Chris862wd

Add a leaf shouldn't be too bad to install. Put c-clamps on the springs near the axle, cut the u-bolts off, add the new leaves, and install new u-bolts. Ok, it's a little more involved than that, but not much. I really don't see how coils would be less stiff than add-a-leafs. If the coils are strong enough to raise the rear a few inches, then they would stiffen the ride up the same as the extra leaves.

As far as weight is concerned, I think the max payload on your truck is around 1000 lbs. I wouldn't want to haul that much weight around all the time. Most truck campers (as opposed to the bare aluminum or fiberglass shells) will be close to that dry. I was referring to the bare shells in my earlier post, BTW. An aluminum shell doesn't weigh that much, maybe 100lbs. Fiberglass is heavier. Those won't give you space over the cab, though.

barnswallow

I'm envisioning something that is between a camper and a shell, a cab-over shell that clamps to the bed rails but doesn't involve all the extra inside stuff like cabinets and kitchen floor etc. I'll have some tools and camping gear, a bicycle or two. Maybe a short bench/box for keeping things locked. I'd love to be able to use pine 2x4 and 3/8" BCX plywood and just frame it exactly the way I want it, but I can't wrap my head around how much it might weigh. Ideally, vertical height from the bed rails to the roof of the shell would be 36"-39". I've found some companies who make aluminum camper shells that go over the cab, but I haven't found a local dealer yet, so I have no idea on price.

barnswallow

I'm leaning towards the add-a-leaf for simplicity and cost reasons. But I am wondering - will I have difficulty getting the new spring to fit the rest of the leaf pack? If my springs are flat and worn out, and the new spring is bowed and curved like it should be, how do they match together?

wheatus

i wouldn't add that much weight to old springs that are shot and drive all over the country you are just asking for trouble. add-a-leafs are a short term fix if it was me i would fix it now before i started, better than a broken spring out on the road.

barnswallow

I've realized that staying light weight is truly important, so I picked up a used aluminum truck shell and plan to build a little sleeping platform. In order to correct my sagging springs, I bought a good used pair of leaf springs from a guy outside of town. Each one already has a helper spring attached. I'll probably try installing them today and hope it gets me back up to a more reasonable height and more solid ride. Thanks for all the advice everyone!

RMA

I added an xtra leaf to my leaf packs on my 89 2wd and also did the same on my 88 4runner, I got the leafs from another 2wd leaf pack for free. They work pretty good lifted the truck up a bit.
But you may need longer ubolts.

aviator

xtra cab long box was available in 2wd models from 84-88 but was not common. There is a pic of one in the 87 Car and Drivers buyers guide as the main pic in the review of the Toyota pick-ups.
It may have continued into the 3gens but I've never seen one in any ad copy I've looked at so I doubt it.

Jay351

Never re-use u-bolts. replace them.

RMA

Thats the first time I hear that one , I have re used a couple with no problems yet.
Why do you say that , whats the problem with re using U-Bolts