saggy leaf springs

[ihanberg]

i have an 85 4-runner with saggy rear leaf springs im not sure what to do about it im not ready to do any sort of lift otherwise i would go with marlins. would sprung leaf springs affect the ride quality? because it really sucks. should i just do add a leaf or somthing? maybe replace them  i dont want to have to spend an arm and a leg so any suggestions would be great.  another reason i want to fix them is because its effecting my load sensing porportioning vavle!

[BigMike]

Hey ihanberg,

It is all too common for 4Runners to sag in the rear. Toyota goofed on it. Even with the 2nd gen with coil rears, they still sag.

Sure the easiest way to level it out is to just add a block in the rear, but the spring rate is higher as its compressed and the shackle angle is changed, also effecting the pinion angle too, which gets worse as the suspension compresses.

I don't know anything about the measurements or spring rates, but you'll probably be better looking around for springs from another 4Runner or 4WD pickup that have less miles on them. Aftermarket springs are usually more arched for a higher lift, and add-a-leafs will just make the ride worse..

Good luck
BigMike

[Jase]

The easy way is an add-a-leaf but they usually dont ride that well but less hassle and a no brainer (good for temp. fix).  Also make sure the main springs are not bent.  The porblem with a block is the axle is still close to the bump stop and if it is as sagged as mine was it was always bottoming out.    

[NMTOY]

I installed an add a leaf and removed the overload spring on my 86 4runner, the ride is a little stiffer but alot better than the sacked out springs. I spent a total of $52.00.

Hope that helps!

[Ferg]

Cheap add-a-leafs. Takes a little work, but is cost effective...

Go to the junk yard and find a set of springs and take out the 2nd or 3rd leaf and add them to your spring pack.  You'll need longer center bolts, available at NAPA or any decent auto parts store.

Caution!  Springs are loaded kineticly(?) and can come apart with bad results if you don't pay attention.

[ihanberg]

sweet  thanks for all the info i think ill try to find a good set of used springs first then  if im not lucky ill go with an add a leaf 320,000 miles yous has taken its toll oh and one more thing does it make a difference if i use pickup springs or 4-runner springs? thanks

[jayson161]

ihanberg where are you located at? i have stock rear springs with a 2" aal in them off of my 94 id sell you. im trying to sell a complete ifs lift kit but nobody wants the rear, so i'll hook you up if youre close to me. i live in kitsap county washington.

[ihanberg]

i live in california the bay area to be exact sorry  what do you mean by 2 inches of aal?

[jayson161]

the springs already have a 2" add a leaf in them. when i got my ifs lift it came with 2" blocks for the rear as well as a 2" add a leaf to match the front 4" lift.