No More Stinkbug (lowered my rear end)

[illzoni]

As I'd posted previously,
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classic-t4rs/66518-what-do-i-have-here.html

Okay, I think I understand "63” chevys" as a reference to oversize rear springs. Is this a popular mod?

and

...as my BIL referred to it as the stinkbug look. The front fender is 36" off the ground, while the rear is at 38-1/4" high.

1987 Toyota 4Runner

It took some effort, but the rear end of my 4Runner is now only 3/4" higher than the front (versus the 2-1/4" it was). It looks much better now. And I hope it drives better too.

The PO had installed 63" Chevy springs on his way to making this a seriously capable offroad machine. (He hadn't gotten to the solid front axle yet.) In doing so, he used 6" shackles at the rear end of the springs.

I shopped around Tucson and found no replacement shackles available, so I decided to drill out the current shackles instead. I figured putting another hole at 3" would lower the rear 1.5". Removing and reinstalling the modified shackles wasn't a big deal, but drilling them was quite an exercise.

Bought the tools needed (1/8" pilot bit, 9/16" main bit, lubricating oil) at Lowes and returned home looking forward to getting it done. I removed the right side shackles with a little effort, and drilled the 1/8" pilot holes with no fanfare. Time for the main holes.....what? WHAT? The @#$% 9/16" bit has a 1/2" shank and won't fit in my 3/8" drill.

After much nashing of teeth over possibly buying a cordless kit (drill, sawzall, circular, etc), I ended up renting a 1/2" drill from Home Depot. With that drill home, it was no big deal to make the 9/16" holes. Then I just reinstalled the right shackles, and repeated on the left.

I'm thinking this change will have several good side effects...
First, my BIL won't be calling it a stinkbug anymore.
The front end will align better (and wear my new tires better).
It should handle better in general.
That's 1-1/2" less drop I'll need at the hitch.
And maybe I'll see a slight improvement in MPG.

Jon

 

[illzoni]

I'm currently experiencing problems uploading to my domain, so I'll try to post some pics directly...

 

[cometobanks]

Good job! Weld anything yet?

 

[illzoni]

I've finally uploaded several photos of my modification at:
1987 Toyota 4Runner

Here's one:

My general page for my 4Runner stuff is at:
1987 Toyota 4Runner

 

[DuckieAZ]

I would like to see more pics of how those shocks are mounted. Also, if you do any offroading, I would consider trimming those shackles down. That "fanging" is a rock magnet lol.

 

[illzoni]

I would like to see more pics of how those shocks are mounted.

This doesn't show the top mounts, which is what I assume you want to see:

Also, if you do any offroading, I would consider trimming those shackles down. That "fanging" is a rock magnet lol.

Yeah, I may order some of the correct length, keeping these on hand just in case. And certainly don't want to go through the effort of cutting them. Drilling was enough...but I had to get it done! Just because.

 

[DuckieAZ]

This doesn't show the top mounts, which is what I assume you want to see:

I've been wanting to mount my rear shocks like that, it seems as though it allows longer shocks and more droop. How long are the bilsteins?



Yeah, I may order some of the correct length, keeping these on hand just in case. And certainly don't want to go through the effort of cutting them. Drilling was enough...but I had to get it done! Just because.

Yeah I don't blame you, those thick aftermarket shackles are tough lol. What's your eye to eye measurment with the holes you made? I know the stockers are 3.5" eye to eye.