Replacing Stock rear springs for towing

[bass-o-matic]

"3rd gen* and 5th gen 4runners require tandem axles for towing trailers over 2000lbs."

Well, crap. So lets say I fix my saggy rear end and add air bags. Then possibly a WD hitch... I'm still not safe. Maybe I should buy a truck!

 

[thegipper]

Ok, ok ok…. I think I got it…

Rears only since the 99 springs will only add an inch. I can replace the front shocks if necessary and keep the factory front coils.

Parts list:

1. Genuine Toyota 48231-35210 Coil Spring, Rear (Amazon $124 Each OEM) $250
2. Bilstein (24-100144) 5100 Series Shock Absorber Rear (Amazon $70 each) $140
3. Daystar, Universal Hourglass Shock Eye Bushing Std. 3/4" I.D. Pair, KU08007BK, Made in America, Black (Amazon $6 a pair) $6

Total Cost $396~

Sound about right?

Didn't you want the 906's for the rear?

Here https://wheelersoffroad.com/i-25490081-old-man-emu-2906-rear-coil-spring-set.html

And these are the 3rd gen 4R specific 5100's for the rear.

https://wheelersoffroad.com/i-25489...r-1996-2002-4runner.html?ref=category:1388358

I would leave the front alone unless you want to lift the front too.

 

[spartacus]

"3rd gen* and 5th gen 4runners require tandem axles for towing trailers over 2000lbs."

Well, crap. So lets say I fix my saggy rear end and add air bags. Then possibly a WD hitch... I'm still not safe. Maybe I should buy a truck!

that would be ideal, T4r's are capable of towing but not really designed as towing vehicles. you have experience towing so that gives you a great advantage. I just told you what I did to my rigs but you can decide what's good for you.

 

[thegipper]

"3rd gen* and 5th gen 4runners require tandem axles for towing trailers over 2000lbs."

Well, crap. So lets say I fix my saggy rear end and add air bags. Then possibly a WD hitch... I'm still not safe. Maybe I should buy a truck!

Where did you read that?

My 97 tows a 2000k+ lb boat/trailer just fine.

Technically these trucks can tow 5k but that is a stretch if you ask me.

Anything over 2500lb I would want trailer brakes.

 

[thegipper]

Never mind, I guess it's in the owners manual. I don't have one so I've never read it. I think many people on here tow 2k lb + trailers without tandem axle trailers all the time.

If I were you, I'd either do the air bags or get some 906's with the 5100's. A WD hitch would certainly help.

Good luck!

 

[bass-o-matic]

Thanks for the links!

Great info on all sides. I'll meditate deeply and then choose the path that will cause the most beer.

 

[phattyduck]

That's a really high tongue weight for a 2500lb trailer. Your goal should be ~10% (or slightly more) of the total trailer weight on the tongue. You should have trailer brakes for any trailer over 2000lbs. There is nothing in my '99 manual that states anything about how many axles the trailer has to be. It does mention needing sway control for loads over 2000lbs, but I haven't found that to be necessary.

Rear airbags are really easy to inflate with a bicycle pump if you do go that route.

If you are going to get the 5100 shocks, get the ones specifically for the 4Runner. Some people sell longer shocks that also fit, but if you aren't lifting your 4Runner up a long way and adding bump stop spacers, those aren't for you. Keep in mind that shocks won't really help you handle extra weight unless your current shocks are blown out.

-Charlie

 

[octanejunkie]

If you are going to get the 5100 shocks, get the ones specifically for the 4Runner. Some people sell longer shocks that also fit, but if you aren't lifting your 4Runner up a long way and adding bump stop spacers, those aren't for you. Keep in mind that shocks won't really help you handle extra weight unless your current shocks are blown out.

-Charlie

Wheelers lists a 1.5-3" lift shock in the 4runner 5100 category, PN 24-249966

-> https://wheelersoffroad.com/i-25489...r-1996-2002-4runner.html?ref=category:1388358 see Options Available and the description below

We have these in a couple different lengths. We have a set that measures 12.91" X 20.79" for 0-2" lift and a longer set that measures 13.84" x 22.44" for 1.5"- 3" lift. The longer shocks are valved slightly softer than the shorter shocks. Bolts on 96-02 4Runner. Includes new stem cushions and washers. We’ve got 5100 height adjustable front struts and several coil springs choices for your 4Runner as well.​

 

[phattyduck]

Wheelers lists a 1.5-3" lift shock in the 4runner 5100 category, PN 24-249966

-> https://wheelersoffroad.com/i-25489...r-1996-2002-4runner.html?ref=category:1388358 see Options Available and the description below

We have these in a couple different lengths. We have a set that measures 12.91" X 20.79" for 0-2" lift and a longer set that measures 13.84" x 22.44" for 1.5"- 3" lift. The longer shocks are valved slightly softer than the shorter shocks. Bolts on 96-02 4Runner. Includes new stem cushions and washers. We’ve got 5100 height adjustable front struts and several coil springs choices for your 4Runner as well.​

The 24-249966 are the 0-2" lift 4Runner specific ones. The other shock they list (1.5-3" lift) is the first gen Tundra rear shock with 4Runner lower bushings (PN 24-100144) that should be used with bump stop spacers.

-Charlie

 

[octanejunkie]

The 24-249966 are the 0-2" lift 4Runner specific ones. The other shock they list (1.5-3" lift) is the first gen Tundra rear shock with 4Runner lower bushings (PN 24-100144) that should be used with bump stop spacers.

-Charlie

Regarding rear shocks, Sonoran Steel has a 1996-2002 - System 1.2 "You Build It/Piece It Together" kit that instructs prospective buyers to self-provide either Tokico or Bilstein 5100's 33-187174 specifically. The bilstien, if I'm not mistaken, is an FJ-specific shock which they "pair" with an LC rear coil along with Tundra 24-261425 5100 billies up front with the TRD Coils 48131-AF090 & 48131-AF100 coils

Dimensions
24-100144 Tundra
Collapsed Length (IN): 13.84
Extended Length (IN): 22.4
Travel Length (IN): 8.56

33-187174 FJ
Collapsed Length (IN): 14.91
Extended Length (IN): 23.5
Travel Length (IN): 8.59

Not withstanding stock vs aftermarket bumper, how does the FJ shock differ in performance from the tundra rear shock when installed on a ~3" lifted 3rd Gen?

ps. sorry for the hijack OP, get you some air bags lol