Help!!! Installing rear leaf springs on an 86 2wd

Chris862wd · 05-19-2007, 01:41 PM

Hi, I've got an '86 2wd extra cab, and the rear leafs are really sagged out. The passenger side is sagged about 1.5 inches lower than the drivers side, too. I looked and looked for stock replacements for a 2wd, and couldn't find anything (didn't try the stealership...). After reading on this site and elsewhere, it seemed that 4wd springs would work, if I reversed the center pins. So, I ordered up a set of 4wd springs from JC Whitney. I got one spring off, and started putting the new one on (after reversing the center pins), only to find that the center pin is about 1/2" to 3/4" to far forward for the hole in the spring perch. Since it's a long wheel base 2wd, the drive shaft is fixed in length. Actually, there are two driveshafts, an intermediate shaft, a center bearing, then the driveshaft. The driveshaft doesn't telescope like on a 4wd.

So, am I screwed, or is there something I can do? I'm thinking there are only two options: a custom driveshaft or go to the stealership for OEM springs. I don't want to do the add-a-leaf thing, as one spring pack is sagged so much more than the other. Do I have any other options? Thanks!

Chris

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Chris862wd · 05-19-2007, 05:30 PM

Still no replies... you guys must have better things to do on a Saturday night than read Yotatech! I've been searching the archives, looking around elsewhere on the web, and I think I've got a plan. I'm going to go with Downey's 2" 2wd lift springs. From the feedback on Downey springs, they will probably sag back down to stock height in short order. Plus, the Downey's are $199 per set. That's cheaper than the JC Whitney's were. I'll try sending the JC's back, they claim to have a "100% satisfaction guarantee". We'll see..

I'd like some feedback on the Downey's. I won't be wheelin' this truck, just driving to work, dump runs, etc. I just want to bring the back end up to stock height. Thanks!

Sonofmayhem · 05-19-2007, 05:35 PM

Go with the downeys or get some custom alcans made. did you try flipping around the 4wd springs

You can always do blocks or shackles afterwards if the downey's sag too much.

Chris862wd · 05-19-2007, 05:46 PM

I couldn't flip the springs around, the eyes (is that the correct term?) are different sizes. That was actually my first thought, maybe I had them backwards?... but no, they just won't fit. I also thought about a couple of mickey mouse solutions like drilling new holes in the spring packs for the center pin, or in the spring perches, but there is no way I could put new holes in accurately enough.

If they Downey's sag too much, I'll slip in some add-a-leafs.

05-19-2007, 05:35 PM	#3 (permalink)
Sonofmayhem Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Springs, Colorado Posts: 1,700	Go with the downeys or get some custom alcans made. did you try flipping around the 4wd springs You can always do blocks or shackles afterwards if the downey's sag too much. __________________ 4.3/5.0 Do iT!

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05-19-2007, 05:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
Chris862wd Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 40	Still no replies... you guys must have better things to do on a Saturday night than read Yotatech! I've been searching the archives, looking around elsewhere on the web, and I think I've got a plan. I'm going to go with Downey's 2" 2wd lift springs. From the feedback on Downey springs, they will probably sag back down to stock height in short order. Plus, the Downey's are $199 per set. That's cheaper than the JC Whitney's were. I'll try sending the JC's back, they claim to have a "100% satisfaction guarantee". We'll see.. I'd like some feedback on the Downey's. I won't be wheelin' this truck, just driving to work, dump runs, etc. I just want to bring the back end up to stock height. Thanks!

05-19-2007, 05:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
Chris862wd Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 40	I couldn't flip the springs around, the eyes (is that the correct term?) are different sizes. That was actually my first thought, maybe I had them backwards?... but no, they just won't fit. I also thought about a couple of mickey mouse solutions like drilling new holes in the spring packs for the center pin, or in the spring perches, but there is no way I could put new holes in accurately enough. If they Downey's sag too much, I'll slip in some add-a-leafs.