I purchased a used pro-comp lift. So, should I go ahead and put the flexy rear chevies I have on my IFS 4runner? Or, use the blocks that came with the lift kit, effectively limiting rear articulation for a more balanced front/rear. I can't see where "balanced articulation", 50%front/50%rear, makes for a more stable trail rig. Educate me.

The best setup is to have nearly the save articulation front and rear but if you can't you will still see improvment from just doing the rear springs.

I say go for it. You will be much better off then the with the stock springs.

Chris, I'm glad someone who has been around the toyota 'wheeling world posted to my question. Most people say do it, but then I read different articles and they talk about being balanced for stability. I just don't understand how having more rear travel than I do now will make my rig less stable. It seems the opposite is true. I should be more stable. Anyone?

I believe you should have as much rear travel as possible with IFS. Since the front end doesn't have much travel, the load is transfered to the rear. When I did some mods to my 96 4Runner to gain much more articulation in the rear, it made my rig much more stable. Definitely go for it.

I think they mean less stable on the road. With only good rear flex, you know what to expect when wheeling. Personally, I think the good rear flex can help to keep you from flopping. I can think of one instance where it would have saved me.

While having a very flexy rear suspension will will actually cause the front to flex less. (has to do with the truck's angle determined by the two spring rates, one gives more the other less. This is compouned when the truck is tilting as your suspension's direction of travel is not the same as the direction of force on it) When you have IFS you need all you can get so go for it. Even with less flexy springs, as the front wheels negotiate uneven terrain, the front, the heavier part of the truck, will still flow their angle and just lift a rear wheel sooner.

The real solution is to lessen the front spring rate.

I have flexy rear springs, longer shackles, and longer shocks. I'm happy with it.

Frank.

Do it, drive it for a while. If you think it's too soft for the road, go out and get some adjustable shocks to stiffen up the ride.

Aren't the 2 gen 4Runners pretty flexy in the rear.. they use the same IFS but have a 4 link coil in the rear..


I have the Pro Comp 4" along with the 63" chevy spings.. I like it on and off road...

One thing about the 4" blocks: they cause major axle wrap!!!


Keep On Truckin',
RAZZ

Blocks? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" />

Go with the springs...any springs compared to blocks.

ah yes me too go with the springs. my brother has 4in blocks in his rig and mine are a combo of mazda springs and longer shackles. mine could kill his in rear articulation, plus with mix and matching springs i got to stengthen my pack a little more so i'm much less prone to axle wrap. each time i watch him drive away i watch that axle almost rip off, it's not pretty