3rd gen 4runner suspension question...

[Martinjmpr]

Already asked at T4R.org but this is a more off-road oriented forum so I thought I'd ask over here, too.

Ever since I got my '99 in July of this year, I've noticed a slight 'sag' in the rear suspension. It's not dramatic, but I notice it every time the truck is parked on a level surface. Needless to say, if it's loaded down with gear, it's even more pronounced.

I've already decided not to go for the ARB bumper (as cool as they are, I just can't justify the cost, as I don't really need it and would rather spend the money elsewhere) so there is no need for a lift kit (really, the 4runner is already so high my wife has trouble getting into it.)

But I find the rear sag annoying. My question is, would it make sense to swap in a set of OME 891 coils in the back to lift it up a bit and provide a firmer suspension for carrying gear? I can get a set of 891s for around $170 from Toyteclifts here in town, and I think I can install them myself with a little help. And would 891's be the appropriate springs to use (according to Toyteclifts, that's the "medium duty" spring) or should I consider a different one?

Next question would be: If I decide to go this route, will I need to put on different (i.e. longer) rear shocks?

And even if it's not neccessary to put on new shocks, I'm thinking it's advisable since I'm about 99% certain I'm still running on the 10 year old factory shocks.

So the question then is, should I pop for the OME shocks (another $170) or is there a less expensive alternative? It's been ages since I shopped for shock absorbers so I have no idea how expensive they are.

Regarding cost, my thought is that if I have to replace the part anyway, I might as well replace it with a better performing part than the factory one, but on the other hand, there's no sense in paying a lot of $$ for a capability I'll never use.

What I'm looking for is a firmer ride and a more level stance, but without raising the vehicle up any significant amount.

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[Mr. Leary]

On the '99, a full OME kit will only raise you up about 1.5" or so over factory. The OEM springs in the '99s were 1" taller than in other years. I have the sag problem in the back of mine, and need to go with stiffer springs in the back. I would recommend OME all the way around. Replacing part of the suspension and not the rest will create some weird handling characteristics. You may try OME medium in the front and OME Heavy in the rear, but be prepared for a stiffer ride when its not loaded down with gear.

If you want to go the cheap route, you may try adding some spacers back there. I have not found a 1" yet, but I'm sure they are out there somewhere.

I am going to the OME constant heavy springs in the rear soon, as I always have too much stuff in there. I have OME heavys in the front, with arb and winch.

 

[4x4mike]

The extra 1" that your '99 coils had might be gone. My '99 coils were a little soft after 10 years so I put some air bags in there. I went with the Air Lift ones for around $70 and they have been great. They level out the 4runner when it's loaded and when I tow my trailer. Unloaded and not towing I can let air out or half the air and have a level compliant ride. I also have a 1" spacer above the coil I made by cutting a taller spacer. It all seems to be working fine for me.

 

[Martinjmpr]

The extra 1" that your '99 coils had might be gone. My '99 coils were a little soft after 10 years so I put some air bags in there. I went with the Air Lift ones for around $70 and they have been great. They level out the 4runner when it's loaded and when I tow my trailer. Unloaded and not towing I can let air out or half the air and have a level compliant ride. I also have a 1" spacer above the coil I made by cutting a taller spacer. It all seems to be working fine for me.

I'm not familiar with air bag systems, how rugged are they? I presume you have to have a compressor on board and if so, can you use that compressor for other things like airing up the tires?

Looking on Google a Daystar 1.5" spacer set for the rear is under $40, so I might try that first.

Mr. Leary: I had thought about going with the full OME setup, too, but the more I considered it, the more I realized it would be like using a sledghammer to swat a fly.

As much as I'd love to build up a rig with an ARB front bumber, safari snorkel, custom rear bumper with swing out tire carrier, etc, I have to admit that when it comes to off roading I have yet to reach the limitations of my stock vehicle so extending those limitations would serve no purpose.

And, money being finite, I'd rather use those $$ to take a trip somewhere in my stock vehicle than to have a totally **************' ride that stays in the garage because I can't afford to go anywhere.

 

[tacollie]

The 891s might give you a fair amount of rake. Maybe call Kurt at Cruiseroutfitters and see whet he has to say. I think the 901s may be a better option from you based on Kurt's OME spring chart. He always gives me good info. Maybe get the 891s and if it is a lot of rake add a 10mm spacer up front. I would recommend OME all around.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Looking on Google a Daystar 1.5" spacer set for the rear is under $40, so I might try that first.

