1984: Cheap lift

SLC97SR5 · 01-02-2007, 10:53 PM

I've posted several different threads about this old truck and I'd like to lift it a hair for the time being.

I just made a 1" BL for the cab and a 3" lift for the flatbed.

What can I do for suspension?

Are building extended shackles as easy as measuring some steel strap and drilling two holes?

How much lift does a 2" longer than stock shackle provide on stock springs? 1"??

What cheap lifts/parts have you had success with?

What about shocks, would the Gabriel Hi-Jackers be a viable solution for F&R?

Any pic's of mildly lifted old trucks/4Runners?

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4Crawler · 01-03-2007, 09:16 AM

Lift vs. shackle length:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/Shackles.shtml#FAQ4

And yes, given heavy enough strapping (I use 3/8"x2" for mine), and access to large enough drill bits (18mm) that is all it take to make shackles.

RallyRoach · 01-04-2007, 03:33 PM

I just did this to my rig, and I used the rear shocks off of a 1997 Ford F150 2wd in the front. Dirt cheap, and plenty of flex for the ~3" of lift I got. I'm still lifting the back, so I don't have any suggestions for you there

And as for shackles, I had good luck using a step-drill bit instead of an actual 18mm drill, I found it cut much easier.

SLC97SR5 · 01-04-2007, 11:10 PM

Roger- Great information, thanks.

Rally- What center to center length did you use?

RallyRoach · 01-05-2007, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLC97SR5

Rally- What center to center length did you use?

This was a rears-up-front swap, and I built my own banana shackles. I used 6" center to center of the holes. I don't remember what angle I put them at, but I can find out if you need it. Pictures:

http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2097341144

If I had to do it again, I'd probably use 5" though, the angle is good, but not perfect.

RallyRoach

gotboostedvr6 · 03-03-2007, 10:18 AM

how many inches would you get from just swapping the rears up front?
are the front and rear leafs the same length?

4Crawler · 03-03-2007, 10:56 AM

Yu'll get whatever lift you build into the springs:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/4R_suspe...II.shtml#Front

Rears are 2" longer than the fronts, center pin 2" farther forward so moves the axle forward as well.

gotboostedvr6 · 03-05-2007, 08:14 PM

thanks for the info

mudtoy · 03-21-2007, 05:16 PM

I have been investigating and triing to choose which method to lift the front, if you use extended shackles in front, the stock shackle is tappred at he bottom, I thought possiblely using straight shackes with washers to fill in gap at the bottom, wondering how solid that would be. you can get lifting shackles from Advance auto or Auto Zone for about 10-15 bucks with nuts and bolts. Rearching springs, but will sag again over time, thinking that adding a couple leafs to front will be the best and safest way of achieveing about 2" of lift for front, will use 2" blocks in rear. By the way, I have a 85 Toy reg cab short bed with 3" body lift, but virginia law is very strict on lift laws... boo!

4Crawler · 03-21-2007, 05:35 PM

I make steel shackle spacers for this purpose:

Can be used loose or welded to the side plates for more strength.

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...l#OrderingInfo

01-03-2007, 09:16 AM	#2 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 7,828	Lift vs. shackle length: - http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/Shackles.shtml#FAQ4 And yes, given heavy enough strapping (I use 3/8"x2" for mine), and access to large enough drill bits (18mm) that is all it take to make shackles. __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs or 35x12.50 MTRs r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club

03-03-2007, 10:56 AM	#7 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 7,828	Yu'll get whatever lift you build into the springs: - http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/4R_suspe...II.shtml#Front Rears are 2" longer than the fronts, center pin 2" farther forward so moves the axle forward as well. __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs or 35x12.50 MTRs r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club

03-21-2007, 05:35 PM	#10 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 7,828	I make steel shackle spacers for this purpose: Can be used loose or welded to the side plates for more strength. http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...l#OrderingInfo __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs or 35x12.50 MTRs r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club

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01-04-2007, 03:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
RallyRoach Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 32	I just did this to my rig, and I used the rear shocks off of a 1997 Ford F150 2wd in the front. Dirt cheap, and plenty of flex for the ~3" of lift I got. I'm still lifting the back, so I don't have any suggestions for you there And as for shackles, I had good luck using a step-drill bit instead of an actual 18mm drill, I found it cut much easier.

01-04-2007, 11:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
SLC97SR5 Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 392	Roger- Great information, thanks. Rally- What center to center length did you use?

03-03-2007, 10:18 AM	#6 (permalink)
gotboostedvr6 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 153	how many inches would you get from just swapping the rears up front? are the front and rear leafs the same length?

03-05-2007, 08:14 PM	#8 (permalink)
gotboostedvr6 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 153	thanks for the info

03-21-2007, 05:16 PM	#9 (permalink)
mudtoy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: southwest virginia Posts: 26	I have been investigating and triing to choose which method to lift the front, if you use extended shackles in front, the stock shackle is tappred at he bottom, I thought possiblely using straight shackes with washers to fill in gap at the bottom, wondering how solid that would be. you can get lifting shackles from Advance auto or Auto Zone for about 10-15 bucks with nuts and bolts. Rearching springs, but will sag again over time, thinking that adding a couple leafs to front will be the best and safest way of achieveing about 2" of lift for front, will use 2" blocks in rear. By the way, I have a 85 Toy reg cab short bed with 3" body lift, but virginia law is very strict on lift laws... boo!