Set of Jeep coil springs helps to improve the ride and stability of this early Toyota 4Runner.
While looking around YotaTech‘s Tech Write-Ups section, we came across a thread by “Surf Runner” where he details his process of performing the “Zuk Mod” to his 1986 Toyota 4Runner. This relatively simple upgrade will help to support the factory leaf springs and as this simple review of the project shows, you don’t need a world of mechanical experience to add this upgrade to your vehicle.
The Introduction
When the OP first introduced his write-up, he explained why he decided to perform this upgrade to his 1986 4Runner. He also includes some pictures of his suspension setup prior to adding the coil springs, and while this isn’t exactly a step-by-step do-it-yourself piece, just about everything that you need to do this in your garage is included.
After being a fan of the site for quite some time and reading others successful stories, decided to do a Zuk Mod on my 86 4runner SR5. When i bought my truck it had 3″ blocks in the back and the torsion bars cranked up to fit 35’s under it. I previously added the ball joint spacers so I could smooth out the ride up front, but because of the off the blocks i was still breaking u-joints and had a low weight capacity for towing and payload.
The Process
Next, the OP explained what he used for this upgrade, using a set of Jeep Rubicon springs that had been heated and bent to tuck into place on the stock Toyota suspension setup. He ended the write-up with a review, raving about the outcome and the improvement with this simple upgrade.
I recommend the Zuk mod for any older Toyota and especially the 4runners. after putting about 5k on it since this mod I can say my horrible body roll and constant fear of flipping while turning is gone. the Zuk mod stiffened up my rear end so much I can load my truck with tools and have 4 guys stand on my bumper and it barely drops with all the weight
Click here for a closer look at this thread, including more pictures and details on performing this upgrade to your Toyota 4Runner.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
