Leaf Sprung 4th gen

[hntz4x4]

Hi guys, new here. Trying to help my son find info on his build he has planned for his 07 4runner. He picked up some axles yesterday to start gathering parts to build his rig (Dana 44 front with ARB and Tacoma rear with E-locker). He wants to do leaf springs. I've tried to do a search but can't find on here if anybody else has done it. If you have any links to more info that would be helpful.

Thank You,
Ryan

 

[Inv4drZm]

Is he swapping the front to leafs too?

Huskey's Build - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

And a couple on instagram that I know of:

Estevan Jose Fregeau (@estofregeau) • Instagram photos and videos

JD Brittain (@jd_brittain) • Instagram photos and videos

 

[hntz4x4]

Yes that is the plan.

 

[Fern]

Sounds like a build thread is in order!

 

[Ida4runner]

Have you figured out things like ABS,transfer case and steering issues? I looked into doing sas and when you add just the parts to do it right you're looking at $15k easy with mostly used parts,that's doing all the labor myself.Why not stick to coils/coilovers? I wish you luck and look forward to your progress.

 

[Terminator03]

Sounds like an interesting build, and maybe I’m missing something, but why would you want/need to go through all of that work? I understand wanting to install lockers, heavier cases, etc., but why leaf springs? In my opinion leaf springs are a step backwards in suspension design, especially for handling and articulation. About the only advantage I can even think of is for carrying massive amounts of weight, as it’s easier to build heavier leafs than to source coils for that. Anyway, I’m truly curious about this, so hopefully the OP, or someone else can enlighten me on the reasons why one would want to do this, other than just to be different with the build.

 

[Inv4drZm]

Sounds like an interesting build, and maybe I’m missing something, but why would you want/need to go through all of that work? I understand wanting to install lockers, heavier cases, etc., but why leaf springs? In my opinion leaf springs are a step backwards in suspension design, especially for handling and articulation. About the only advantage I can even think of is for carrying massive amounts of weight, as it’s easier to build heavier leafs than to source coils for that. Anyway, I’m truly curious about this, so hopefully the OP, or someone else can enlighten me on the reasons why one would want to do this, other than just to be different with the build.

I agree, the only thing that comes to mind is

The Tacoma axle and maybe the front axle is already set up for leafs. Though if you have the expertise you can convert them.

Leafs are easier to retrofit vs links and link mounts. Leafs do the 2 jobs that coils and links do. Locate the axle and support weight.

 

[Bumbo]

I’ll be following this one closely… very interested in learning about these types of modifications applied to the 4Runner.

 

[duffdog]

Hi guys, new here. Trying to help my son find info on his build he has planned for his 07 4runner. He picked up some axles yesterday to start gathering parts to build his rig (Dana 44 front with ARB and Tacoma rear with E-locker). He wants to do leaf springs. I've tried to do a search but can't find on here if anybody else has done it. If you have any links to more info that would be helpful.

Thank You,
Ryan

wait...What? What is the reason for going with a Tacoma rear axle? I have never seen anyone put a weaker axle on a 4runner than it came with. The typical SAS for a 4th gen is Sterling 10.5 and Dana 60 from an 03+ F350. The reason is because they are already set up for coils and the transfer case is on the correct side AND the full width allows for turning the wheels without impacting the frame. Standard width axles do not allow for this and if I'm not mistaken the Tacoma rear axle housing is bother narrower and weaker than a stock 4th gen rear axle. I happen to have the tacoma e-locker in my truck currently. Its lame. I have already broken the gearset and had to modify the motor after it failed and wore down the copper tracks on the internal gears. Its just a bad idea for trucks this heavy.

 

[hntz4x4]

Update. Sold off those axles. Going to do a 3" lift with new UCAs for now. Keep it simple. But he is in the middle of doing a SAS on my other sons 86 4runner.