New 4600s and Settling

New 4600s front and back. Old springs reused. Front is measuring (center of hub to fender) 1/4” higher in the front. Got the alignment done soon after installation (20 miles). Mixed info on here/the web about struts settling. What say you TacomaWorld? If you’re in the “struts don’t settle” camp, is a 1” rear spacer lift the answer? I’m at 83k miles so I’m confident my leafs are still in good shape.

Pic is on a slanted drive, but my measurements are the true result.

 

I’m on 4600s and getting closer to level after 30,000 miles. Still just a bit of rake remains. My leafs are wearing out in a hurry after towing for a total of about 8000 miles so far (tongue weight usually between 200 and 300 pounds)

 

In theory 4600s shouldn’t change the existing stance if going from stock shocks and reusing springs. I had always assumed an alignment wouldn’t be necessary in that use case.

Then again, a difference in installed length of the shock body of 1/16 inch translates to 1/8 inch lift which is probably enough to mess with the alignment.

Did you do the install yourself? Any spacers added or new top hats or something like that?

 

I did the install and everything was reused except the perches (I think that’s the term). No spacers or mods in that regard.

I noticed a definite vibration around 80 mph before the alignment as well as tracking to the left. Both issues resolved with the alignment so I’d say even when keeping it stock, one is needed.

thinking I’ll end up using the Toyotec 1/2 shim.

 

Add a 1 inch rear block or your leafs have flattened out.

 

Of course shock absorbers settle. If you removed your springs, but left your shock absorbers, the truck would settle on its bump stops in short order.

 

I have heard others state that the 4600 shocks exert about 40 lbs of pressure. So it’s possible you’ve gotten a bit of lift in the front. Probably not so dramatic in the rear. I’d give a 1” block a try and see how it rides. If it sucks, new leafs may be in order. But I’d probably not go OEM. I feel like the stock leafs suck.