[jmeb]

The Van looks great! So the picture is with rear springs only? Nothing up front yet? I'm considering the journeys kit but I'd rather improve my rear springs and just get spacers for the front. My wife is actually into the idea because of Minnesnowta winters. I'm not sure if you can just by front spacers only - maybe springs all around is the way to go.

The rear is def the soft spot in the suspension. With any lift -- Traxda or Journey -- it becomes even more obvious that the rear wants to squat when loaded. If you're loaded consistently / most of the time, heavier duty springs make sense. Otherwise, airbags are inexpensive and accomplish the reduction of squat (but not the lift.)

 

[22Ranger]

The Van looks great! So the picture is with rear springs only? Nothing up front yet? I'm considering the journeys kit but I'd rather improve my rear springs and just get spacers for the front. My wife is actually into the idea because of Minnesnowta winters. I'm not sure if you can just by front spacers only - maybe springs all around is the way to go.

So that picture shows the vehicle uloaded with custom rear springs and custom rear bags at 10PSI.

I corresponded with Greg Pilling (Greg@traxda.com) with Traxda. He can built a custom height front spacer for $129 (retail is $172).

I was planning to do the front as well, but when I load down the rear with a lot of cargo, I can maintain a little bit of rake and the van drives great. Additionally with my rear toe/camber issue actually corrected by the rear lift, it’s hard to want to mess with it.

I attached pictures of it totally packed with the following luggage at 20PSI in the bags.
5 people
6 bikes
Balance bike
Trail behind bike
Bike trailer
Stroller
Grill
Chainsaw
Power tools
All our clothing, toiletries and entertainment for 2 weeks/1,200 miles.
*We averaged 18.5 MPG doing 70-80MPH

I’ll be loading it up for a camping trip and pulling a pop-up trailer in a few weeks. I’ll be reducing the axle weight by putting some cargo in the trailer, but it will increase the tongue weight. I’ll be interested to see how it sits and how much air I’ll need to add to the bags.

 

[22Ranger]

Just got back from a camping trip with the whole bike rack/pop up combo and we didn’t scrape the hitch once! I had the bags at 30 psi and the ride quality was great. With the added height and capacity of the rear springs it was smooth sailing.

Unless I go with a full dual receiver WDH setup ($1000+/-), I can’t swing a front lift. I would just end up Baja’d out when towing, which is what I was trying to correct in the first place. So I’ll be leaving things as is for now. Which means I’ll continue to grit my teeth when scrapping the front end in certain parking lots...

On a side note, we averaged just over 17mpg while towing!

 

[DeepInIt]

I will start my project thread soon but wanted opinions. I am installing the Journey's kit and airlift 1000 but wondered while I had it apart if I should beef up the rear shocks. I would only want a little increase, not as much as 22ranger. I installed a 675lb receiver and plan on having a RIGd Supply Ultraswing tire carrier (full size spare) with a Kuat bike rack. ?

 

[22Ranger]

I will start my project thread soon but wanted opinions. I am installing the Journey's kit and airlift 1000 but wondered while I had it apart if I should beef up the rear shocks. I would only want a little increase, not as much as 22ranger. I installed a 675lb receiver and plan on having a RIGd Supply Ultraswing tire carrier (full size spare) with a Kuat bike rack. ?

I’d say if you plan on hauling all that, you should probably go with custom coils in the rear. The weight carrying capacity and trim height are two different specs that then effect the spring rate according to CSS.

And again, they screwed up the specs on mine and it ended up with more lift than intended.

Would you still use a fair bit of the rear Journey components? Maybe skip the spring cups but use the rest?

I considered just going with the Traxda spacer up front to complete my lift. But I’ve got too much weight going on in the back end for now.

 

[22Ranger]

So I’d had a couple instances of “topping out” the rear shocks over speed bumps and rough driveways etc since installing the rear coils.

I reached out to Traxda to clarify the rear instructions the have for their lift that tell you to add spacers on top of the shock.

I sent them this diagram/question:

They replied
“On top of the "shoulder" of the shock.

We are trying to make the shock longer, and use all the threads of the stem top on the shock.”

