Rear suspension help

[Jaywilk]

I towed a motorcycle trailer recently and found that the rear end of my '03 Highlander sagged more than I would like. The tongue weight did not seem to be excessive. I can't adjust the weight of the bike back any further on the trailer.

Is there any rear suspension modification I can make to minimize the sag? Coil spring spaces? Anything? Any help would be appreciated!
Jay

[MarkSilber]

We have a 2002 Highlander where the rear has developed a clunk and is unstable. When cornering you can feel the rear end begin to almost lose it. If going over bumps, the rear will actually jump sideways. Something has happened in the rear and is not apparent to technicians who look at it. Mileage around 42,000.

[LifeTech]

Originally Posted by MarkSilber

We have a 2002 Highlander where the rear has developed a clunk and is unstable. When cornering you can feel the rear end begin to almost lose it. If going over bumps, the rear will actually jump sideways. Something has happened in the rear and is not apparent to technicians who look at it. Mileage around 42,000.

Is the problem intermittent??

I feel yu should look at the rear sway bar, it's mounts and links...
then look at the struts, springs and upper strut mounts in this order.

I don't know why a tech could not find the problem?

Bad strut(s) perhaps!!! Might sound silly, but did yu check tire air pressure?

I would focus on a bad strut(s). They generally would cause the ride handling yu are experiencing. 42k miles would indicate possibly worn struts. A tech might not clearly see this.

Check for any and all related nuts/bolts for proper torque.\

This would drive me crazy too! I think its the strut(s) dude!

Goodluck
LT

[LifeTech]

Originally Posted by Jaywilk

I towed a motorcycle trailer recently and found that the rear end of my '03 Highlander sagged more than I would like. The tongue weight did not seem to be excessive. I can't adjust the weight of the bike back any further on the trailer.

Is there any rear suspension modification I can make to minimize the sag? Coil spring spaces? Anything? Any help would be appreciated!
Jay

There are no mods available that I can see. Aftermarket replacement springs perhaps.(they might be stiffer, No guarantees) No air shocks or helper springs with this Camry/Car based SUV.
I have seen universal spring spacers that wedge between the coil springs that limit spring compression. I never used them on strut springs though. Your only shot right now. Yu raise the truck and insert the wedges. it gives a stiffer ride with less spring compression. I don't like them personally, but experiment ,it could work for yu!


goodluck

LT