desertgoose

This board has been an excellent source of information for me, so thank you all in advance for your wisdom...

I lucked into a 85 runner SR5 with low miles, no rust etc..

I will use this as a trail machine, not extreme machine and would like to put 32 X 11.50s on it.

I would like to maintain a low center of gravity and build a simple, reliable machine for my family to enjoy.

A couple questions:

Can I make this happen with shackles only? (32 x 11.50s) I am not ready to spend a couple grand on new springs, high steer and re-gear at this point.

What should I be looking for in terms of wheel width and backspacing?

Thanks again

One More Time

Before you make another post...We will need pics of your Runner. Thanks.

AH64ID

and some one will problly tell you to search, but not till after WE SEE PICS

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

You can fit 31/10.50/15s on there stock, so 32s shouldn't take much...perhaps an add a leaf setup or just some longer shackle hangers.

desertgoose

Here are a couple pictures from it's maiden voyage to Death Valley and Calico Ghost Town.

I have searched quite a bit and was not able to find answers to my specific questions

Thanks again for any advice

AH64ID

I would steer clear of AAL's, but mabye a 2" lift spring and a 2" longer shackle..

Dont know about backspacing, cant remember what I have, and its IFS anyhow...but a 15x8 should suit you well.

SWEET LOOKING RUNNER, I LIKE THAT COLOR ON 1ST GENS!!!

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

For lifting on the cheap, nothing wrong with an AAL, or perhaps a body lift.

Superflex84

I did Downey shackles on my 1st gen, stock springs with long shocks and 33x12's and didn't rub.

Sporin

I did a shackle lift on my FJ62 and it looked like it REALLY overstressed the already past-flat front springs. It was fine on the back where there was still good arch though.

On my 85 4R I plan to do AAL's instead. I doubt the ride will be THAT much worse and I think it will HELP the pring while lifting instead of putting more stress on teh spring while lifting (as a shackle does IMO)

I am planning 32x11.5-15 AT's for road and light wheeling tires as well. Hopefully a set of 33x10.5 Swamper TSL's on seperate wheels for tougher trail days.

AH64ID

IME, AAL's are very hard on springs, but I have never used them on a toyota spring. But what I noticed was even the small AAL's are stiffer than stock spings, so the springs, espically if worn out, take the shape of a W when you flex...which IMO is no good.

helidriver

I'm doing the same thing on my new to me 85 4runner. I put 31's on with a downey 3" springs, 2.5" shackles, and a new adjustible steering linkage. Works fine looks great under a grand (got a hell of a deal on tires/rims).

Sporin

Can you tell us more about the adjustible steering linkage?

I;'ve got some used lift springs and would like to put them on but keep hearing that I HAVE to go to HiSteer to lift my truck. I just don't have the extra $400+ for HiSteer right now.

Thoughts?

calg3

Nice 4Runner you got yourself there. Why don't you just find out if you can run 32's with your stock suspension and the wheels you have on there now? That would be the simplest thing to do first. It should not be too hard to find a tire place that will test fit tires for you.

mmessier2

I was in the same position as you- with a stock 85. I spend $600 at a swap meet and got 4" Wrangler Springs for the front, 63" Chevies for the rear, larger shackles, 33" Super Swampers, Pro Comp Shocks, and an adjustable drag link. Here is what I started with and now have. It only took one very long Saturday to get it all on.

April 2006


Now

Sporin

Stock steering setup with adjustable drag link?

Intrepid

I believe Skyjacker sells one and Superlift might also.

mmessier2

Yah, its nowhere near as good as high-steer, but it will do for now.

stealthrunner

trail gear has the good stuff for toyotas, also marlin crawler,,,,......

darth brian

junk yards my friend... junk yards. get some chevy 63's maybe a flowmaster off an old muscle car. and cheap cheap prices too

fustercluck

Goose, that runner is too pretty to wheel......