Neosapian
Innate Outdoor Co
Howdy!
I'm working on outfitting a 2008 4runner 4.7L 4x4 Limited with 130k miles.
Sitting in the garage collecting sawdust is a set of 285/70r17 Cooper ST Maxx's on alloys... I cant mount them until I lift the truck, and I'm hesitating on the lift purchase because I can't sort out which rear spring rate to choose.
I will be going with the Old Man Emu 3" setup. Probably front top spacer, definitely Nitrocharger shocks, and heavy front spring to accomodate the weight of the V8 as well as a secondary Yellow Top and Warn VR-10S on a Budbuilt Hidden Winch Mount. Demello front bumper will happen eventually, but it is a low priority. I'll be replacing the rear bumper first. More on this later...
I've already spoken with a local ARB rep, and I've researched the topic at length. I'd really appreciate some advice and opinions on the 440lbs. vs. 880lbs constant-load rear springs, taking into considering my specific load requirements. This is a particularly important decision for me, as I will have a considerable amount of weight over the rear axle when fully loaded for a long distance 4x4 camping trip, but also use the truck for my daily commute and light duty forest service roads for hiking and snowboarding.
Here's how a typical weight loading over the rear axle will approximate:
Total Minimum Loadout For Remote Off-Road Camping Trips Is 600-650lbs, Over Rear Axle
*This figure does not include the 120lbs (13-15 gallons) of water in a poly tank mounted between the passenger frame rail and drive shaft (where the OEM muffler once was). This will have around 55% weight bias towards the rear axle.
*This figure does not account for a rear bumper & swing out, which will add an additional 130-200lbs depending on design and materials. I am leaning towards a custom setup using 1/4" steel skeleton for load bearing/mounting elements with a "sacrificial" 3/16" plate aluminum shell. This is still just a napkin sketch, however.
My General Thoughts on 440lbs vs 880lbs Rear Springs
Am I approaching this logically? If you guys were/are in my situation, how would you advise?
Thanks for your time!
I'm working on outfitting a 2008 4runner 4.7L 4x4 Limited with 130k miles.
Sitting in the garage collecting sawdust is a set of 285/70r17 Cooper ST Maxx's on alloys... I cant mount them until I lift the truck, and I'm hesitating on the lift purchase because I can't sort out which rear spring rate to choose.
I will be going with the Old Man Emu 3" setup. Probably front top spacer, definitely Nitrocharger shocks, and heavy front spring to accomodate the weight of the V8 as well as a secondary Yellow Top and Warn VR-10S on a Budbuilt Hidden Winch Mount. Demello front bumper will happen eventually, but it is a low priority. I'll be replacing the rear bumper first. More on this later...
I've already spoken with a local ARB rep, and I've researched the topic at length. I'd really appreciate some advice and opinions on the 440lbs. vs. 880lbs constant-load rear springs, taking into considering my specific load requirements. This is a particularly important decision for me, as I will have a considerable amount of weight over the rear axle when fully loaded for a long distance 4x4 camping trip, but also use the truck for my daily commute and light duty forest service roads for hiking and snowboarding.
Here's how a typical weight loading over the rear axle will approximate:
Total Minimum Loadout For Remote Off-Road Camping Trips Is 600-650lbs, Over Rear Axle
*This figure does not include the 120lbs (13-15 gallons) of water in a poly tank mounted between the passenger frame rail and drive shaft (where the OEM muffler once was). This will have around 55% weight bias towards the rear axle.
*This figure does not account for a rear bumper & swing out, which will add an additional 130-200lbs depending on design and materials. I am leaning towards a custom setup using 1/4" steel skeleton for load bearing/mounting elements with a "sacrificial" 3/16" plate aluminum shell. This is still just a napkin sketch, however.
My General Thoughts on 440lbs vs 880lbs Rear Springs
- There will be 15 gallons of gasoline (135lbs w/ tank, mounts & aluminum bash plate) in the OEM spare tire location. This weight will decrease as fuel is consumed. As will the 15 gallons of fresh water weight. A reduction of about 200lbs.
- Payload will decrease by ~300lbs while empty during ordinary commute & weekend Wheeling.
- Should I over-spring the rear by 20% for fully loaded trips, and deal with a potentially very bouncy tail end when unloaded? Or should I under-spring the rear by 30% when fully loaded, deal with increased pre-load or potential "sag", but benefit from softer rear end and better road manners for the 95% of my normal driving conditions?
- I do not want to add airbags. I prefer to avoid mis-matching spring & shock manufactures.
Am I approaching this logically? If you guys were/are in my situation, how would you advise?
Thanks for your time!
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