Don't use OEM 4runner springs for suspension conversion.
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Don't use OEM 4runner springs for suspension conversion.
So I recently swapped out the rear air, for OEM Toyota shocks, and coil springs on my GX. I got Springs from a 2004 4Runner V8 (pretty much the same truck as mine) and have to say that they are not adequate for use on the GX.
I don't know what others have experienced, but with me in the truck alone, it rode very well.... However, I made a trip to the airport the other day to pick my brother and sister up, and also had my dad in the car. Now before you ask, no, none of us are big fat people tipping the scales, but with 4 people in the truck, it was quite literally dragging its butt. bottoming out, and riding VERY harsh over everything. I couldn't imagine how it would be with either a trailer or a full load of people including the third row seat.
So yeah, Factory 4Runner springs are a no go... I have heard some people have had good luck with FJ Cruiser springs, which i hear are a bit beefier.. either that, or go with lift springs in the back.
I don't know what others have experienced, but with me in the truck alone, it rode very well.... However, I made a trip to the airport the other day to pick my brother and sister up, and also had my dad in the car. Now before you ask, no, none of us are big fat people tipping the scales, but with 4 people in the truck, it was quite literally dragging its butt. bottoming out, and riding VERY harsh over everything. I couldn't imagine how it would be with either a trailer or a full load of people including the third row seat.
So yeah, Factory 4Runner springs are a no go... I have heard some people have had good luck with FJ Cruiser springs, which i hear are a bit beefier.. either that, or go with lift springs in the back.
#3
So I recently swapped out the rear air, for OEM Toyota shocks, and coil springs on my GX. I got Springs from a 2004 4Runner V8 (pretty much the same truck as mine) and have to say that they are not adequate for use on the GX.
I don't know what others have experienced, but with me in the truck alone, it rode very well.... However, I made a trip to the airport the other day to pick my brother and sister up, and also had my dad in the car. Now before you ask, no, none of us are big fat people tipping the scales, but with 4 people in the truck, it was quite literally dragging its butt. bottoming out, and riding VERY harsh over everything. I couldn't imagine how it would be with either a trailer or a full load of people including the third row seat.
So yeah, Factory 4Runner springs are a no go... I have heard some people have had good luck with FJ Cruiser springs, which i hear are a bit beefier.. either that, or go with lift springs in the back.
I don't know what others have experienced, but with me in the truck alone, it rode very well.... However, I made a trip to the airport the other day to pick my brother and sister up, and also had my dad in the car. Now before you ask, no, none of us are big fat people tipping the scales, but with 4 people in the truck, it was quite literally dragging its butt. bottoming out, and riding VERY harsh over everything. I couldn't imagine how it would be with either a trailer or a full load of people including the third row seat.
So yeah, Factory 4Runner springs are a no go... I have heard some people have had good luck with FJ Cruiser springs, which i hear are a bit beefier.. either that, or go with lift springs in the back.
#4
#6
True, but a lot of us have lifted/modified trucks that also require springs to be done properly. They're also much more reliable and once done, you eliminate one of the only weak links in the truck. It's a very easy and cost effective repair once bags and/or the compressor fail.
#7
Pole Position
You should post a link to those cheap airbags so others can consider them when they're in a crunch and requiring repairs to be done quickly!
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#8
Instructor
iTrader: (4)
It's on eBay and Amazon. One is even sold by a Lexus dealer for $177
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00KW...A2PGBZPZQB0JIH
I have seen even cheaper if you look around, for example there is a $20 off eBay motors in the next few days
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00KW...A2PGBZPZQB0JIH
I have seen even cheaper if you look around, for example there is a $20 off eBay motors in the next few days
#9
Racer
Thread Starter
It's also an issue of the rear shocks and other parts going bad. yes, the airbags are not too expensive as a whole, but the rear shocks were toast, which would allow it to bottom out quite often. and being that they are $700ish apeice, and the fact that the air suspension also has the hight sensors ($200+ each if i am not mistaken) the compressor, and a whole lot of valve and solenoids, it is only a matter of time before those go out too.
#11
I was trying to get it as close to possible to factory as it could be. I had read that 4Runner springs worked as well, but i would say that is not the case, unless you only drive empty with no passengers. oh well.
It's also an issue of the rear shocks and other parts going bad. yes, the airbags are not too expensive as a whole, but the rear shocks were toast, which would allow it to bottom out quite often. and being that they are $700ish apeice, and the fact that the air suspension also has the hight sensors ($200+ each if i am not mistaken) the compressor, and a whole lot of valve and solenoids, it is only a matter of time before those go out too.
It's also an issue of the rear shocks and other parts going bad. yes, the airbags are not too expensive as a whole, but the rear shocks were toast, which would allow it to bottom out quite often. and being that they are $700ish apeice, and the fact that the air suspension also has the hight sensors ($200+ each if i am not mistaken) the compressor, and a whole lot of valve and solenoids, it is only a matter of time before those go out too.
#13
#14
Just kidding. I plan to convert to a more conventional suspension when the time comes, and I appreciate you sharing your experience with the 4Runner coils. I have researched this previously and probably would have done the 4R coils too - so you saved me some headaches.