decision re rear shocks/springs.

[jane G]

HI All,
Need some advice please. Have owned 1 surf, and 2x 4 runners. New to me 4 runner much smoother ride than previous one, but it sits very low at the back when my caravan is being towed, so I need to do something. I would like to maintain an ok ride, pre 4 runner I put uprated springs and shocks on the back and the ride was quite solid. Is there an intermediate system?? If so where would I get intermediate springs/shocks. Usually I go to Milner off road, but they only have to very rigid type.
Thanks,
Jane

[Growler]

Have you thought about fitting auxiliary air bags to assist the rear springs when loaded and then reduce pressure to maintain the air bag, but return to normal spring rate.

[tashtego]

HI All,
Need some advice please. Have owned 1 surf, and 2x 4 runners. New to me 4 runner much smoother ride than previous one, but it sits very low at the back when my caravan is being towed, so I need to do something. I would like to maintain an ok ride, pre 4 runner I put uprated springs and shocks on the back and the ride was quite solid. Is there an intermediate system?? If so where would I get intermediate springs/shocks. Usually I go to Milner off road, but they only have to very rigid type.
Thanks,
Jane

A couple of weeks ago I swapped my original rear coils (3rd Gen) for the standard ones from Roughtrax (NOT the 2" lift ones). They have raised the back nicely so that the car sits nice and even, even under load, and the ride is still fairly soft. They are coupled with after market shocks (Gabriel Safari, not sure if they are sold in UK...). I guess if you kept the original toyota dumpers with the adjustable setting the ride could be even better...
Cheers

[jane G]

HI, I don't know anything about rear air bags. I looked at Monro air adjustable shocks, but thought it would be a nuisance to keep filling them with air/letting it out etc. Was hoping for a lower input solution?

[tashtego]

HI, I don't know anything about rear air bags. I looked at Monro air adjustable shocks, but thought it would be a nuisance to keep filling them with air/letting it out etc. Was hoping for a lower input solution?

See previous post...:o)

[Rob5464]

This is true, the old springs will be worn out and saggy anyway. He may not have the adjustable shocks being a 4Runner mine doesn't.

[budweiser]

growler meant this,
http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/showthread.php?t=72628

[Jon Tallis]

Springs

Jane,
I had exactly the same issue with my '96 surf. Running almost on the bump-stops when fully loaded or towing - very bouncy ride as the bump stops then act as springs.

I fitted Milner +20% springs (i.e. standard height but 20% stiffer), plus Milners 'standard' heavy duty gas dampers.

Result - success!

The truck does sit a bit higher at the back (I think I've got a saggy front end too which makes it look even higher), but the ride and handling is great unloaded, fully loaded, towing - anything.

Probably going to put +20's on the front this summer and sort that end out too.

HI All,
Need some advice please. Have owned 1 surf, and 2x 4 runners. New to me 4 runner much smoother ride than previous one, but it sits very low at the back when my caravan is being towed, so I need to do something. I would like to maintain an ok ride, pre 4 runner I put uprated springs and shocks on the back and the ride was quite solid. Is there an intermediate system?? If so where would I get intermediate springs/shocks. Usually I go to Milner off road, but they only have to very rigid type.
Thanks,
Jane