CajunKenny

Greetings all,

About a month ago, I picked up my first 4Runner. It's a 1st Gen 87 SR5 w/a 22RE and 5 Speed.

My clinometer shows that the vehicle is tipping toward the passenger side and toward the back. I know about the typical saggy bottoms; but, I have a few questions.

First here are my measurements: (taken from the ground to the bottom of the fender)
Driver Side Front - 36-1/4"
Passenger Side Front - 35-1/2"
Driver Side Rear - 34"
Passenger Side Rear - 34"

So, it sags in the rear and leans toward the passenger side.

I've done some searching and found that folks do all sorts of things to remedy this problem. What I'm looking for is a "stock" type solution. This is a commuter vehicle for me so engine mods and maintenance are all that I'll be doing.

That said, what would be some recommendations? (front and rear)

-Zuk 3" Shackles
-Add-A-Leaf Kit: http://www.amazon.com/Trailmaster-R1536-Suspension-Add-A-Leaf/dp/B000HCX58A/ref=au_pf_ss_1?ie=UTF8&Model=4Runner|1005&n=156841 81&s=automotive&Make=Toyota|76&Year=1987|1987&carI d=001

Talk to me...

T_F_E

Zuk mod! Your gas tank on the passenger side is usually what causes more sag over there

4x4climber

... you can do the zuk mod. lots of people seem to like it. personally i would throw together a better spring pack for the rear.

sc87yota

For the rear best option is new spring packs. If thats to much money then I have put 2" blocks under the leaf springs in a '87 truck to level it out(cheap). Im sure a lot of people will say "NO" to blocks but in my experience it worked great 'cause the truck sat level and the old leaf springs flexed really good. Later the kid I sold it to told me he broke a "u" bolt wheeling. I have heard LOTS of good things about the ZUK mod. but have never owned myself. I would do the rear first and then IF NECESSARY adjust the torsion bars in front to have it sit the way you want. Then get an alignment. Good luck!

CajunKenny

Thanks for the responses everyone. I'm not a guy that has pockets full of money; but, I am not cheap either. I'd rather pay once to have it done right the first time. If ya know what I mean...

With the Zuk shackles won't the rear continue to sag because of the weak springs? Or am I missing something about how they work?

When you say "Spring Pack" are you referring to an Add-A-Leaf Kit? I just want to be sure.

Maybe an Add-A-Leaf Kit and the Zuk Shackles...would that be a "Do It Once" solution?


EDIT: In my searching, I was led two different directions. To Shackles and Zuk's Spring Mod. I now think I'm on the same page as everyone.


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sc87yota

by spring pack I mean a brand new set of springs. Add-A-leaf is a cheap option also. I had the add-a-leafs on a 87 truck(not the one that had blocks) it rode SUPER stiff. I think you should go for the ZUK. Lets see a picture or something...

ChzSoda

Just to clarify, when people say a "zuk mod" they don't mean shackles, they mean a special mod that adds a coil spring as a helper for your leafs. Do a search on here for "zuk mod" and it should pop right up.

CajunKenny

Well, after conferring with my parts supplier at the Toyota Dealership (I've spent a LOT of money on my Supra there) I decided against a new spring pack. Basically, he talked me out of it. He knew of the "spring" mod and was a big fan of that.

I decided against the 'Add-A-Leaf' option based on sc87yota's experience with stiffness and also on the fact it's installation is more difficult than the spring mod.

So, in case you haven't guessed it by now, I went with the spring mod. I love it! The ride is nice and it brought it up about an inch.

I haven't had time to address the frontward passenger-side lean. I will get to that as I can...