Finding All The Clearance Possible - Tires

Got to nosing around this morning and while - as advertised - the 285's clear everything, I thought ahead to snow, mud and such and thought I'd try to get all the clearance between the front mudflap and tire as was possible. First, I did the heat gun work. Then laying on the COLD ASS drive(remember, I'm old) I found a way to gain even more room, and thus I was able to pull the mudflap even further back......we're not talking inches here, but every little bit counts, right.

 

So it fits on flat ground but what about when the suspension is flexing?

Or I'm guessing that doesn't happen much.

 

Sorry, dad

 

If you want to know if it’s going to rub, either put it in full lock and try to reverse it or put it in full lock and try to drive over a bump or a curb.

 

Have you tried maxing the caster out yet?

 

That was in reverse and it was at the point where the tire comes closest to the mudflap. Am I missing something?

 

Nope. That’s about as close as mine is with body mount chop and removal of the front mud flap.

 

Westcott maxed everything out when they installed their body lift. However, with the build, I've lost some of the 3 inches it provided. I'm at a point where I won't know what reality is until the rubber meets the trail.

 

I didn't remove mud flaps on my TRD ORP and Limited didn't have mud flaps (has a flat plastic flap kinda thing). I don't have a heat gun but this is the cheap utility torch I used to push the plastic.

 

If you find you still rub on the mudflaps when flexed, Rokblokz are cut around the body mount to allow a little extra clearance.

Once I got a good alignment, my 285's never rubbed until I bottomed out while turning. This almost never happens, so I left it alone. Then, I bottomed out while turning on the 295's and it pretty much tore my mudflap clean off.

 

Ouch!

Just returned from a trip to town(30 miles or so with desert drainage - meaning most every intersection has whoop's)and with the 285's aired, it's beyond obvious the Runner needs rear springs. I'm not surprised, but am a little disappointed Toyota went, so weak! Now is it possible to strike a balance or will fixing it, load the fronts? Right, is never easy

 

The good thing is that there are plenty of options for rear springs. I went with Bilstein +400# springs and they're pretty good. I think they could use more damping, but they handle the load well.

I believe Dobinson and others have multiple options for rear springs as well.

 

Thanks for that info.

I'm disappointed with Eibach. They say they open a 7:30a.....called around 9:30a and was told no one was in, yet. Left message and no one returned the call. Called them back at 4:40p or so to find out they close at 4:30P. Talk about bankers hours.......or less!

Edit: @Thatbassguy thinking out loud here. Because I don't want to upset the front end....tho it may already be? Thinking, I may bag the back. That would give me total control on how much I load the fronts. And, if it all fails? Then I'm going BIG TIME suspension upgrade, and that'll be that.

 

Bags could be the ultimate solution. I like the idea of being able to adjust for your load. I'm pretty sure Firestone makes a pretty cost effective setup for us. Of course, you can hook it into onboard air and get really fancy with it if you don't mind the extra cost.

Sucks about Eibach. I've heard a lot of good feedback on their products.

 

Probably wouldn't start out that way, just to see how it works. Then again, they're so inexpensive and light, that carrying a spare wouldn't be an issue. Wait!! You're convincing me....... that's it.....I'm gonna do it.

 

Have you considered Sumo Springs?

 

I'm always happy to help people get rid of their extra money!

 

Humo? jk No sir, but I'll search them. Thanks!

 

What are your thoughts about suggest full suspension solution where the kits have shocks having valves tuned to hold even at 2in lifted in back or even have HD spring option?
Spend once - Cry once thing?

I could be wrong, but I was thinking when stock height shocks are stretched it might be sitting at soft tune and it will not go to hard valving section until its compressed quite far in? Please correct me if that's a wrong theory.

 

I'm sold on Sumo Springs as a great solution for heavy loads and/or pulling a trailer.
https://www.superspringsinternational.com/

 

They appear to be a good fit for those purposes.

 

Yup. I had them on a 2019 Tacoma and have them on my 2021 4Runner. I pull a light trailer but it's tongue heavy and the Sumo Springs are perfect. They're easy to install, too.

 

I think you're right. But, airbags are just another way to deal with extra weight.

I don't think the stock shocks are position sensitive. Most of the aftermarket shocks seem to be designed for a certain range of lift, so they probably are.

I chose heavy load springs because a lot of the weight I added is always in the 4Runner.

 

Something I was just thinking about... Airbags can be adjusted to whatever load you're carrying on any day. Heavy load springs are always the same stiffness. So, airbags really seem ideal for folks who don't keep everything in their vehicles all of the time.

Even with adjustable shocks and coilovers, it will always sag as you add weight. And, heavy duty coils might be harsh when the vehicle is not loaded.

 

No BMC - No mud flap heating, some decent off-roading in Moab, needed full lock quite a bit. No rubbing, just a good alignment.

 

Are you still running the stock rear shocks?

 

Yup.........FOX '21 Pro OEM

 

Ah, gotcha.

If you were running the stock Tokico shocks, I was going to suggest trying an aftermarket rear shock with a firmer valving. You probably don't want to get rid of those Fox shocks.

Sounds like an airbag or a stiffer spring is the way to go.

 

After sleeping on all kinds of input from various folks here, I'm convinced air bags are the best route to take. They may or may not have issues(puncture)but if proper use guidelines are followed I think they'll be fine(never run under 5#'s). Plus, they'll allow for incremental adjustments, which is a BIG plus. imo

 

Do you have any lift in the rear