4x4mike
07-23-2012, 11:11 AM
The springs on my '99 3rd gen seemed to be getting a little tired and the rear needed the extra help from the AirLift bags. I read around on different forums regarding spring replacement options but wasn't always finding the pictures, feedback or measurements I was looking for.
I've been toying with the idea of spring replacement for about 2 years now but didn't really need to do it so I hadn't. I got kind of bored one night and ended up ordering some springs from Wheeler's Offroad.
When I purchased the 4runner it was a completely stock 1999, 4wd. Being the '99 it sat a little higher than others and all was well. As time went on we carried more gear (stuff and kids) and the springs started to sag due to use (on and offroad). My first modification was the Air Lift bags and they put the rear level unloaded and with a little more air it kept the rear level when loaded even with heavy loads.
One problem was the ride and driving around with the air bags with about 20 psi. The rear was a bit stiff and dead feeling. As time wore on the fronts seemed sagged a bit but having air in the rear bags exaggerated this look. I installed some Toytec metal spacers in the front which are advertised as adding 3/4" of lift for most applications. All was good but the ride still wasn't there.
The plan was to install the new coils with the air bags but pull the valve core in the bags and just leave them there just in case. The front spacers would be shelved and we'd go from there.
Here are some starting off measurements with 20 psi in the air bags and the toytec spacers in.
Tires are BFG AT's 265/75/16.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MF_zbSlO7S8/UA2RAsfjRVI/AAAAAAAA_ZM/BQHVoyMX2c4/s800-Ic42/4Runner%252520Side.jpg
These locations for A, B and C were chosen as they are consistent with all 3rd gens regardless of front bumper or fender flare option.
A: 32.25"
B: 49.75"
C: 22.50"
With the valve core removed in the bags and the toytec spacers in.
A: 32.25"
B: 48.75"
C: 21.25"
I've been toying with the idea of spring replacement for about 2 years now but didn't really need to do it so I hadn't. I got kind of bored one night and ended up ordering some springs from Wheeler's Offroad.
When I purchased the 4runner it was a completely stock 1999, 4wd. Being the '99 it sat a little higher than others and all was well. As time went on we carried more gear (stuff and kids) and the springs started to sag due to use (on and offroad). My first modification was the Air Lift bags and they put the rear level unloaded and with a little more air it kept the rear level when loaded even with heavy loads.
One problem was the ride and driving around with the air bags with about 20 psi. The rear was a bit stiff and dead feeling. As time wore on the fronts seemed sagged a bit but having air in the rear bags exaggerated this look. I installed some Toytec metal spacers in the front which are advertised as adding 3/4" of lift for most applications. All was good but the ride still wasn't there.
The plan was to install the new coils with the air bags but pull the valve core in the bags and just leave them there just in case. The front spacers would be shelved and we'd go from there.
Here are some starting off measurements with 20 psi in the air bags and the toytec spacers in.
Tires are BFG AT's 265/75/16.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MF_zbSlO7S8/UA2RAsfjRVI/AAAAAAAA_ZM/BQHVoyMX2c4/s800-Ic42/4Runner%252520Side.jpg
These locations for A, B and C were chosen as they are consistent with all 3rd gens regardless of front bumper or fender flare option.
A: 32.25"
B: 49.75"
C: 22.50"
With the valve core removed in the bags and the toytec spacers in.
A: 32.25"
B: 48.75"
C: 21.25"