Sagging Rear

[BackpackingDad]

I installed bilstein 5100s about 6-9 months ago. I set the front at .85 and ended up with a 1inch rake compared to the almost 3inch rake from the factory. I was pleased with the outcome for my needs (daily driver and occasional off road). However, over time the 5100s have settled in and now the rear sags almost 1 inch below the front. I would like to lift the rear for the 1inch rake I had at first. What is the best way to do this? Coils or spacer? Any suggestions. Thank you in advance for your input!

 

[gm350reratliff]

I would suggest coils such as the Sway-Away 1.5" coils (actually closer to 2").

 

[Jhalko]

These are the same as the SAW not sure if priced better or same but folks were not able to get the SAW for awhile.

Wheeler's T12 Rear Coil Spring Pair

 

[jmarthsr]

I have had the 5100s set at.85 on fronts on my 2014 TEP for a year and a half and have not experienced this sag yet. Do you regularly have heavy loads, tow etc. Just curious to know if this is something I can expect in the future.

 

[philsey]

I have had the 5100s set at.85 on fronts on my 2014 TEP for a year and a half and have not experienced this sag yet. Do you regularly have heavy loads, tow etc. Just curious to know if this is something I can expect in the future.

Same setup (5100's @ .85) for 5 years. Have hauled a few heavy loads; pavers, sand, landscaping etc. but mine has not changed at all.

 

[stamonkey]

I can't believe there is not one reply about the OP's choice in thread titles. Shame.

 

[1engineer]

I can't believe there is not one reply about the OP's choice in thread titles. Shame.

...high heels..... boom...

 

[Okki]

Not listed in the classifieds yet, but I have a set of 600lbs Icon springs for sale. It's the springs that come standard with their stage 6 kit. Don't have the part number handy here at Starbucks, but let me know if you are interested and I can get you all the details. It's the coils only. And it's both the front and rear springs.

Okki

 

[BackpackingDad]

I have had the 5100s set at.85 on fronts on my 2014 TEP for a year and a half and have not experienced this sag yet. Do you regularly have heavy loads, tow etc. Just curious to know if this is something I can expect in the future.

I don't know what would make my situation different. The only heavy loads were family vacations. The off roading was rolling over small boulders climbing up to a mountain pass. Gave the bilstein a work out but performed great. I really don't know what has caused the sag but I measured just to make sure my eyes were not lying.
I will say my 4runner has 40k miles. I bought it used. But the Bilsteins doesn't have more than 10k.
I read the lift summary and didn't see my issue addressed. Just didn't know if Springs or spacer was best solution. I really didn't want to go higher in front but I will if that is the best solution.

 

[Jeremy556]

Rear shocks don't affect ride height.

 

[T4RUNNER02]

That what happens when they hit 40 yrs.

 

[5Sport]

I have the same set up and when I load the car for trips the rear end sags and is a little soft. I asked a similar question a while back and was pointed to air bags. I ordered a set of Airlift bags that I should be getting this week. I hope to have them installed before my next Mammoth trip.

If you find a stiffer spring that only lifts the rear an inch please let me know.

I'm hoping the air bags will work as suggested.

 

[Saker]

Rear shocks don't affect ride height.

I was waiting for someone to point out that shocks are not the reason for the sag.
You could take the shocks off and it wouldn't sag and more or any less....

 

[1engineer]

Rear shocks don't affect ride height.

I like my answer better.

 

[wfo9]

The rear springs settled some once the front was stiffer... Throw on some small spacers or some low lift rear springs.

 

[DougD]

I installed bilstein 5100s about 6-9 months ago. I set the front at .85 and ended up with a 1inch rake compared to the almost 3inch rake from the factory. I was pleased with the outcome for my needs (daily driver and occasional off road). However, over time the 5100s have settled in and now the rear sags almost 1 inch below the front. I would like to lift the rear for the 1inch rake I had at first. What is the best way to do this? Coils or spacer? Any suggestions. Thank you in advance for your input!

My story is almost identical to yours. I had Bilstein 5100's installed 15 months ago on the front and rear of my 2012 SR5. Also installed BF Goodrich TAK02 tires (LT285/70R17) and new wheels. Spacers were installed in the front to level the vehicle and make space for the new tires.

Now the rear end is lower than the front. It's sagging enough that other people comment on it every now and then. One shop recommended I put spacers on the rear along with an air bag system.

I'm not 100% sure but I think it would be level if the rear of the body was raised 1-1/2" or 2 inches.

Would new springs solve this? Just springs, I mean? No spacers, air bags, etc.

 

[BackpackingDad]

My story is almost identical to yours. I had Bilstein 5100's installed 15 months ago on the front and rear of my 2012 SR5. Also installed BF Goodrich TAK02 tires (LT285/70R17) and new wheels. Spacers were installed in the front to level the vehicle and make space for the new tires.

Now the rear end is lower than the front. It's sagging enough that other people comment on it every now and then. One shop recommended I put spacers on the rear along with an air bag system.

I'm not 100% sure but I think it would be level if the rear of the body was raised 1-1/2" or 2 inches.

Would new springs solve this? Just springs, I mean? No spacers, air bags, etc.

There are definitely others more qualified on this forum, but here is my humble opinion. If you want to increase the rear height by as much as 1.5 inches, I would recommend you do new springs and no spacers. Toytec sells a set called sway-a-way that provide the 1.5 inches you want and it would improve the ride of your vehicle as well. Since you already have spacers in the front, this may be a good option depending on how thick your spacers are.
Since I didn't want to lift my vehicle more than what it already is, I chose to go with a 10mm spacer on the right passenger only and now the 1 inch rake is equal on both sides. I will install the Airlift 1000 next since I want to have more stiffness in the rear springs when I load my 4runner down with stuff.
That's my .02. Consider it for what its worth!

 

[Swarty]

I'm not 100% sure but I think it would be level if the rear of the body was raised 1-1/2" or 2 inches.

Would new springs solve this? Just springs, I mean? No spacers, air bags, etc.

New springs are $180-$220 depending on who you ask. I don't like spacers so I think that's a bargain to maintain performance.

 

[Swarty]

I don't know what would make my situation different. The only heavy loads were family vacations. The off roading was rolling over small boulders climbing up to a mountain pass. Gave the bilstein a work out but performed great. I really don't know what has caused the sag but I measured just to make sure my eyes were not lying.
I will say my 4runner has 40k miles. I bought it used. But the Bilsteins doesn't have more than 10k.
I read the lift summary and didn't see my issue addressed. Just didn't know if Springs or spacer was best solution. I really didn't want to go higher in front but I will if that is the best solution.

Hmmm, I would expect springs that have 30k on them to be done settling. Not sure why they would settle 2" 10k later. You sure you are at the .85 mark? The only way I could see you getting 1.5-2 inches of change is from the coils not being seated at the beginning or overloading that kept the springs compressed an abnormally long time. That's super weird.

 

[5Sport]

I have a 2015 with 5100's set at .85 too. I installed the Airlift bags last week and it will lift the rear depending on how much air you put in it.
I will be loading up the truck in about a week and I think this will do the trick. With air in it, it stiffens up the rear spring nicely and improves the ride.

At about 80.00 it was a good mod.