IdahoDoug Posted July 29 Share Posted July 29 First question is, my rear leaf springs are very nearly flat - just a slight arc to them of perhaps an inch total rise. Has anyone found a satisfactory replacement for their leaf springs so I can start fresh when my restoration is complete. Also, any input from others such as photos or comments theirs are nearly flat and they've had no issues. A measurement from the rubber bump stop, down to the spring would settle it across the miles, so if anyone has the time to do that, it would be appreciated. Second question is my bushings are intact, but clearly off center, so I'd like to get new leaf spring bushings if anyone knows of a source of the original Toyota bushings? I don't want poly or anything that adds to the teeth rattling ride this thing has, so any aftermarket success would be great to hear of, also. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted July 29 Share Posted July 29 old man emu CS010R has been used by quite a few here with excellent results. Bushing part numbers 90385-18046 upper and lower are the same so you need 8 Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
extech Posted July 29 Share Posted July 29 1985 Escaper rear suspension overhaul tips, tricks, and questions By hamkid March 14, 2021 in Engines - Transmissions - Drive Train - Suspension - Chassis - Steering - Exhaust - Tires - Etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WME Posted July 29 Share Posted July 29 I used poly bushings when I rebuilt my rear leaf spring mounts. Fuzzy memory here, but the factory springs (1986 Escaper) came with different size bushings depending on when the chassis was made. I called up the people who made the bushings and they said yep it happens and sent me the right ones. P.S. even though the poly bushings are stiffer, the Toy rode smoother, because the poly bushings made the springs work correctly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted July 29 Share Posted July 29 According to Toyota this bushing part fits 1979 to 1995 so don't know where different sizes would come in Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WME Posted July 29 Share Posted July 29 We're talking 25 years ago, But I very much remember my Escaper on jack-stands for a week. The company sent me the "normal" kit and the front spring eye was smaller than "normal". When I called the company (Energy Suspension) they said there were some springs with smaller eyes and they knew what I needed and would blue label me the right size. The new bushings worked fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinchinook Posted July 30 Share Posted July 30 I don’t remember what bushings I used. But I put the old man emu springs on my rig and they work great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IdahoDoug Posted July 30 Author Share Posted July 30 Kevin, Do you have a part number for the OME springs? After looking at Hamkid's thread and seeing how much curvature were in his springs when he put fresh on, I have no doubt mine are significantly flattened and need replacing. Kind of surprising for the 32k miles on my truck, but I guess time has its say as well when the rear axle weight is 4000lbs. I'll get the springs in hand, then the bushings, so I will have an I.D. measurement for the bushings before ordering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
extech Posted July 30 Share Posted July 30 pretty sure these are the ones i used Part Number: EMU-CS010R summit racing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ssunrader Posted July 31 Share Posted July 31 I used some urethane bushings and had to turn one pair down on a lathe, so there is some oddity with the 1 ton chassis. I would prefer airbags vs stiffer springs if going for additional load capacity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IdahoDoug Posted July 31 Author Share Posted July 31 I am probably going to be the heaviest Sunrader out there, as I'm installing a much larger fridge, I've reinforced the roof to walk on it so I can carry solar, a roof rack, kayak and bikes up there, I will have a generator on the rear bumper much of the time, adding a large a/c unit, a secondary heater, heavy BMW seats, and the new cabinetry and leather dinette will be way heavier than the factory can build with their assembly line. So I'm hoping to find some spec on any spring I choose. Probably a lost cause but it would be great to know the original specs on the factory Toyota springs (spring rate, deflection, capacity) to ensure I'm above that with the steel springs. I've used Airlift air springs on several vehicles and several hundred thousand miles, so I'll likely add those in the future. But I want the basic carrying capacity of steel springs that are matched. So, all the sites just mention the springs and how great they are, but no specs? Anyone know better info on these OME springs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted July 31 Share Posted July 31 I see sites with 550 lbs over GVW capacity and spring rate. More importantly , after a quick search I see 13 other members who have used them with no complaints. Probably many more who didn't include the model number so didn't come up in search. One member with a full sized V6 Sunrader even removed one leaf from it because he thought they were too strong. Actual use means way more than a bunch of numbers. Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinchinook Posted August 1 Share Posted August 1 On 7/30/2024 at 2:24 PM, IdahoDoug said: Kevin, Do you have a part number for the OME springs? After looking at Hamkid's thread and seeing how much curvature were in his springs when he put fresh on, I have no doubt mine are significantly flattened and need replacing. Kind of surprising for the 32k miles on my truck, but I guess time has its say as well when the rear axle weight is 4000lbs. I'll get the springs in hand, then the bushings, so I will have an I.D. measurement for the bushings before ordering. CS010R https://www.4wheelparts.com//p/arb-old-man-emu-2-25-rear-lifted-leaf-spring-cs010r/_/R-BHWQ-CS010R this is what I put on my 86 sunrader adventure 1 No idea about specs but they are much beefier than what was stock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IdahoDoug Posted August 2 Author Share Posted August 2 Sounds good. I just wish the aftermarket could get their act together. For instance, Kevin kindly posted a link. But the link lists various vehicles these fit. Which does not include the 1975-1985 Toyota Hilux/Pickup. Argh. I'll probably call and speak with someone at length to understand the right springs and be sure it will fit. You never know when an aftermarket company updates a part number, which changes compatibility. Paying return postage on a pair of leaf springs will cost about what these springs sell for.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted August 2 Share Posted August 2 Look here. Under fitment clearly shows fits 1979 to 1990 https://store.arbusa.com/rear-leaf-spring-cs010r/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ctgriffi Posted August 2 Share Posted August 2 So the CS010R fits up to 90 on 4Runner, but not the pickup though, right? (Sorry Doug, this question serves me and not you necessarily!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
extech Posted August 2 Share Posted August 2 looks like pick up only to 88 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted August 2 Share Posted August 2 According to Toyota a 4Runner is a pickup. here's a dually wheel 4 Runner on a factory site Disc Wheel & Wheel Cap - 1990 Toyota 4Runner 2 Wheel Drive (toyotapartsdeal.com) Thos EMU springs will fit all the years I listed Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IdahoDoug Posted August 2 Author Share Posted August 2 Interesting - thanks. So ARB USA's "email a question" feature not working on their website. I called and after 15 on hold got a guy who told me boldy "that spring has a 440lb capacity" Uh, hate to tell ya bud, but that wouldn't even hold up an empty pickup, do you have any better numbers? This is your product you carry and supply to the entire US, after all. He couldnt and finally suggested I email ARB in Australia. So I got on their website where you have to fill in an address and no it won't accept a USA address. Used the Opera House address (heh) to ask my question "is this spring going to work for my rear axle weight of 3300 empty and 4300 with all gear aboard?" I will let you know what they say. For clarity, I'm not discounting anyone's experience, and I suspect I'll be putting these springs on, frankly - because I've not found any alternatives. It's just that I cannot fathom how the same spring is recommended for a pickup with a max rear axle weight rating of 3000 (off a door sticker of a 92 22RE pickup) or less will work at 50% greater weight than that. It may be the spring is in fact a "lift spring" to let the pickup guys ride 4" higher on a crazy stiff spring and they're happy and it works on the Sunrader. But I'll feel a lot more comfortable if the people who make it say so. We will be doing some slightly dangerous things with this rig up here, so I want to start with a solid foundation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IdahoDoug Posted August 2 Author Share Posted August 2 Wild. Things in the industry are worse than I thought since I left. I called Dayton who makes the spring Rock auto sells (P/N 90111) which is listed as for the CC but out of stock. Customer service couldn't tell me the weight rating, put me through to Engineering. Jordon proceeds to tell me "It's a metric spring and metric springs are not measured for capacity." After the proper length of shocked silence, I said. "Wait. You make the spring, right? Yes. You mean to tell me because it's not an SAE spring, you don't have any idea of its capacity. Correct, sir". Several minutes of pleading and various comforting and cajoling later I got nothing. The world has really gone mad. I hope for better results from ARB but am now thinking I should see if there is a contact at OME directly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WME Posted August 4 Share Posted August 4 My problem with the big and little spring eye was with the FACTORY spring. If you buy an Old Man Emu spring kit and bushings all will be good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ssunrader Posted August 4 Share Posted August 4 On 8/2/2024 at 10:35 AM, linda s said: According to Toyota a 4Runner is a pickup. here's a dually wheel 4 Runner on a factory site Disc Wheel & Wheel Cap - 1990 Toyota 4Runner 2 Wheel Drive (toyotapartsdeal.com) Thos EMU springs will fit all the years I listed Linda S That site is a third party site that merely emulates a factory appearance. I have seen first hand unscrupulous business practices from them and would strongly advise avoiding them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted August 4 Share Posted August 4 I wouldn't order from them but the search protocols are 100 percent Toyota. You are wrong Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IdahoDoug Posted August 5 Author Share Posted August 5 (edited) So, I got a mixed message from ARB Australia in terms of the springs suitability with a Sunrader having a rear axle weight of 4300lbs. The answer was couched in terms of a stock pickup, that these springs would give it a 2" lift with either a 550lb cargo or an 1100lb cargo (I asked for clarity) with these springs. But they did not come out and say what I need to know - either yes these springs are strong enough for 4300lbs, or here is the designed capacity range: XXlbs-XXlbs max so I can make a decision as to how to increase their capacity if that's not enough. They do have an optional added leaf, which is the first I've heard of that - so that's good news. I also have a back door inquiry happening from a friend at Toyota who may be able to provide more granular detail. Will update. Edited August 5 by IdahoDoug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.