Hilux / 4 Runner front suspension

**GT1978** · 06-10-2009, 08:32 AM

Can someone give me a quick run down on the workings of the front suspension on a 4x4 hilux / 4 runner. As far as I can tell its a basic double wish bone setup with a shock absorber but no coil spring? As there is no spring to lift the chassis how does it stop from dropping to its lowest point? Please put my mind at rest. It keeps me awake at night not being able to understand obvious mechanical things.

Glen

**litldv8** · 06-10-2009, 08:40 AM

there is a torsion bar which acts as a spring that is splined to one of the wishbones.
you can raise or lower the front suspension via a adjuster bolt which is mounted to the other end of the torsion bar just past the end of the gearbox. if you want to adjust it just be careful as the last 4wd i did the bolt snapped and went through the floor a tore a hole i then had to repair. neil

**MOOKIE** · 06-10-2009, 02:05 PM

Its pretty much just a coil spring straightened out if that helps

**50RTD** · 07-10-2009, 12:51 PM

Originally Posted by litldv8

you can raise or lower the front suspension via a adjuster bolt

Its important with IFS vehicles to maintain a minimum ammount of droop or downward travel when attempting to raise the vehicle. Unfortunately raising an IFS does sacrifice its downward wheel travel, and winding it up too far is detrimental to offroad ability.

Funny seeing these massive IFS vehicles that are useless offroad because the wheels are in the air 90% of the time. That said, its often a neccessary evil in order to fit bigger tyres.