Rear Coil Spring - Decision Time

[RL Lemke]

I have been more than pleased with my Donahoe Coil-Over front suspension, which is set at 3" of lift. This allows me to crawl over every rock I want to without hitting anything under my 4th gen 4Runner, without affecting my on-road performance or ride comfort.

In back I still have the NE coil spring spacers, and some huge shocks from Mike's Off-Road.

When carrying my KTM LC4 motorcycle with a hitch jack, at night, the rear sags a bit. Truckers were all pissed with me when driving at night.

Decision: 1) Wait for Donahoe to come out with a 2" or maybe 3" longer coil spring, in the first quarter of 2006. 2) Install the longer Downey springs, which are known to sag. or, 3) Get some of the airbags to fit inside the stock springs to pressurize when I carry heavy loads.

I would prefer to get longer springs, that will last without sagging, and get the airbags. I hope to get all this taken care of before Christmas.

 

[Jared]

I have the same setup up front as you on my 4th gen. But I have a different rear setup. Here in lies the...

3rd Option:
Deaver Spring Company

I had the same thoughts as you, wait for Donahoe, go with OME or Downey (which both have their drawbacks), or do something else.

I contacted Deaver, asked them to make them firmer than Downey's and 2 inches over stock. They do everything custom and it takes between 3 and 5 weeks for your order. The cost wasn't *that* much more than Downeys. I've only been rolling on them for a couple of weeks so I can't give you a long term test, but they are nice so far.

I ended up with 30% stiffer than stock and 2 inches of lift. If I were you, I'd probably do 30% stiffer and 2.5 or 3 inches of lift.

If this interests you, I can tell you who specifically to talk to.

 

[Good Times]

Jared:

Post that info online so others can call

On a side note, you can try OME's HD coil if you're always running 400+# in the rear. I'm running the OME HD coil in the rear and it works well w/ my added rear bumper. It has enough lift to compliment the front end so I would say give that a try.

 

[Bobby]

The firmer springs will also adversely affect handling. I would go with just a little firmer than stock springs or stock springs and air bags.

I have a VersaHaul hitch motorcycle carrier and I have the same problem. I have Daystars 2.5" lift and the ass drags with it and my bike loaded. I was thinking of going with airbags but no one had them until recently. Airlift now has them for 4th gen 4runners.

 

[RL Lemke]

After talking to ARB and Slee Off Road, and reading a lot of posts, I've made a decision.

I'm getting the Air Lift 1000 series airbag to place in the stock rear springs. The kit number is 60809. Prices range from $66 to the list price of $102.

That way I keep the soft rear springs which are fine almost all of the time. Then when I carry my family and luggage, I can add a few pounds of air to level the 4Runner out. When I carry the dirt bike, I can add even more air to again find the right ride height.

The OME springs are just 1.57" taller than stock, thus requiring another spacer.

Donahoe is still deciding whether to go with 2" or 3" lift. I don't want to wait.

The small price of this kit will get me thru the Christmas and spring Moab trips. I'll then see what is available.

 

[Kmvreter]

After talking to ARB and Slee Off Road, and reading a lot of posts, I've made a decision.

I'm getting the Air Lift 1000 series airbag to place in the stock rear springs. The kit number is 60809. Prices range from $66 to the list price of $102.

Looks like a good solution that was possibly discussed in other threads. Please do a writeup of the install when you get that far.

 

[Bobby]

I have some pics at home but here's a THREAD with a VersaHaul carrying a Gixxer1000.

 

[Jared]

Jared:

Post that info online so others can call

Okay. If you call Deaver, talk to Scott. He's the man that knows what's going on.

 

[RL Lemke]

Do you have a better picture of your hitch mounted bike carrier? Me likes..

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5092

 

[Colemanfu]

Been through the same thing. Same bike as well . Same 3 in spacer in the back. The rig sits super nose high loaded with the bike. Add 3 adults and gear and your sky hi. I only go on 3-4 trips a year so have been in no hurry. I was thinking of the air bags solution as well. I did see on the directions you would have to cut off your bump stops. No turning back after that.

Let me know how they work for ya.

 

[RL Lemke]

I did see on the directions you would have to cut off your bump stops. No turning back after that.

Mike's Off Road has the Air Lift kit in, and waiting for me. If I recall right, the spacer eliminated the function of the rubber bump stop anyway.

I'll post photos after the install. Maybe even this week.

http://www.airliftcompany.com/new-index/Frameset.htm

 

[RL Lemke]

The deed is done.

Mike's Off Road installed the kit today.

Here is the box and uninstalled air bags.

 

[RL Lemke]

Here is the hose, fittings and two plastic spacers.

 

[RL Lemke]

There is a hole at the bottom of the spring base. The air hose goes over the axle, up thru the hole, and connects to the bag.

 

[RL Lemke]

The spacer goes between the bag and the spring base.

 

[RL Lemke]

Since I already have the 3" spacer lift, I left the bump stop in place.

 

[RL Lemke]

The air hoses were joined into one valve inside the wheel well mud flap. We left a lot of extra hose incase I want to relocate the valve into the fuel door. However, the soft rubber surround the fuel cap didn't seem like a good choice for now.

 

[RL Lemke]

Here is how the bag looks with the weight on it. I have 10 lbs of pressure right now. I have about 50 miles with some off-roading, with the bags in place.

 

[Colemanfu]

Thanks for posting the pix. Let us know what you think.

 

[Bobby]

RL - Thanks for the pics. I just ordered a set for $110 shipped from StylinConcepts.com. They had the best price ($89.99).

How's the bags with 10psi? Did it raise the back?

I'll post pics when I get mine installed.