Real coils question. Toytec vs LC

[tS_kStin]

Hey guys, I am currently running Toytec Superflex coils in the rear with LC80 shocks and the dropped bump stop kit. I have noticed that I have been hitting my bumps a bit too frequently in town. Not sure if anyone knows the spring rate of the superflex and the print rate of the LC80 coils. I have been thinking about 8 wraps but am not totally sure what wrap would be the best as I am looking for around the same or a bit more lift from the rear but not too much. I feel like 7s might be too short while 9s are very tall it seems.

I know the OME has their HD coils but I do like having the extended travel out of my setup right now and don't want to give that up.

So I am looking for thoughts about Superflex vs 8 or 9 wraps in length and or spring rate and overall light amount.

Vehicle info: 98 SR5 w/ a sleping platform, single 10" sub, a full plate bumper with a tire carrier (33" MT) and a couple of old jerry cans. So I do have a good bit of weight in the back and it is probably about the general weight of a CBI rear plate w/ carrier.

 

[mtbtim]

I bought a Sonoran Steel Radflo lift and found out at my recent Pismo Beach wheeling trip that the LC 7 wraps are not nearly enough when I load down with gear. I have a CBI rear dual swing-out bumper and I was pretty much almost on the bump stops. I'm now going to try out OME 861s. I'm probably going to be pretty raked out when unloaded but I've heard they can handle the extra weight load much better so when I'm loaded down with tools and gear I will have more up travel available.

 

[Dezert4Runner]

LC coils are 180# spring rate and give 4”+ lift over stock
861’s are 220# spring rate and give 5” lift over stock
Superflex are 240# spring rate and give 3.75” lift over stock

With your steel bumper, sleeping platform, Jerry cans, etc., the numbers above should give you an idea of how much each sags and handles weight when loaded down and cycling suspension. If you like the Superflex you will probably need a firmer spring than the LC’s since they’ll sag a couple inches with all your extra weight, and have an easier time hitting the bump stops. I think the 861’s would be a better match with all your extra weight and probably keep you off your bump stops better too.

 

[CaboRunner]

LC coils are 180# spring rate and give 4”+ lift over stock
861’s are 220# spring rate and give 5” lift over stock
Superflex are 240# spring rate and give 3.75” lift over stock

With your steel bumper, sleeping platform, Jerry cans, etc., the numbers above should give you an idea of how much each sags and handles weight when loaded down and cycling suspension. If you like the Superflex you will probably need a firmer spring than the LC’s since they’ll sag a couple inches with all your extra weight, and have an easier time hitting the bump stops. I think the 861’s would be a better match with all your extra weight and probably keep you off your bump stops better too.

Hey Dez, do you know if the LC 7 wraps are also 180# rate? And do they give about 3" of lift?

 

[mtbtim]

Hey Dez, do you know if the LC 7 wraps are also 180# rate? And do they give about 3" of lift?

I don't know the spring rate but the 7 wraps on my rig generated a 4.5" lift. With the rear CBI dual swing-out bumper and no other extra weight in the cargo area, I still sit with a positive rake with a 3" lift in the front. My front has a CBI front bumper as well. It's when I load it down with heavy gear in the rear that I sagged down almost to my Sonoran Steel extended bump stops. From suggestions from a friend and Steve at Sonoran Steel, I decided the 861s were the way to go for me. I'll be installing them this weekend.

 

[Dezert4Runner]

Hey Dez, do you know if the LC 7 wraps are also 180# rate? And do they give about 3" of lift?

To my knowledge all OEM T4R rear coils and LC coils are 180# spring rate. I’ve never heard of varying spring rates for either LC 80 front springs (aka 7 through 9 wraps) or 3rd gen T4R rear OEM coils. 4-5” is the expected lift for a 3rd gen not carrying extra weight with LC coils.

As a side note, LC coils are known for being soft and not handle weight well. People like them because they ride/ flex well offroad (with minimal extra weight) and are cheap since you can get them for like $50-$100 a pair used.

 

[tS_kStin]

LC coils are 180# spring rate and give 4”+ lift over stock
861’s are 220# spring rate and give 5” lift over stock
Superflex are 240# spring rate and give 3.75” lift over stock

With your steel bumper, sleeping platform, Jerry cans, etc., the numbers above should give you an idea of how much each sags and handles weight when loaded down and cycling suspension. If you like the Superflex you will probably need a firmer spring than the LC’s since they’ll sag a couple inches with all your extra weight, and have an easier time hitting the bump stops. I think the 861’s would be a better match with all your extra weight and probably keep you off your bump stops better too.

Wow those LC are much softer than I thought they would be considering they are from the front and have to hold the motor up! And I don't want to gain much for height, I'd be alright with a half inch or so as I feel like I am at about 2.75 or 3" lift right now and don't plan of having 35s since it is still my daily. Im probably just being too picky with how I want to to ride and sit.

 

[Dezert4Runner]

Wow those LC are much softer than I thought they would be considering they are from the front and have to hold the motor up!

My guess is the geometry differences. We use IFS and coilovers, and Land Cruisers have a SFA and use separate coils & shocks, the spring rates don’t apply the same.

 

[tS_kStin]

My guess is the geometry differences. We use IFS and coilovers, and Land Cruisers have a SFA and use separate coils & shocks, the spring rates don’t apply the same.

That is true. Big difference from my 650# coils for the front of my runner that is a lighter vehicle. But still surprising since the rear of our 4runner is also a solid axle so I feel like it would be similar. Then again I don't know much about geometry and such when it comes to suspension.