I have an '88 4runner with the typical saggy butt syndrome. My neighbor offered me a rear shackle kit (key word being FREE) so he no longer has to see my butt sagging around the neighborhood.
My question is ; how viable is this solution (ride wise & practicality) vs. others I have read about here such as helper leaves, spring swaps, shims, etc. ??? Should I jump on the FREE shackle kit and solve my saggy butt issue this afternoon OR is it actually a waste of sunny spring wheeling
weather due to far better alternatives ???

Thanks in advance for any input!


I apologize in advance for the repetition as I have read many threads here addressing this issue in the past but am having trouble finding the archived post w/ info. I need and honestly don't recall everything I read.

ok, I got results on my third search, sorry for wasting bandwidth !!!
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />

Some options described below:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/Shackles.shtml#FAQ14

THANK YOU
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I have a set of cut TJ coils that I used before replacing the springs on my 87. Search this forum on "saggy' for education on these if not familiar. If interest, PM me.

I did teh same, and it was also free - got the TJ springs from a guy that had upgraded his TJ, he just din't want to throw them away and was happy to give them to me to put to use.

only problem w/ shackles is the potential for pinion angle issues.

Here are two methods;

http://www.gearinstalls.com/kencoil.htm

http://www.gearinstalls.com/kencoil.htm

His homeie page;

http://www.gearinstalls.com/index.htm

Cool photos.
On my 87..or is it 88... I forget.
I did the simple AAL, which ran around $40 shipped.
Instant +2 inches. Getting the springs off the overload completely helped the ride.
Only down side - have to watch and maybe extend the U-bolts.

Note - is is a good fix for a stock truck, it's NOT a good setup for a trail truck that needs to flex - you really need a longer and softer spring.

excuse my ignorance but.....What's the "simple AAL" ????

any advice on complete replacement springs ? Just looking to level up & smooth out at this point....

AAL = Add a leaf.
Basically its a spring you put in your leaf pack to give it some lift, instead of buying a full pack.