Unhappy with new suspension

So. We installed KYB front shocks/springs and KYB rear shocks + new oem springs on a 2008 T4R. Everything I read in my research (mostly this and the other forum) said if anything, the new KYB coilovers in the front would lift the front end a bit over stock.

well, we got it all installed and the front measurements are actually 3/4” lower and the rear is 3/4” higher than it was with all the old stock components.

and we already had 2.5” rake before we installed all the new stuff. So now we’re sitting with about a 4”+ rake.

totally opposite of what I was expecting. And we’re really bummed. What’s my best way to fix this? Simply get some adjustable 5100’s and raise the front 2”? That’s getting to be more lift than I’d like (without new control arms, etc).

can not figure out what happened here. We thought the front was extra low before we started because the bushings were hammered. But to install the new stuff and come down another 3/4” was shocking.

 

That is kind of odd that it came out 3/4” lower, i hope someone on here can help you. Maybe you can contact Dobinsons and see what they can tell you. Good luck man.

 

Yeah super weird to be lower in front. The rear coming up as much as it did was to be expected from the old sagging rear springs. But even with the rear coming up, you wouldn’t think the front would go down 3/4” with a new set of coilovers. Just bizarre.

only thing I can think of is the KYB springs are weaker. But not 3/4” down from 12 year old OEM springs weaker. Stumped.

 

Wrong springs/parts???

 

The boxes from rock auto were labeled for the truck we have. So I assume the correct parts...

 

I have KYB shocks on my Z28 and Sandrail. But for springs I would of gone with Eibach..

 

I got the KYB coilovers that came with the spring installed on the shock. If i got eibach springs could they be installed on the same shock? Or better off starting from scratch?

We weren’t intending to lift at all. But the way it’s sitting with the new oem rear springs, it’s almost like we need a true lift spring in front. That’s what’s baffling to me at this point.

 

Yes with a spring compressor.

 

Did you assemble the front coilovers yourselves? Did you forget to put the top plate in?

 

I had the Toyota dealer do the install (I’m not set up for this kind of work at the moment). Please spare me the grief

This is all new to me. What is the top plate? I got the fronts from rock auto. The spring was already installed on the shock when i got it— “quick struts”.

 

No grief intended, just trying to figure it out. If they came assembled the top is probably there. Can you take a good pic of the fronts?

 

I appreciate you guys helping me brainstorm this one. I’ll grab some photos tomorrow.

Every single forum review I read about these quick struts said expect the front to come up an inch or two. Some even ended up taller in front than the rear and ended up level after some settling.

Ha if we get settling now, we’re gonna have like a 4-5” rake. I figured a lot of those guys that ended up taller in front prob just had sagging rear springs. That’s the whole reason I went with new rear springs, too, in addition to the new fronts.

 

Ok guys. What say you? These look way too compressed to me. Am I correct in my analysis?

I’ve read that the KYB Quick Strut springs have one more coil than oem, but that alone shouldn’t cause what I’m seeing. Right?

Driver


passenger

 

That looks pretty darn tight to me.

 

I know it is not apples to apples but.

 

Drivers side is incredibly tight. What would cause this? Only thing I can think of is a weak spring. But getting two weak springs seems unlikely.

 

Are you sure they shipped you the right setup?

 

That just looks weird. Still think it may be the wrong springs/parts. They are to be put on side specific so hopefully you have them on the right sides in front. That part number gels with the 2008 4runner so just weird?? Would be good to see a pic of the top also if you can get one.

 

Yes. Part numbers are a match for our 2008 T4R.

 

Yep, part number is a match. Installed on the correct sides. I’ll go grab a pick of the top...

 

That is really strange for them to be that compressed.

 

Driver


passenger

 

When I bounce on the front end, it feels like I have about an inch of play and then it feels dead.

Pre-install of new components (hub center to fender)
18.5” front
21” rear

Post-install
17 3/4” front
21 3/4” rear (w/ new oem rear springs)

 

Do you trust this dealer? Had a Ford years back I let a dealer do the lift. Took another dealer and 2 grand. They ruined actuators, hubs and needed new axle shafts(1st dealer ate the cost) .
Not all dealers are talented

 

Yeah I trust them. I’ve known the service manager for years. He’d feel ashamed if his guys messed up and weren’t upfront about problems encountered (if there were any). I haven’t yet gone back to talk to him about it. Just been too busy this week.

There were multiple options for KYB suspension components on the rock auto website for this particular vehicle (no surprise there). I’m thinking I must have selected the wrong part.

When I ordered the coilovers, one arrived damaged (shock was dented). I returned it and got a replacement the next day. No big deal. But now to have both coilovers sitting like they are, installed... it just must be the wrong part. The odds of getting two “faulty” springs is slim to none and they appear to be installed correctly. I’ve looked them up and down and everything looks just fine.

I’m gonna call rock auto or KYB tomorrow and hopefully figure this out. I do appreciate all you guys chiming in. Thanks.

 

Just search for a set of 3rd generation Tacoma. I was 18" and hot 21-1/2" after install.

 

Your part number from that picture is wright and the installation seems wright too. Only conclusion I can make is it is a quality matter.

 

Ok guys. I might have figured it out. This is what I ordered. It says it’s for RWD. We have a 4WD truck. I just assumed RWD in the description pertained to our truck being RWD, which is is (most of the time!!!). Ha.



and this description here says 4WD.


I ordered the RWD ones because it had the US flag next to it, as that means it’s for the US market. The 4wd ones do not have the flag. But maybe that’s an oversight by Rock Auto?

Anyway— what say you? Might this be the problem? Are there different versions of front coilovers for non-4wd vs. 4wd 4runners??

Tell me I’m an idiot. That’s fine. We just want to get this fixed!! Thanks guys.

 

I would send them back and reorder directly from KYB. There might be a newer version out with better valve ing. Like KYB gas-a-just....

 

You probably got the front springs from a 2wd and with the heavier front end of your 4wd it's compressing the springs, making that scrunched look.

So yes, ordering the 4wd springs would probably fix your issue.