I still wasn’t super clear. But after taking things apart and looking at them I settled on adding spacers on top of the “Spring Bumper Shoulder”. 1/2 washer don’t fit, so I got 5/8 zinc washers. I added x3 on each side totaling 9mm or 3/8.

Before threads:

After threads:

This seems to have almost resolved the issue entirely. It still tops out if I hit a big speed bump straight on at 10mph. Has anyone tried using the mobility shocks with a rear lift for added length?

 

[22Ranger]

There were a few posts back and forth trying to figure out the shock top out issue on the Traxda post.

I gave Journey’s Off Road a call today to see if they would sell the “Rear Bump Stop/Shock Extensions” separately and they don’t. Mike at JORs explained that they sell some “upgrade components” separately, but that this piece is engineered to be part of the kit.

Also, he said that he used to sell a kit he designed that was nearly identical to the Traxda. He said he stopped selling it because of longevity concerns and specifically issues with the rear toe turning into camber. happens when the rear axle is rotated down without also dropping the torsion beam hinges.

For whatever reason, my rear lift actually resolved an excessive toe issue I had by splitting it with camber.

The other options I have at this point would be to have a welder fabricate a shock extension or have a suspension shop cut the springs down a bit.

But for how infrequently I have this issue, I’ll just avoid clobbering speed bumps straight on and enjoy the results the other 99% of the time!

 

[22Ranger]

Anyone know what the stock shock length and stroke is?

I found another possible shock top out solution: using Toyota spec mobility shocks?

I contacted KYB regarding their different shocks and they confirmed that the mobility version is 1” longer than the non-mobility and has a slightly longer stroke.

Me:

KYB:

 

[22Ranger]

Anyone know what the stock shock length and stroke is?

I found another possible shock top out solution: using Toyota spec mobility shocks?

I contacted KYB regarding their different shocks and they confirmed that the mobility version is 1” longer than the non-mobility and has a slightly longer stroke.

Me:

KYB:
View attachment 47601

Here are some additional specs I’ve found:

The Monroe 37301 is 27.560 long with a 10.46 stroke.

The KYB 344480 is 27.12 long with a 9.88 stroke.

Has anyone used the Monroe shock long-term? Sounds like it has a different mounting system than OEM or KYB.

I found this awesome DIY lift while researching the shocks.

 

[22Ranger]

Here are some additional specs I’ve found:

The Monroe 37301 is 27.560 long with a 10.46 stroke.

The KYB 344480 is 27.12 long with a 9.88 stroke.

Has anyone used the Monroe shock long-term? Sounds like it has a different mounting system than OEM or KYB.

I found this awesome DIY lift while researching the shocks.

I purchased and installed the Monroe 37301 shocks this weekend and it totally resolved the top out issue.

I measured when the "top out" occurred by lifting the vehicle and noting when the wheels began to lift.
Resting Height: 32.5"
OEM Top Out: 34.25"
Monroe Top Out: 35.5" (no issues observed with the speed sensor getting yanked)

I measured the overall length of the shocks while they were off the vehicle.
OEM: 26-7/8"
Monroe: 28-3/8"

Valve characteristics seem essentially identical. The mounting hardware is different, but works just fine.

 

[TinMan.KC]

Here are some additional specs I’ve found:

The Monroe 37301 is 27.560 long with a 10.46 stroke.

The KYB 344480 is 27.12 long with a 9.88 stroke.

Has anyone used the Monroe shock long-term? Sounds like it has a different mounting system than OEM or KYB.

I found this awesome DIY lift while researching the shocks.

Hi - Is there also a Mobility version of the front struts?

 

[22Ranger]

Hi - Is there also a Mobility version of the front struts?

No, there doesn’t appear to be a mobility version for the front. I checked on the Monroe and KYB sites to make sure. My understanding is that the Rear mobility shocks have a longer range of motion to accommodate the “kneeling” feature of the mobility access version.

In case your wondering, CSS doesn’t currently offer custom front springs. Sounds like they would, be they need someone to send in a set of OEM springs.

 

[YotaSE17]

This weekend I installed new custom rear coil springs on my 16’ FWD XLE from Coil Spring Specialists (CSS). I consulted with Kevin Crane and he spec’d our several different options for me.

Why?
I tow a trailer/bike rack combo with a 400 lb tongue weight. I continued to have major scrapping issues even with an AirLift 1000 used with a 1” spacer.

