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Hi,
I am the proud new owner of an 82 PU and there will be a lot of upgrades in the future. I have spent the last few years building cars, so I want to make sure that I am not missing anything. Are most people still doing the RUF and Chevy rears? I don't mind spending money, I'm looking at the 3in Jack IT Kit or Old Man Emu kit. I have a TDI that is going into it, so I might need to do a small body lift for clearance, I am still not sure yet. I think it will end up standing on 35s. Yes, I know it has a cab only body lift currently, I will either replace or remove it.
Thanks!
Chev 63's out back is still my favorite setup of the 3 or so setups I've had on the rear. Flex well and ride better than any toyota length springs I ran.
I never did RUF, so I don't know on that. I ran a couple different spring and shackle combinations before I went to 3 link (absolutely beats leaf sprung front in every way, except cost and ease of installation)
Kinda depends on what you use it for. If mostly just driving around and mild offroad, a matched set (front and rear lift springs) from OME or similar might be your best bet.
For height reference on my '81, I have 63's from a 2 wheel drive (4wd packs are supposed to be taller), full factory leaf pack including overload, and a 2" body lift. Rear shackles are not very long (Sky's offroad "missing link" shackles). I run 37's and flex the crap outa it sometimes. I have very minor trimming of the rear fenders to clear 37's at full flex. 35's did not rub at all at this height (in rear)
Hopefully some of this helps.