And, money being finite, I'd rather use those $$ to take a trip somewhere in my stock vehicle than to have a totally **************' ride that stays in the garage because I can't afford to go anywhere.

I hear ya! I have a love hate relationship with my truck, all because $$$ go much faster than they come!

If you are happy with how it rides now and just want the sag gone, then the 10mm spacer in front with the daystar spacer in the back gets my vote!

Sometimes I wish I had taken all the money I dumped into my rig and taken some more trips! Get out there, man! I know if I lived in Colorado, I would be gone every weekend.

 

[CYi5]

I'd go a 1 or 1.5" spacer.

 

[4x4mike]

The bags I have go in the coils. I have a York OBA system but don't use it to fill the bags. For the most part I fill them at home with a bicycle floor pump and leave them. The bike pump gives me my air but slower as to not damage the bags or lines. Less than 10 pumps and I'm where I need to be.

Bags:

This is with 20 psi in the bags. I forgot to let the air out and didn't even think to check it until 4 days later. They are undamaged and at the same psi. I jumped about 15 times and they were rock solid.

 

[4x4mike]

If you are happy with how it rides now and just want the sag gone, then the 10mm spacer in front with the daystar spacer in the back gets my vote!

I've never understood the 10 mm spacer. Trim packer right? Does it only lift 10mm? That's almost nothing. I bet if I got a hair cut and took a poop the 4runner would sit 10 mm higher with me in it.

 

[Mr. Leary]

I've never understood the 10 mm spacer. Trim packer right? Does it only lift 10mm? That's almost nothing. I bet if I got a hair cut and took a poop the 4runner would sit 10 mm higher with me in it.

LOL. Just one big $#!+ away from an old wardrobe!

It will lessen the rake effect to less than 4cm, and is an easy and cheap alternative to machining 0.5" off of a daystar spacer. It will give an equivalent lift in the rear of 1.125" while giving an extra 1cm of extra center clearance in the front. You need to put a whole lot of stuff in the back to level out a 1.5" rake with a progressive spring.

 

[E30RUNNER]

When I swithced my 99 suspension to OME all around I went with the 881/906 with comfort shocks/struts. That brought me up just over an inch.

I've installed the following

Front no heavy anything just stock:

OME 881 1.25" Lift
OME 882 3" Lift
TRD Tundra 2.25" Lift

Rear with class 3 hitch

OME 906 1.5" Lift
OME 890 + 10MM Trim Packer 3"
and soon will be selling the 890s and installing the LC80 coils 3.5" guessing

If you installed the OME 891s and kept the front stock you would have an uncomfortable amount of rake. Also you would really need to do the shocks as well as a panhard bar extension and some brake line extensions. I think personally your best option would be 881/890 or 906s(producing minimal lift). Below is a link to show the weight 890s can handle.

http://www.yotatech.com/f79/gerdo-s-profile-85724/

Also what the 881/906 option looks like.

http://www.yotatech.com/f2/ome-881-906-setup-145510/

good luck and hope this helps.

 

[Cambo]

I disagree on needing the panhard extension and brake lines with the 891 lift. It would be a good idea and if you do hardcore wheeling you may stretch a line or what not, but for most off roading, DD, etc. you wouldn't need them. Also, if you want them, you can get the lift now and work on those parts later. I have the 891 lift with matching coils in front with shocks all around and a one inch diff drop and haven't needed any other parts. It drives and off roads fine and I am running 35's. Bottom line IMO is if you replace the rears do the fronts also. If you don't want springs all around do the spacer in the rear. The 2" spacer is fine, there is already a trim packer from the factory, so you take that out and the spacers will really only add 1.75". The rake is hardly noticeable and when you load it up it won't be unbalanced. Also, it is super eady to do by yourself with a jack and some wood blocks. Good luck!

 

[tacollie]

I am running 881s in the front and 890s in the rear. I think it is a bad combo personally. With a factory hitch, 33" spare, and camping gearing I am still an 1" high in the rear. I don't like the rake, ride wise it is freaking sweet though. That is why I am selling my 881s and getting 882s. I think for what martinjmpr wants 881s in the front is a good choice but less lift than the 891s or 890s for the rear.

 

[maclean216]

I had good luck with the Tokiko Trekmaster replacement shocks. In my experience they worked great untill I added the Shrockworks bumper plus winch.

I have them paired with 882's and 890's.