The Lean (Yeah, I Know)

[SoCal4Run]

Alright, so this lean issue is really eating at me. I know it is frowned upon to start new threads, but I tried bumping older threads in the past, but didn't get any info from that.

So this driver's side lean just erks me. About a couple months ago, I had 5100's put on all 4 corners with the fronts set at 1.75, and got an alignment done. However, it seems like that's when the lean really started to be clear. I started to wonder if they got the springs mixed up (drivers vs passenger). I looked under and saw the color code was white/yellow for the driver's side and white/red for the passenger side. Can anyone check this setup on their 2014 SR5 Premium to see if it matches?

So I've already purchase an OME 10mm rear trim spacer, but I'm wondering if I need/should put something up front on the driver's side as well. Was looking at this:

Front Top Plate Spacer (One - 1/4")

Guess my main concern is getting these installed, and then it's leaning too much to the passenger side. If anyone could give current feedback/thoughts on this and check for sure the spring color codes to make sure they're on the right sides, I would appreciate it. Had the install/alignment done at 4wheelparts and wasn't too happy. Had to go back to get alignment redone as it wasn't done right the first time. So I wouldn't be surprised. Thanks again.

 

[Mooney]

It's a moving target!

We really worked to eliminate the rake, and get a lateral balance when installing the new suspension. After about a week I also noticed a lean (toward drivers side), got out the tape measure and found almost a 1" difference between sides and 1/2" of total decrease in height. Readjusted coilovers to re-balance, then found it changed slightly a couple weeks later. Did another adjustment, three months later everything within 1/4"

It's a dynamic system, break-in, added accessories, load in vehicle all impact your outcome.

If you have a few months/miles on your current set then make the changes, if not suggest waiting until you really work the components to make final adjustments.

 

[SPENK05]

I've used the OME trim packer before and it worked great. Was it perfect by measurement? No, but it was at least visually more appealing to where I never noticed it. Sounds crazy, but wwouldn't how full the gas tank is affect this? Its on the left rear side so as it's full or.empty it will affect the height of the other points. I think a 5 gallon gas can weighs about 30lbS. That's not a lot of weight but would affect measurements if there is no other weight around the vehicle.

 

[SoCal4Run]

It's a moving target!

We really worked to eliminate the rake, and get a lateral balance when installing the new suspension. After about a week I also noticed a lean (toward drivers side), got out the tape measure and found almost a 1" difference between sides and 1/2" of total decrease in height. Readjusted coilovers to re-balance, then found it changed slightly about a couple weeks later. Did another adjustment and found three months later everything withing 1/4"

It's a dynamic system, break-in, added accessories, load in vehicle all impact your outcome.

If your changes have a few months/miles on them then make the changes, if not suggest waiting until you really work the components to make final adjustments.

Yeah, it's been over a couple months now. But I don't have coilovers to adjust. So that's what I'm trying to figure out with the spacers. Also just really interested to make sure I have the right springs on the right sides.

 

[Whiplash Willy]

I see alot of people talking about lean after installing aftermarket suspension. It seems that most fix it by adding spacers to one side to compensate for it. To me, that seems like a "Duct Tape" fix. Shouldn't a properly installed aftermarket suspension (Not threaded adjustable coilovers) not create a lean, that didn't exist before on the stock suspension? Especially those who just install shocks, like 5100s, and reuse the stock springs and ect. What is the true cause of lean after installing aftermarket suspension? Is it improper installation, or something else?

 

[wfo9]

I honestly had no idea the springs were different. That may be a bit of a myth, not sure. All the aftermarket stuff use the same springs on both sides...

I had a 1/4 inch Toytec top plate spacer on the front at one time (very easy to instally yourself) and it helped. It basically adds 1/2" of lift on that side.

Just measure your fender to center of hub on all four corners. Then see where a small spacer would reduce the lean the most.

 

[wfo9]

I see alot of people talking about lean after installing aftermarket suspension. It seems that most fix it by adding spacers to one side to compensate for it. To me, that seems like a "Duct Tape" fix. Shouldn't a properly installed aftermarket suspension (Not threaded adjustable coilovers) not create a lean, that didn't exist before on the stock suspension? Especially those who just install shocks, like 5100s, and reuse the stock springs and ect. What is the true cause of lean after installing aftermarket suspension? Is it improper installation, or something else?

