Setting up 4runner suspension for an expedition type vehicle...

[Torch2815]

So here's what I'm wondering... I have read that for my rig (88 runner, sas,37's etc...) I should have a rear shackle angle of 45 degrees.Which is what my truck was set at. This gave me insane droop and up travel but with no sway bars front and rear it was quite the basket case on the highway...But when I loaded it with all my trail and camping gear plus the family it looked like a dog scratching it's butt on the carpet. ( i have 63" Chevy leafs (3pack) with the overload in rear)

So this being said I have adjusted the shackle angle to 77 degrees (empty truck) and the handling has improved drastically, although I havent loaded it to the tits yet... I did take it out to flex it and I can no longer stuff the rear tires into the fenders with the truck empty but I'm sure it will be close once a few hundred pounds of trail supplies are added.

I am trying to find the balance between wheelability and driveability. I live in western Canada and the roads are hilly and wet and far from straight so It has to be OK on the road.

I am wondering if anyone else has gone through similar situations...or am I specia l:homer: ???

The front still flexes like mad but doesn't seem to effect the handling as much...:flipoff2:

[Alucard-HD]

How much arch is in your rear springs

[Torch2815]

I'll measure today when I get back from the dentist, with the spring arch and shackle length etc...

I did a bunch of searching and of course read the FAQ but there is nothing I could find covering this or how to actually properly setup or tune a leaf sprung suspension...

[Alucard-HD]

Try giving EMS Offroad a call tell them that the guy with the White Solid axle Chevy sent you their good with offroad stuff

[Torch2815]

OK Here's what I have for measurements with the truck sitting on the ground but totally empty (no top,spare, etc)

Shackles are 7" eye to eye
arc of spring is 4" (center of bolt holes to top of top spring)
4.5" to the bump stop from top of spring pack (uptravel)
4" of shock compression available, shocks are mounted like / \ I want to change them to(I I) soon (12" bilstein 5150's)

So any feedback ???

[crashnzuk]

It sounds good to me. If you lost a tiny bit of flex, it isn't the end of the world. Compromise is what you are after.
Travis..

[Alucard-HD]

Ditto

[Torch2815]

Thanx guys... I hope It works out well.

I'll let you know once I load it up and take it for a run...:D

Travis...

[Wheelingnoob]

I'm going though the same thing on my truck right now. I'm first going to try and stand my shocks (5125's) up as straght as possible right now there like /\. With the 63" chevys (3/4 ton 4 leaf pack) and my 2nd gen 4runner loaded its a bit of a handfull on the road. Loaded for me is 300-400lbs of gear with about 100lbs of it on the roof. Right now even unloaded it feels very soft in the back around corners.

If standing the shocks up dose not help I will move the rear hanger.

Jeremy

[Torch2815]

Thats the next step for me too...Keep me posted as to what you find if you beat me to it.