Secondly, depending on how things look when loaded, I may do a custom Traxda front spacer to gain better overall ground clearance.

How the process worked:
CSS has you run your VIN with Toyota and pull your exact OEM spring specifications. They build your custom springs off of these specifications.

Price with tax & shipping was $326.58.
Production time was right at 4 weeks as advertised.
They didn’t charge my card until the springs shipped.
Shipping was about 4 days.

Specifications:
Based off of: Rear OEM - coil spring #48231-08-051

CSS Custom Spring:
I.D. Wire Dia. Checking Load @ Checking Load Height Rate F.L. T.C.
4.50" .705" 1250# @ 11.875" 380/450#/in 15.125" 8.375

The goal was to increase ride height by 1.5” and add 425lbscarrying capacity. As a result, the spring rate increased by 30%.

My rear stock unloaded ride height was at 29.75” in the center of the wheel well.

My new unloaded ride height 32”. So, I actually gained 2.25”.

I wasn’t banking on that much of a gain and therefore rake, but it actually seems fine so far. The ride quality is firmer and there seems to be less body roll. I definitely need to adjust my headlights.

I’m getting an alignment tomorrow and I may have a spacer installed to deal with a .38 degree tow issue.

Later this week will embark on a 1,200 mile trip, 5 people suitcases, a roof box and a verticle bike rack holding 5 bikes.

Here is how it looks unloaded:

22Ranger,
Prior to installing the custom springs, where were you able to find a 1" spacer for the rear and do you recall how much actual lift you got out of em? Im about to lift my van... Thanks for the info.

P.S. glad to see the monroe shock soved the top on issues. No additional washer or spacers needed, right?

 

[22Ranger]

22Ranger,
Prior to installing the custom springs, where were you able to find a 1" spacer for the rear and do you recall how much actual lift you got out of em? Im about to lift my van... Thanks for the info.

P.S. glad to see the monroe shock soved the top on issues. No additional washer or spacers needed, right?

So the 1” spacer I used was recommended by an AirLift tec and was just for the air bag kit inside the OEM coil. When fully loaded it maybe stunted the droop by 3/4”. It is literally a solid rubber puck that just floats under the airbag, unsecured. I really didn’t care for and a different AirLift tec said it was not something they should recommend as it can be too rigid. They actually warrantied the bags and let me spec a custom length set for the custom coils of had ordered.

Yes, the shocks are perfect at this point. Solved the top out completely and sturdy mount points on both ends. No sketchy adapters required.

 

[22Ranger]

22Ranger,
Prior to installing the custom springs, where were you able to find a 1" spacer for the rear and do you recall how much actual lift you got out of em? Im about to lift my van... Thanks for the info.

P.S. glad to see the monroe shock soved the top on issues. No additional washer or spacers needed, right?

So, in synopsis... if you aren’t going to be towing, the Traxda style spring cups with Monroe shocks would be a solid solution.

If you are going to be towing, throwing air bags in addition to the Traxda style spring cups/Monroe shocks would help.

If you plan on towing a lot, the custom springs have been great, but they aren’t cheap!

 

[YotaSE17]

So, in synopsis... if you aren’t going to be towing, the Traxda style spring cups with Monroe shocks would be a solid solution.

If you are going to be towing, throwing air bags in addition to the Traxda style spring cups/Monroe shocks would help.

If you plan on towing a lot, the custom springs have been great, but they aren’t cheap!

Thanks for the information. I was hoping u had a lead for a 1" coil spacer but now I understand. Yours was floating inside the coil. I have a 2019 LE AWD and I want to do the traxda lift, but im worried it may cause rear tire wear issues. For some reason my van is ass proud. LOL! It sits 3/4" higher in the back then the front when measuring at the wheel well. This is a slightly higher differential then all the other vans Ive come across and measured. The guys at journeys told me you can only raise the rear of the sienna about 1" before the negative camber turns to toe which means excessive tire wear. This is the reason they use a drop down bracket for the rear swing arm as it raises the van and also keeps the rear wheel travel more level. I called traxda and asked if they could make a shorter rear spacer and they said no as it may not clear the body mounted structure that resides inside the top of the rear spring. The rear spacer they use is about 1 1/4" and most are getting 2" of lift from it. i would like less then that. Also, no towing in my future...

