85ghettorunner

My 85 4 runner has broken leaf springs, sits unlevel, and handles horribly.
This is my work truck and RARELY off roaded(however, still does happen occasionally). The truck is basically stock with exception of fiberglass front end, 32" tires, and the land cruiser front brake upgrade.

I would like to replace ALL the leaf springs and have the truck sit level again. Dont need to get crazy or expensive, just want something that works FOR WORK!

My questions

1. What would be the cheapest/most practical way to go?

2. Can i use TRUCK leaf springs on my runner? Are they different? It seems like the same year trucks are much lower... Am i correct? i see tons of adds for 85 TRUCK leaf springs, but never know if i can use them or not...

Does a 85 truck 4" lift = a 85 runner 4" lift? interchangeable or not?

thanks in advance, and please excuse my newby question.

dropzone

iTrader: (6)

Cheapest way would be to hit a junk yard, but not the most practical.

Yes, you can use Truck leafs on your 4Runner, same suspension. Some companies recommend a 1" higher rear leaf for the 4Runner because of the weight of the top.

I think a good all around kit for your 4Runner would be a set of OME (old man Emu) springs. From what I have heard they are a good compromise of every day use and off road capability.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

Yes, no difference between pickup and 4Runner springs. Should be able to directly swap anything for '84-'85 front or rear springs, pickup or 4Runner and rear springs from '86-'89 4Runner and '86-'88 pickup. '83 or older pickup springs are also an option.

netwt12

Downey will probably be the least expensive aftermarket route.

Chris862wd

I bought a set of rear springs from JC Whitney. They were the cheapest, especially on shipping. I didn't end up using them, but they looked like they were well made. I'd recommend them if you just want a cheap and quick fix. I've got Downey's 2" lift rears on my truck now, and it sits level (i.e. no lift). The springs are good, but the polyurethane bushings they provide are a pain to install. If you aren't doing high speed desert runs, you don't need poly bushings. Downey's shipping was was a rip-off, like $85 for two springs.

Wardamneagle

I went with the OME full kit (+/- $1000). I think it's a great way to go, especially with the matched shocks, etc., and it really improved the ride both on and off road. Be aware however that in my case it lifted the truck more than 2 inches. This wasn't a huge issue and I like the look but I did have to change the draglink out for a Procomp draglink (another $150) in order to be able to steer again! I went with the heavy front and medium rear.

Here's a pic if you want to see a 1985 on a full OME set up with 10.50-31X15 BFG MT KO's.