Leaning 1" lower on one side.

[Poorboy64]

So picked up a 96 4wd SR5 260k 2 owner local dealer serviced,
The plan is to park it and go through what needs to be done, It's a calif. car so there is no rust but it has been used, Needs a little TLC,
I noticed today that the Pass. side sits 1" lower than drivers, Is this just in need of new springs? After valve cover gasket and timing belt I am planing to start the suspension.

Thanks,

 

[thegipper]

That's odd. Usually the drivers side will sit a little lower.

Probably worn springs.

 

[Poorboy64]

Yea, Thats what I have been reading usually the drivers side. The PO at some point put bilsteins all around (look like they have been on a while) But the springs look to be OEM maybe original?

 

[gamefreakgc]

I don't know a ton about springs, but I do know some brands are side specific, meaning one side will have more turns than the other. Perhaps the previous owner got them backwards? Usually it's about 1/2" difference, so the math lines up if they were backwards.

 

[Poorboy64]

Interesting, I'll check into that,

Thanks,

 

[gamefreakgc]

Interesting, I'll check into that,

Thanks,

If you can clean them off, there will be paint marks on the springs telling you what kind they are (if they are indeed Toyota/OEM springs) and what side they go on.

Something like this:

 

[rkntoy]

Sounds like if the springs were replaced they got installed on the wrong sides. Even the OEM springs are side specific.

Or your spring bucket rusted out...

 

[Poorboy64]

Single orange paint strip 2nd coil from bottom on rear both sides, paper wrapped around coil at top can't read as they are warn.
2 blue paint stripes 3&4 coil from bottom on front.
Truck has no rust.
Any way to find info/history on springs?

Thanks,

 

[gamefreakgc]

Single orange paint strip 2nd coil from bottom on rear both sides, paper wrapped around coil at top can't read as they are warn.
2 blue paint stripes 3&4 coil from bottom on front.
Truck has no rust.
Any way to find info/history on springs?

Thanks,

My Google-fu skills are falling short, that's not the same color that was on my springs either. If you can post a photo of the paint marks someone might recognize them and chime in.

 

[Poorboy64]

Pics are not great old phone,

 

[SaulG]

May be the recall springs ? Maybe shotgun rider was a Big 'un ?

 

[Poorboy64]

Maybe but the pass side seats are in good shape,
Looking at springs any good decent stock height? OEM are $100 ea.
Other than Moog most I'm seeing have a lift to them.

Thanks,

 

[theesotericone]

Pull both rear springs.
Put them on the ground.
Measure them.

That will tell you if they are installed backwards. If they are reverse them and see if the lean is corrected. Other then the lean how does it feel when you drive it?

 

[Poorboy64]

Ride feels good, Did not notice the lean until I pulled it out of the garage today to degrees preparing for valve cover gasket & timing belt.
Would a saggy / improper installation of the rear springs cause the pass side of truck both front and back -1"?
Looking at OEM springs the part number is the same for left or right spring.

 

[theesotericone]

Ride feels good, Did not notice the lean until I pulled it out of the garage today to degrees preparing for valve cover gasket & timing belt.
Would a saggy / improper installation of the rear springs cause the pass side of truck both front and back -1"?
Looking at OEM springs the part number is the same for left or right spring.

After markets could but I just looked at the photo you posted of the front and rears. I also happen to have a box in my garage that has the stock springs from my 97. It's been a long time since I looked in that box so I just dug it out.

My rears have a single orange paint. My fronts have a double blue paint. You have the stock suspension. I also just measured the rears. Both are identical at 15 1/2" from floor to top of spring.

 

[Poorboy64]

Thanks for looking,
I figured they were original. I'll add new springs to the list when the new suspension goes in,
Not wanting a lift would OEM springs be my best bet? Seem to be a little pricey.

Thanks,

 

[96RedRunner]

Not wanting a lift would OEM springs be my best bet? Seem to be a little pricey,

Depends what your plan is for the Runner, keep it a bit or for a while.
OE are good for 100-150K miles depending on how you use it. I suggest the 99 tall springs, you'll like em.
On the Moog springs, some have posted in forum that's what they used, no long term review though, I'd bet Moog doesn't last like OE.

 

[KamKoz]

I know my OME setup was doing this when the top nut on the rear shock started to loosen up. Tightened it back up and things leveled right back out. Likely a long shot but takes 30 seconds to check.

 

[AntleredRuin]

I've had Moog '99 rears for roughly the past 20k miles and they have held up great. Of course, it's only been a year, and I don't tow.
I do, however, keep at least 100lbs of tools in the back at all times, and often haul furniture and equipment for work, Tetris style. Even fully loaded, I still had a bit of rear rake.
FWIW.

 

[Poorboy64]

Emailed a few places, They say Moog for stock height, They are cheep enough,
I will definitely check the top shock bolt!

Thanks,