loose rear end after spring spacers

[sb253]

Whats up. A couple months ago I threw in a 1.5" daystar rear spring spacer kit. Everything felt good for a while, then it seemed my rear end got progressively sloppy. When hitting a bump through a corner or even when driving up into my driveway my rear end has a "wiggle" to it like its not connected to the rest of the truck. I was just under there again today and everything is in place and tight. Its a 2000 limited with 170k on it, so im getting ready to replace the shocks anyway, but I wouldnt think shocks would create a lateral effect problem like I'm feeling. Bumpstops are about 2" from the axle at static height

The ONLY thing I did differently was put the axle-side panhard bolt in from back to front instead of front to back. It was a pain in the ass with the spring there trying to go front to back, but it didnt look like a position specific bolt or hole so I went with it. She's tight though.

I'm just wondering if eneyone else has had this feeling?

 

[Skidmarcx]

It sounds typical since you're raising the center of gravity... Also the rubber bushings in the factory control arms are made to be mushy. If you've double checked the tightness of all the fasteners you're fine... And yes worn shocks will not control movement as well even the lateral wiggle you're referring to

 

[PitbullRescuer]

What's the angle on your rear sway bar links? Sounds like they're too short after the lift, which essentially makes the sway bar act as a torsion bar.

 

[4x4mike]

To the OP, I had a similar experience with some spacers. I ended up taking them out after a few days. A left hand turn in traffic felt like the axle was going to slide out from under the 4Runner.

I'm not sure if it's the rubber they are made out of or the fact the panhard bar isn't keeping the rear end centered but it was not good. You might need a lengthened panhard bar or a drop bracket if the axle is not centered left to right after the lift. This might fix part of the problem.

 

[sb253]

Thanks guys. There's a storm hitting, so Ill check the sway bar links in the morning. I've been doing some research and I think I'll just go with some new 99 tall springs when I replace the shocks.

 

[4x4mike]

What springs do you have up front?

I had old compressed 99 springs and replaced them with OME 881 and 906 springs.

Here is a little write up with some measurements.
LINK

Since then I have put the Toytec 3/4" spacer back in the front and OME 10mm trim spacers in the rear. They were both free from a dealer credit so I figured I'd use them.

I don't have measurements but the springs have settled and I have put a TJM bumper on the front. The ride is a bit stiff but works.

 

[sb253]

Stock springs all the way around. I have been debating the 880/906 package too, but money is tight knowing that i need tires, LBJ's, inner and outer tierods soon. I do like the ride height where it sits now with stock springs up front and stock springs +1.5" in the rear, so im thinking 99's in the rear with new shocks to try and fix the gooeyness, tires/front end stuff next, then new stock springs+ new struts up front after that.