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regularguy412
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Ermm,, it's called 'torsion bar suspension'. There is a thick (about one and one-half inches) bar running from the upper A-arm on each side, back to a mounting point on each frame rail. When the weight of the vehicle is on the tires, the bars twist along their lengths to provide the lift for the front end.
Coil springs, on the other hand, are just that: a torsion bar coiled around itself in a cylindrical shape which provides lift by compressing down onto itself. These are usually found on the rear axels of 2nd Gen. 4Runners.
Leaf springs are flattened springs packed in varying lengths and compress on each end of the spring pack to provide lift. These are usually found on solid axles of 1st Gen. 4Runners.
Mike in AR
Coil springs, on the other hand, are just that: a torsion bar coiled around itself in a cylindrical shape which provides lift by compressing down onto itself. These are usually found on the rear axels of 2nd Gen. 4Runners.
Leaf springs are flattened springs packed in varying lengths and compress on each end of the spring pack to provide lift. These are usually found on solid axles of 1st Gen. 4Runners.
Mike in AR
regularguy412
New member
They're just like 'springs'. In fact, they are springs,, just a different configuration. Yes. They can fatigue, over time. Rear, 'coil-spring' sag on 2nd Gen 4runners is very common. Mine has a small degree of it. Many use spacers, air bags or new, heavy-duty coil springs as replacements to correct the rear sag.
I suppose any sping type can break, given the proper force. Howerver, I can't recall ever hearing of such a failure. Torsion bar suspension was quite common on Dodge/Chrysler vehicles in the 70's. I haven't looked under many different cars lately to see which ones are using what types of suspension.
More typical is the failure of rubber grommets and bushings within which the springs ride and mount to the vehicle. Heat, cold, wet, and constant spring pressure eventually erode these rubber components. This causes slop and strange noises in the suspension system. You can extend the life of these rubber components (and CV joint boots, too) by spraying them regularly with a pure spray silicone compound (not WD-40).
Mike in AR
I suppose any sping type can break, given the proper force. Howerver, I can't recall ever hearing of such a failure. Torsion bar suspension was quite common on Dodge/Chrysler vehicles in the 70's. I haven't looked under many different cars lately to see which ones are using what types of suspension.
More typical is the failure of rubber grommets and bushings within which the springs ride and mount to the vehicle. Heat, cold, wet, and constant spring pressure eventually erode these rubber components. This causes slop and strange noises in the suspension system. You can extend the life of these rubber components (and CV joint boots, too) by spraying them regularly with a pure spray silicone compound (not WD-40).
Mike in AR