Spring Rate 101 for GX470, GX460, FJ Cruiser, and 4Runner

Breaking down spring rate through looking at 3 different springs that all fit the same vehicle. These springs fit Prado 150 vehicles including GX470, GX460, FJ Cruiser, and 4Runner models. Although they look similar they each have different spring rates which determines their associated lift. All of these coil springs are available at metaltech4x4.com
#suspension #4x4 #techtips

[@kaikahakua]

Great info

[@frank4runner]

Do you make these for the 3rd Gen 4runner I want seem to find them on ur site

[@A_K664]

I installed the Metal Tech GX470 Rear Coil Conversion with Eibach shocks. I still have the stock suspension on the front and have a lot of rake. About 2.25". What springs can you suggest I use on the front? People say stock springs, but GX springs are over $300 EACH. Insane! Any suggestions? Eibach front shocks with FJ or Tundra springs an option? Maybe 4runner

[@Metaltech4x4]

What rear spring did you use with our conversion kit? This will be controlling the height that you have now. We make and sell our Supper Stock rear spring. metaltech4x4.com/metal-tech-2003-09-lexus-gx470-rear-springs-stock-height-ct/?ctk=69846d95-69f2-4e7b-b514-a99147b99dfc&showHidden=true

[@kadetang9988]

I sent you an email about this topic, curious what the Metal Tech FJ Cruiser/4Runner Rear Long Travel Coil Springs Heavy are constant load rated for.

[@Metaltech4x4]

Stock no weight will yield a 3" lift.
240lbs over stock will yield a 3" lift
420lbs over stock will yield a 2" lift
630lbs over stock will yield a 1.5" lift
NOTE: Most "lift" rear springs are 1.5" to 2" over stock for the rear, these are common with 3" lift kits due to the OEM rear sitting higher than the front.

[@brianlorenz9632]

is there any chance of a lower lift long travel spring? on a 4th gen 4runner 2.5” lift in the front and 1.5” lift in the back looks good. 3” lift in the back would be really raked up in the back. even most tacomas seem to do the same 2.5-3” front and 1.5-2” in the back. i have 1.5” in the back now and couldn’t imagine it being much higher. would look really odd.

[@lawsonorsak8380]

From my understanding you want a positive rake with the rear being higher by a few inches for most normal situations. If the car is level or close to it, you will not handle heavy loads well at all and sag. This can cause problems like pointing your headlights up at oncoming traffic etc. There is a reason Toyota has it come from the factory higher in the back aka positive rake. Now of course there all kinds of different level long travel setups going far into the extreme, so driving on roads with normal traffic, or carrying heavy rear loads may not matter or be the goal at all. Bottom line it just depends on wat your specific goals for the vehicle are.

[@Metaltech4x4]

We have our Med Rear Long Travel springs we make. For most trucks this yields a 2" lift for the rear, unlike the 3" from our HD springs. The Medium LT springs are here: metaltech4x4.com/metal-tech-fj-cruiser-2003-4runner-rear-long-travel-coil-springs-medium/

[@user-xw7mn2nx1g]

I converted our 05 Lexus over several years ago but and it has always seemed kinda springy in the rear end. Does that sound right

[@Metaltech4x4]

I would check your shocks. The shocks should be damping any springyness or bounce your getting. If running a stock height spring you can replace your shocks with a comparable year 4Runner replacement shock. For stock ride your local auto part store shocks like Monroe are good options.