 

[22Ranger]

Thanks for the information. I was hoping u had a lead for a 1" coil spacer but now I understand. Yours was floating inside the coil. I have a 2019 LE AWD and I want to do the traxda lift, but im worried it may cause rear tire wear issues. For some reason my van is ass proud. LOL! It sits 3/4" higher in the back then the front when measuring at the wheel well. This is a slightly higher differential then all the other vans Ive come across and measured. The guys at journeys told me you can only raise the rear of the sienna about 1" before the negative camber turns to toe which means excessive tire wear. This is the reason they use a drop down bracket for the rear swing arm as it raises the van and also keeps the rear wheel travel more level. I called traxda and asked if they could make a shorter rear spacer and they said no as it may not clear the body mounted structure that resides inside the top of the rear spring. The rear spacer they use is about 1 1/4" and most are getting 2" of lift from it. i would like less then that. Also, no towing in my future...

Gotcha, I thought that was what you were looking for. I talked to Journeys too and he mentioned the camber issue as well.

I had a bit of a toe issue that, when lifted, became split between toe and camber and the alignment shop said it resolved my issue?!? So, I’ve not messed with the front. The alignment shop said if I did more than 3/4” I could have some rear toe issues return. So far tire wear is down with my current setup...

 

[YotaSE17]

Gotcha, I thought that was what you were looking for. I talked to Journeys too and he mentioned the camber issue as well.

I had a bit of a toe issue that, when lifted, became split between toe and camber and the alignment shop said it resolved my issue?!? So, I’ve not messed with the front. The alignment shop said if I did more than 3/4” I could have some rear toe issues return. So far tire wear is down with my current setup...

Really? That seems too hyper critical but I am no expert. Especially considering how soft the rear suspension is which to me seems like the tire height/angle is far from a constant. My tire wear is perfect as my van sits. Maybe our vans tires wear better when higher in the back versus low...

 

[22Ranger]

Really? That seems too hyper critical but I am no expert. Especially considering how soft the rear suspension is which to me seems like the tire height/angle is far from a constant. My tire wear is perfect as my van sits. Maybe our vans tires wear better when higher in the back versus low...

Yea, I’m in the same boat, no expert haha. i’m just going off of what the shop told me.

Now when I’m loaded, I can use the airbags to get it running perfectly level. I’m guessing that has really helped tire wear.

 

[YotaSE17]

So I’d had a couple instances of “topping out” the rear shocks over speed bumps and rough driveways etc since installing the rear coils.

I reached out to Traxda to clarify the rear instructions the have for their lift that tell you to add spacers on top of the shock.

I sent them this diagram/question: View attachment 47347
They replied
“On top of the "shoulder" of the shock.

We are trying to make the shock longer, and use all the threads of the stem top on the shock.”

I still wasn’t super clear. But after taking things apart and looking at them I settled on adding spacers on top of the “Spring Bumper Shoulder”. 1/2 washer don’t fit, so I got 5/8 zinc washers. I added x3 on each side totaling 9mm or 3/8.
View attachment 47349
Before threads:
View attachment 47348
After threads:
View attachment 47350
This seems to have almost resolved the issue entirely. It still tops out if I hit a big speed bump straight on at 10mph. Has anyone tried using the mobility shocks with a rear lift for added length?

Off to the fastener store this morning. I’m gonna attempt to do this or some variation of it. Thank you for the detailed photos. Turns out the shock extenders from traxda won’t work. They supply a 1” x 3/8” spacer with 1/4” hole. When placed on the shock piston the OD won’t clear a foam yellowish or rubber insulator up inside the plastic guard. And when place on the outside above the shock assembly the hole is too narrow to slip over silver the sleeve that extends upwards into the car body mount. I installed the Monroe shocks you mentioned. I think the length is perfect but to me they are too soft. I’m not sure if heavy duty shocks come oem on my 19 AWD but compared to them they have a lot less resistance and a much quicker travel. With the Monroe’s I can move the rear of my car with very little downward force and practically no effort. Gonna try and make use of the OEM’s before I settle with the Monroe’s. The number on the side of my Toyota shock body is 48531-08060 and measures 27 3/4” resting.