IanB2

Came across this today, bolt on, can use stock FJ Cruiser/4Runner springs or aftermarket lift springs, and the price is very fair.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/120-series-t...ml#post9001445

470reasons

It's about time! Thanks for the info.
Maybe a welded in custom fabricated setup would be better for off-road.
I suppose you could weld this kit in.

RCsGX

I'm glad to see somebody finally came out with a way to keep the springs from popping out! I know the ride height system is going to cr*p out on me one of these days, so to be prepared I just ordered their cheaper kit that doesn't include the top spring isolators.
http://www.metaltech4x4.com/p-792-gx...=mt-gx470-4002

FYI, the OEM 4Runner isolators sell for $60 a piece:
Toyota Part Number: 4830235040


It'd be a whole lot easier to make a U shaped bracket to keep the spring in place.

470reasons

Hey, RCsGX did you get the kit?
If so, what do you think of the quality?

I just found a shop that is less than .2 miles (point two!) miles from my home. This shop could make some if the Metal Tech's aren't all that great.

http://cncoffroad.com/

RCsGX

Yep got them a few months back. Quality looks great, welds look good, solid looking mount!

Lac

iTrader: (3)

RCsGX:
Did you use 4Runner stock springs?

RCsGX

I'm still running the tricked stock airbags. I bought them for when or if my ride height system fails. But no I won't be running stock 4Runner springs since my front is lifted 2.5".

470reasons

Thanks for the info.

chrisvr6

How do i trick mine to ride like it does when it has less than a quarter tank of fuel? It drives so smooth.

RCsGX

I've never head anyone say their GX rides smooth with less weight. There's nothing you can really do about that.

IanB2

Remove the 3rd row seats?

470reasons

That should do it Ian.

3rd row seat weight is about 58 lbs.
A gallon of gas is about 6 lbs so.....
rear seats = about 10 gallons of gas.

BTW: My GX rides best with about (5) 40 lb bags of wood pellets in the back.

burny

i hauled 20 bags of mulch in mine last week and it rode like crap

stiles_s

You guys are running into an issue where the rear suspension isn't adjusting to give you enough travel above the bump stops. My guess is you are riding slightly too low in the rear -- something that's easy to adjust DIY.

The height sensors should sense that the rear has lowered due the weight and compensate. If operating to spec, the rear never sags in these trucks. Pretty amazing.

I've hauled huge trailers along with a bunch of weight in the trunk and have never had a problem with ride quality.

I have, however, gone through a phase where the rear was a bit low and coupled w/weakening shocks it resulted in me randomly bouncing off of the bump stops (really rough ride). I solved it by raising the rear a bit, and replacing the OEM shocks.

Something to try that takes all of 10min: unplug the harness running to your rear shocks and see if you get better control in the rear. I'm running mine unplugged and find that the rear feels much more solid & better damped. Might be a useful stopgap solution for folks with aging OEM shocks. Mine aren't aging (only 20-30k on them), but I much prefer the predictable ride. I've essentially removed the "adaptive ride" from the rear. I still have the stiffness control in the front, which is occasionally useful.

cgdrennan

I feel like I am having the exact issue you described. I have an 04 GX and hit the bumpstops once in a while and the rear seems to be riding slightly lower. How did you raise the rear like you described? Is that the 10mm nut on the height control sensors? Also, where is the harness for the rear shocks located?