Pretty sure the lean is already there... It just gets exaggerated with any lift.

 

[SoCal4Run]

Pretty sure the lean is already there... It just gets exaggerated with any lift.

I agree. I'm sure even if left stock, the lean would be increasingly noticeable over time as stuff gets softer and the constant weight (including myself) everyday.

 

[Jeremy556]

I honestly had no idea the springs were different.

They do have different part numbers...

 

[SoCal4Run]

They do have different part numbers...

Hmm, wonder if I can find out the color codes with the part numbers. Not sure where the part number would be located on the spring. Thanks for this info.

 

[hearno]

They do have different part numbers...

That's why they have the color codes on the springs. I remember reading a few 3rd or 4th gen threads where they had figured a few of the colors and corresponding numbers out. They're set up to accommodate for the lean and the aftermarket springs are not. Hence the exaggeration after a lift unless you adjust accordingly.

 

[mfregeau20]

Just wear vans on foot and a sneaker on the other so you are standing at a lean when you look at your T4R and it will look level. Problem solved
:behindsofa:

 

[SoCal4Run]

That's why they have the color codes on the springs. I remember reading a few 3rd or 4th gen threads where they had figured a few of the colors and corresponding numbers out. They're set up to accommodate for the lean and the aftermarket springs are not. Hence the exaggeration after a lift unless you adjust accordingly.

But I didn't change the springs, just the shocks.

 

[hearno]

First, how far are you off? Post measurements for all 4 corners. Measure center of hub to fender and find a level place. I was surprised by how much slightly uneven ground threw my numbers off. I planned on doing the same thing this weekend but it's really freakin cold out. It's possible the springs are on the wrong sides. My springs were white/green and white/red and I'm pretty sure white/green was passenger.

 

[Intruder]

Sounds crazy, but wwouldn't how full the gas tank is affect this? Its on the left rear side so as it's full or.empty it will affect the height of the other points. I think a 5 gallon gas can weighs about 30lbS. That's not a lot of weight but would affect measurements if there is no other weight around the vehicle.

Nope, not crazy at all. My lean is more pronounced when I have a full tank and almost non-existent when it's close to empty. That's why I adjusted my coils when I had a half a tank.

The way some people freak out about the lean makes me think their 4Runner looks more like this.

 

[Jeremy556]

Nope, not crazy at all. My lean is more pronounced when I have a full tank and almost non-existent when it's close to empty. That's why I adjusted my coils when I had a half a tank.

The way some people freak out about the lean makes me think their 4Runner looks more like this.

I wonder what his RTI score is.

Mine leans a little to the passenger side

 

[1engineer]

I have no clue if mine leans because I am never on level ground. I guess I could go out to the airport because it is the only level ground around here.

 

[hearno]

I have no clue if mine leans because I am never on level ground. I guess I could go out to the airport because it is the only level ground around here.

it's hard to find around here too and we have no mountains or even hills really. other than an airport... truck weight scale?

 

[shaneotool]

I think if you have an SR5 or a limited with the chrome stripe on the bumper, it makes the lean much more noticeable. It's like you have a giant shiny level back there. I ended up plastidipping it make the lean less apparent...

I had a pretty major lean after I installed new springs.
1+" in the rear, and 3/4" inches in the front.

I added the 1/4" toytec spacer on the front driver side. It has helped some.
I now have about 3/8" lean in front which is no big deal.
I have a 3/4" lean in the rear which is still pretty noticeable. I don't really want to add the ome 10mm spacer because I think the rear is high enough.

I would add the 1/4" toytec spacer to the front driver side, it doesn't cost much and it may help just enough to keep the lean amount from being bothersome.

 

[shaneotool]

I have no clue if mine leans because I am never on level ground. I guess I could go out to the airport because it is the only level ground around here.

A 1" lean is very noticeable on any ground flat or not. It looks like something is broken on the truck.

I agree the 1/2" or less lean on stock 4runners is no big deal and goes unnoticed.