The beginning, 4Runner SAS

There has been issues with the spring hangers not fitting properly on the older toys. I've read a few threads about it. Some of the problems people had though, were the springs were too short (not the 47" like they say). Did you measure the springs? I know you said 47", but I didn't know if you actually measured them yourself.

Otherwise you can move that tube forward like you said, probably the best idea. Or move the front crossmember back, but you already welded that in too.

In this photo here:



You can see that the shackle is too far forward, I had the same issue and I ended up flopping it forward (what a nightmare)

You want the shackle to be straight up and down at full droop ( a little forward is ok ) and about 70 degree's back when full bump.

Good luck!! Sucks that you ran into this issue, wish we caught it earlier!!

 

I only tacked the front spring hanger so that is an option. I still think I should just bite the bullet and move the tube in the frame forward.

I didn't measure the springs, only pulled the length of their site. I'm going to measure the length and see what they come up at.

GH

 

You can get stock chevy springs if you'd like.

 

I was going to get new tubes and move them closer to the front of the body mount but their tech guy suggested getting it on tires and pushing the front mount back a little. Trail-Gear says the 3 inch springs are actually not quite 47 inches, the 4 and 5 inch packs are and that's why the front mount is pushed forward. He said with a new pack 15 to 20 degrees back at ride height will wind up at 30 or more when the pack is broke in. I'm going to give it a try and if it doesn't give the shackle angle need i'll pull a leaf or two. Finally if all else fails cut the tubes out and move them. The only thing it will cost is a little extra time and I'm okay with that.

I also have a set of stock rear springs and another set still on the Runner, I could always use them to build a custom pack.

The good thing is this is a toy, I'm in no rush and have a daily driver.

GH

 

well if you wanted to go lower, you can do stock chevy springs. be realitively close

 

Guy, so you will end up moving the front cross member back an inch or so? Should be all you need really.

 

Thats the plan for now. Move it back and hopefully get a good shackle angle. If that doesnt work plan B will be cut the tubes out of the frame and move the shackle forward.

GH

 

Got the other knuckle on and the steering preload set right at 13 like the other side. Plugged in the cross-over steering rod, tried to remove the pitman arm and it's being a real bastard. One cheap puller bent, heated and no luck. I'm just going to cut a relief cut with the angle grinder and see if that works, just not today.

GH

 

I wish you were closer, i'd help.

 

Thanks man.

Thankfully I'm really in no hurry at all. I learned my lesson a long time ago about daily driving your project. I'm having fun engineering a solution with each step.

GH

 

How's the build coming along Guy?

 

Slowly making progress. I'm building it redneck style in my driveway and the Florida weather hasn't been cooperating, almost a week of rain. I did manage to get the stubborn pitman arm off and the rest of the crossover steering in. It's actually pretty close to being on it's tires again.

I have a few days off from work and should be able to make some progress if the weather holds.

GH

 

Ohh, I have to take my locking hubs up to powdercoat today. I'm having the ring and centers redone.

GH

 

Sweet! It's never ending isn't it? haha

 

Made some progress today!

Still have a lot to go though. Need to set the shackle angle, wheel bearing preload, mount shock towers, install shocks, get a front drive shaft, diff fluids and rear suspension. Could be more but i'm too tired to think of anything else.

The runner is 8 inches higher than it was with the 3 inch Trail-Gear springs. It should come down an inch with the correct shackle angle and another inch with the bumper and winch. Maybe another inch when the springs break in. I can live with 5 inches over what it was, it will need a 35-37 inch tire though. It will look a little lower if I decide to buy new front fenders, I cut almost 2 inches out of the stockers to get rid of rust.

 

I ordered the Trail-gear 4 inch classic kit from Frontier 4x4. I figured with all the stuff I haul around and my future plans for a tire carrier it would be the appropriate amount of lift.

We'll see, it's all an evolution, I'll just end up cutting it off one day and go tons anyway.

Guy,

 

Looking good, Guy! Keep it up!

 

I moved the spring hanger back as far as I could. The angle is much better than it was. With the improved shackle angle and the bumper back on its just over 7 inches taller than stock.

 

Looking good! I wish I had taken before and after measurements but mine was already lifted. My 4" springs were really tall but they have settled quite a bit now.

 

Looks great dude!!