Saggy rear-end

[MHartley]

I drive a 1993 4Runner. Over the last year I have begun to notice the rear end sag quite a bit. What needs to be replaced? Is it the coil springs, the shocks or both? Is this something a novice mechanic with plenty of time could do on his own? Is it worth fixing or does it not really effect much?

 

[bshinn]

Google " moog coil springs+4runner". $75.00 & 1/2 hr of work and you're set.

 

[manhunter]

If the shocks are old, I would recommend replacing them as well at the same time you replace your springs.

 

[fourwd1]

Another option is springs and shocks from Old Man Emu. More $, but great ride and handling.

 

[manhunter]

Another option is springs and shocks from Old Man Emu. More $, but great ride and handling.

I agree - go with a combo of shocks and the OME 891 coils. Gives you a good lift plus the firm ride.

 

[BornToRun]

What is my best approach to solve the same problem for an 87? I looked at the moog site and the earliest model supported is an 89.

 

[turboSR5]

What is my best approach to solve the same problem for an 87? I looked at the moog site and the earliest model supported is an 89.

Here is a list of parts that I ordered from a local shop (great guys to work with, I was amazed at the level of service). I am very, very pleased with the outcome of the install, very smooth ride, much more resposive and a touch of lift.
My total price turned out to be $460 even, I ended up going with Rancho U bolts and they worked perfectly (they advised that I save money and go with the Ranchos, I listened).

Edit: I should have mentioned that you can't find coil springs for your '87 because they use leaf springs instead of coils in the rear. There are several things you can do to fix a sagging rear end on a 4runner but the only way to do it right is with new springs. You can add blocks, or an add a leaf but you are going to be stuck with a worse ride than when you started so go with new springs for the best of of both worlds.

 

[77'911]

Since the families 4runner does not go off road, I stuck to a more oem set-up(ie not OME, but its a nice set-up). To get rid of the sag on our 4runner(1990), I replaced the following:
1: rear control arm bushing(urethane $90) set from suspension.com
2:factory rear shocks $100
3:Moog rear coil springs $80 performance catalog
The above mentioned items really raised the rear end up quite a bit from where the old bits had it. After so many years , everything was just completely shot. The bushings helped enormously, as the old ones would sag and not hold the proper suspension geometry or setting. The truck was far more stable and road worthy afterwards.
regards

 

[BornToRun]

You can add blocks, or an add a leaf but you are going to be stuck with a worse ride than when you started so go with new springs for the best of of both worlds.

Would you recommend a source for new leaf springs? I see JCWhitney has them for $125 each. Not sure if their springs are good or bad. I did the web search and saw SuspensionKing as well but not sure about their price yet.

I don't want lift...no more than 2" max. I just don't want to sacrifice highway handling that much. I'm only running 31" tires so I don't really need any lift. I really just want it leveled.

 

[Nuke]

Wasn't there a TSB for rear end sag on the 2nd gens? I recall one for my old '90...

 

[77'911]

As far as springs go, you might find out who makes the springs JC Whitney is selling. Sometimes they carry parts of dubious quality. The suspension bushings will improve hwy stability. I found replacing the motor and trans mounts did wonders for stability on the road as well, but this is probably more true for the V6 then anythings else.
regards

 

[fourwd1]

It's going to be hard to find replacement spring packs that don't lift. There's not much of a market for them. One option might be adding a full length AAL (the short ones result in a harsher ride).

 

[turboSR5]

Since you aren't opposed to less that 2" lift I would highly reccomend the OME springs that I installed. I absoloutly love the ride, I have never driven a Toyota on the street that was this smooth. Check the .pdf in my earlier post for part numbers, maybe do what I did and call around to some off road shops and get a price quote.

 

[Savage]

question: On the "sag" fix of new springs and shocks: this isn't going to lift enough to affect drive train is it? I read elsewhere in the forum a warning about the possible need for a transmission extension on other than body lift? have I got this right lol?:shrug:

 

[BornToRun]

Check the .pdf in my earlier post for part numbers, maybe do what I did and call around to some off road shops and get a price quote.

Thanks for posting your info. You've really helped me alot. I didn't know what OME stood for...now I do. I'll let you know once I get them installed and maybe send some pics.

 

[domrepdom]

Same thing

I also have the same happening with my '93 Beast !
I took it to the local (so called) expert and he told me i needed to change the shocks, which I did.... made hardly any difference!.... We live in the DR and the road quality is very poor... plus I like to go 'cross country', should i leave the rear shocks as they are and change the springs or would you recommend to just ditch the lot and start afresh?!.... Thanks!
:roadkill: