Adding the skid plates and rock sliders, would weight be a issue for my current springs?

Currently have RCI full skid plate (Steel) 117 lbs. Want to add RSG rock sliders which are roughly 50 lbs each, bringing a total of almost 100 lbs. So adding the skid plates and rock sliders, would weight be a issue for my current springs? I'm running Kings Suspensions.

 

Yes, adding the weight equivalent of a passenger will definitely exceed the limits of the suspension.

Seriously though, the weight you have is down low and spread out which is ideal. That amount of weight would only be a concern if it’s leveraged out past the axles (bumpers/winch/etc)

 

I’ve got the same full skids and a slimeline bumper w/winch. I’m getting a full bumper in a month and they said I need to go from medium to heavy spring or I’ll be up a creek.

My question is do you have anything else and did you take into consideration the weight of the steps you are removing (100-current)?

 

Think about it this way. If you put 7 passengers in a 3rd row 4Runner, how much weight ahve you added? Even at 150 avg for 5 passengers and 50lbs for the back seat passengers, you are at 850lbs which clearly Toyota planned for with all aspects of driving.

Bumpers on the other hand can change the geometry. I'd measure before and after bumper install at the center of the front fenders just to confirm. Nose dive will be the other factor to determine if you need a heavier rated spring. "heavy duty" and "medium duty" are terms, and not actual rates. One medium may be 25% more or less than another competitor spring rate.

 

When towing a trailer remember that the tongue weight gets added to the cargo weight.

 

And it doubles stoping distance.

 

I didn't know that, or rather never thought about that. But it makes sense.

 

On my 2021 Off Road, I ran stock springs with Bilstein 5100’s (set at .85”) for a year after installing RCI skids (including gas tank skid) plus CaliRaised sliders. My OEM springs handled this weight gain without any issues.

It was when I added the SSO hybrid bumper and Warn winch that the added weight became quite noticeable. The rig really felt front end heavy and I lost 1/2” of front end lift. I solved this with heavier weight Dobinsons springs up front and standard weight Dobinsons in the rear giving about a 2” lift all around compared to stock. Also installed JBA UCA with the new springs. With these updates, normal handling returned and it no longer feels front end heavy…

Cheers,
Bob