Need rear springs

[TechWrench]

Ok, I did some searching, lots of great info but not the answer I am looking for. I have both an '03 SR5 V6 4wd which I have had since new, and an '03 Limited V8 4wd which I just got last year. The Limited, with 272k is not handling the towing loads that the SR5, with 124k, handled easily. Engine wise, the Limited V8 is great, but the rear suspension isn't cutting it. I am bottoming out on the stops way too often with trailer loads that the SR5 was able to handle. The limited did have Xreas, but it failed last fall, and I replaced it with a set of standard Monroe shocks and struts. Unless I am towing, it rides fine, so I am thinking that the Limited rear springs are no longer up to the task. I don't think I want to go with an rear air suspension, and I am not looking to lift the rear. I just want to get a heavier rear spring and maintain the rear height as close to normal as I can. I checked, and both the SR5 and Limited appear to share the same rear springs, so I am assuming the extra miles on the Limited are the reason for the springs not holding up. From what I have read, going with a set of FJ springs will only increase the load rate a bit, and lift the rear about 1/2", which I could live with. Or should I just get a new set of standard springs, and expect that they will hold up better than the old tired ones I now have?

 

[Lolrax]

The rear FJ springs did absolutely nothing for me in terms of lift or firmness. They were a waste of money and time. I would recommend the Toytec superflex springs. You may get just shy of 2 inches in lift but they are way firmer and should make the towing better.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

have you considered adding airbags to the rear? pretty cost effective option

 

[Civiceg94]

I have ome 895e springs their stiffer but not uncomfortable to me and i didnt get a big lift from it. My rear stock springs were sagging a bit so these springs did return the height and some lift the ome 895 springs are for a more lift. But i dont think your monroe shocks will handle those springs.

 

[TechWrench]

have you considered adding airbags to the rear? pretty cost effective option

I have been looking into them, but still on the fence. What bothers me is that my SR5, V6 has had no issues with any of my trailers. I did upgrade the rear hitch, and added a trans cooler, neither of which has any direct impact on how the rear suspension handles the additional loads. Hell, it still has the original shocks on it.

I am having a hard time believing that the Limited springs would be that soft, compared to the SR5 ones, since they are supposed to be the same spring. I know there is a lot more miles on the Limited springs, but I know the previous (original) owner, and he never came close to towing the loads I do.

I am considering a set of the MOOG 81045 springs and a set of air bags. I do not do any serious off roading, and don't want to add any significant lift (I like the factory ride height). And I don't want to make it ride too stiff when empty. Also, cost is a significant factor, since I am now retired, and have to be reasonable with any mods I get into.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[riverwolf]

Have you considered that it might be those Monroe shocks on the rear that are letting you down and not the springs? Besides mileage, that's the main difference between your Limited and SR5 in the rear.

 

[TechWrench]

Have you considered that it might be those Monroe shocks on the rear that are letting you down and not the springs? Besides mileage, that's the main difference between your Limited and SR5 in the rear.

I suppose the shocks could be the issue, or at least part of the problem. I had to replace the Xreas system, when the lines started failing due to rust and the fluid leaked out. I went with the Monroe's because I didn't want to get into a HD system, which I didn't think I needed. I installed them last fall, and they have been fine for everyday driving, up until now. And, I thought they couldn't be any worse than the 13 year old factory shocks on the SR5, which still seem to work well. As I said earlier, I am not looking to do any lift to the suspension. The rear, thus far isn't sagging when not loaded, so I don't think the springs have failed. I just thought they were no longer able to handle any excess load from the trailers.

Well, more stuff to ponder..................hwell: