Is the cone shaped rubber thing on top of the leaf springs supposed to be contacting that piece of square steel tubing when the truck is just sitting stationary on level ground?

The other side is the same way.

 

Doesn't look stock, and I would say you need new springs. You should have more arch than that...

I don't recall my 82 having anything resembling that square stock, and my springs had quite a bit more arch...

 

Very common, in that sense it is normal. Correct on the other hand, it is not. I spent a lot of time trying to get information on the measurements of the factory lift and was unsuccessful. My local Toyota dealer was happy to offer me new toyota springs for $500 a pop, but was either not interested or not capable of telling me what the factory lift was intended to be or how after-market springs compare to OEM. Once I discovered this, the $1200 price tag on Old Man Emu's suspension setup seemed very reasonable. It is touted to be a very well engineered system. However, I AM holding off on new tires for my 83 restore until I get a good look at the new height once reassembled. I only share all of this because for me I wanted a very stock setup as opposed to a "build" as many refer to serious suspension lifts and modifications. I would imagine that I am not the only weirdo in the world who is very happy with the way the truck was originally setup. I do not mean to criticize those who dream of big tires and serious crawler outfits. Just not my personal fantasy. I dream of a first gen that looks almost straight off the showroom floor with improvements/modifications geared toward extending the longevity of what I consider to be one of the finest 4x4's ever manufactured.

Whew!

I'll step down now, sorry if I got carried away.

 

So does that answer the dude's question?

I still say those springs should have more arch, whether or not you're going for a stock setup or a "built" setup.

 

They look like bump stop extenders, my pro-comp lift came with the same thing. Maybe the truck use to have a lift. Whats that thing under the axle?

 

Stock springs up front are basically flat, they even have very little free acrh with no load on them. Looks like that square tube was bolted onto the stock bump stop pads that are welded to the frame.


http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/4R_suspension.shtml#PhaseI

 

Didn't that sound like an answer?

 

That bolted-on section of steel is added on from a cheap lift (e.g. Rancho). The bump stops are stock.

The springs are reverse arched and need to be replaced.

Swap the springs, lose the bolted-on hunks of steel, put on some better bump stops.

 

Some sort of protection/skid plate/armor for the front pumpkin. Here's a picture of it:



I didn't put it there.

So a few of you have mentioned a lift kit. Do you think a lift kit was installed at one time and then removed, with remnants left behind? It doesn't look lifted to me now, but I could be wrong. Also, it sits about the same height in back as it does in the front (doesn't seem to be sagging anywhere). Here is a side view of the truck (it has 31 x 10.5 x 15 tires):



So probably those pieces of square tubing are all that's keeping it from sagging in the front?

 

Did you know your missing a nut on your leaf spring bolt!?

x2 on the aftermarket bumpstop extenders my truck has those as well, looks like it might have had a lift at one time then someone put stock springs back on it.

What is the thing bolted on the axle with the little u bolt? (beat me to it i was still typing)

Or maybe someone just put those on there instead of replacing the springs, So the the spring would just sit there and not go super negative, people do crazy things so who knows.

ome makes a good replacement spring probably the best option for going original as possible.

 

No. Which picture are you seeing that in? Edit: Nevermind, I see it. The one on the other side is missing the same nut.

That wouldn't surprise me, considering the previous owner.

I can't make much sense of their site. I see a lot of Toyota springs on there, but very little details telling which vehicles they fit. For example:

"Item #CS009FB
CS009FB TOY HILUX FRT HD (91B)
$102.00 Quantity Add to Cart View Cart Check Out"

That's pretty much all there is for information when you click on one of the available springs. Does anyone have a link to the ones I need?

 

On the passenger side front hanger the only one visible in the pic you posted(opposite the side with the two tiny bolts with the plate)

Im not sure about the part number for springs if you give them a call im sure they will be more than happy to help or call an ome dealer.

 

He is right the springs are reversed arch....Just look at it. You need new leaf springs.

 

Take the boxy spacer on the bumpstop off, that thing has to ride worse than a tank! Your only riding on about 2" of stiff rubber.

Replace the springs...they've gone negative.

Also, get rid of that piss poor excuse of diff armor, its drastically reducing your ground clearance up front, and doesn't look like its going to take much abuse.

Get some nuts on those spring bolts!!!!

 

Twist off with the money and get you a lift. Them leaf springs are really worn out!!! Michael

 

I agree .. your springs are "toast" ~ shaped , and sitting directly on the bump stop .. (NOT good) replacemant is the only option!

might I ask your "direction" with your truck ? .. It will have a differance in which springs you choose .



ohh and your "skid plate" Is the original confer (Name Brand) axle truss ... there now out of business

 

The thing about that bumpstop extension is that it is probably keeping the spring from going too far negative and breaking a leaf, which would lead to worse issues.

good call- I was thinking either Go Rhino! or Conferr.

To Max Recoil: looks like along with new springs your truck is in need of general old truck maintanance (rebuilding front end, springs)...It is gonna add up $$$wise but worth it in the end.

Slacker has a great point about your spring selection. What do you want to do with the truck? There are several 'Cheap Kits' out there (ebay) that the price might seem good but will have a similar tank like ride you are experiencing now...oh and a set of 'newer' junkyard seats might help the ride for your back...

 

I want the suspension to be original, or as close to original as possible. I don't want to pay $500 a piece for OEM springs though. Those Old Man Emu springs look good, as long as I can get them with no additional lift over stock.

By the way, how do the rear springs look (picture of the driver's side; the passenger side springs look the same)?



Interesting. So something like this then — Con-Ferr Products Super Skid Axle Truss?

I'll take that off when I replace the springs.

 

Rears look sagged as well, though your not completely ridding on the overload.

Looks like its time for springs all around

 

What does rebuilding the front-end entail?