I'm adding those to my research list, along with Downey and Sky for leafs.

I'll likely need new shackles and U Bolts too (U bolts for sure, If I'm taking out the blocks in there, right)?

Any comments on the time sensitivity on this? Do I NEED to do this right away or is a comfort thing I can deal with and fix later this fall (the ride's been crappy for some time - if I've made it this far I can make it 6 more months...)?

And....is it OK if the rear ends up a little higher than the front, once I get these new leafs in?

 

[tlcruiser66]

I don't know what kind of money you're looking to spend but the best springs that you can get for it will probably be Marlins, he's got the best ride and a decent price too.

As for the blocks, just get the right springs and ditch the blocks, you won't have any problems running your rear higher, but it'll look re****ed .

I don't really see any problem with running blocks if you're just looking for a street driven vehicle and the lack of gap between your spring and bumpstop is due to the flatness of the spring. As long as your frame is in good condition and you're not driving through parking lots at 40 MPH, you won't be wrecking your frame anytime soon.

Chances are the reason that your rear end feels like you have a ton of bricks back there is because your shocks are toast. When you put on your new springs back there, buy some Bilstiens and you'll notice a big difference.

 

[Philbert]

I don't know what kind of money you're looking to spend but the best springs that you can get for it will probably be Marlins, he's got the best ride and a decent price too.

As for the blocks, just get the right springs and ditch the blocks, you won't have any problems running your rear higher, but it'll look re****ed .

I don't really see any problem with running blocks if you're just looking for a street driven vehicle and the lack of gap between your spring and bumpstop is due to the flatness of the spring. As long as your frame is in good condition and you're not driving through parking lots at 40 MPH, you won't be wrecking your frame anytime soon.

Chances are the reason that your rear end feels like you have a ton of bricks back there is because your shocks are toast. When you put on your new springs back there, buy some Bilstiens and you'll notice a big difference.

Thanks tlcruiser!

I don't want to spend a ton of money to be honest.

And I don't take it offroad - just down some rougher dirt roads and trips camping, etc.

Frame is in great shape - just worried about prolonged wear, but I'll refrain from rough roads and speed bump races till I get the new springs

The shocks are new - Pro Comps that came with the 4 inch lift kit I had installed.

I think I just need new springs/shackles, from what I'm reading here thus far.