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Front sitting higher after new suspension

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by cfm4620, May 1, 2025.

  1. May 1, 2025 at 12:33 PM
    #1
    cfm4620

    cfm4620 [OP] New Member

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    Hello. My vehicle is a 2000 limited 4wd. I had most of the front suspension replaced, including new struts. I replaced them with oem height and now the front is sitting 1.25 inches higher than the rear. The front is measuring 36" from ground to fender, which from what i understand, is higher than stock somehow. Looking for any answers on how this could be and what my easiest fix it. I am wanting to keep it stock, but if i have to lift the back to match i can. thanks

    IMG_0563.jpg
     
  2. May 1, 2025 at 12:36 PM
    #2
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

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    A lot of times people accidentally turn the lower spring perch upside down leading to unintended lift. If you could include some pics of where the front springs sit on the perch, that would be helpful.
     
  3. May 1, 2025 at 12:38 PM
    #3
    cfm4620

    cfm4620 [OP] New Member

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    will take some photos and upload. thank you
     
    nimby[QUOTED] likes this.
  4. May 1, 2025 at 1:50 PM
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    cfm4620

    cfm4620 [OP] New Member

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    IMG_0560.jpg
    IMG_0561.jpg

    IMG_0563.jpg
     
  5. May 1, 2025 at 2:46 PM
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    Photon_Chaser

    Photon_Chaser 54,396 and counting…

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    Something's amiss...the rear looks very close to factory height, the front however...
     
  6. May 1, 2025 at 3:23 PM
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    cfm4620

    cfm4620 [OP] New Member

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    My thoughts exactly. Rear measures 34 1/4 which I believe is factory. Front is now 36” after the new front suspension.
     
  7. May 1, 2025 at 4:50 PM
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    nimby

    nimby in the drink

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    The front struts appear to be assembled properly.

    I would double check the part numbers on them if you can. You could have received a taller or heavier spring by accident.

    Another thought…..have you done anything to the rear suspension in 25 years? If not, it’s possible that your rear coils have sagged over time and it’s worth changing coils and shocks (regardless of whether that’s your problem or not). Maybe check with some other limited owners around the same year to compare stock heights to get an idea of where it should normally sit front and rear.
     
  8. May 1, 2025 at 4:56 PM
    #8
    cfm4620

    cfm4620 [OP] New Member

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    I replaced the rear shocks. Coils to be replaced next week. I posted a picture of how it sits now. You can tell the front is severely higher than stock. It looks lifted now somehow. I guess it’s possible they sent me a taller spring by accident. The front sits almost 1.5” taller now so it seems like the front has lifted a total of almost 2 inches after the new suspension as I believe the front sits a little lower than the rear in stock form. This is puzzling to me.
     
  9. May 9, 2025 at 12:44 PM
    #9
    DLO_Houston

    DLO_Houston New Member

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    I know its a bit late to ask this, but did you compare the new front spring coils to the old ones while they were out? I would be suspecting the springs you put in were not exactly OEM, but perhaps designed to give you some lift.

    I mean, it's not the end of the world if you were to replace the rear springs with springs giving an equivalent amount of lift.
     
  10. May 9, 2025 at 5:59 PM
    #10
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

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    I’m not sure, but the second picture makes it seem that the top hat isn’t seated correctly into the shock tower.
     
  11. May 12, 2025 at 10:56 AM
    #11
    kawitre

    kawitre New Member

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    In my opinion, the top hat does appear to be seated properly. I just replaced my front shocks and they have a rubber pad between the top hat and the spring. I can only assume this is for vibration/noise dampening. What you are seeing is the rubber sort of forming around the spring.

    My best guess is that it is a combination of new front shocks and springs that have not been settled in along with worn and sagging rear springs. Although I always tend to second guess even my own thoughts on these matters. Let us know how it changes once the rear coils have been replaced...
     

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