Just wanted to introduce myself and my new rig. but first a big thanks to all here. I've been researching for almost a year and there has been a lot of helpful info on this site.


I'm new to Pickups but not to Toyotas. I've hade many LandCruisers over the last 20+ years and still have a '96 80 series. I recently picked up this 82 DLX and am having fun giving it a well deserved cleaning. It has a 4" skyjacker lift that rides like a brick and I want to reduce the lift anyways. I plan on removing the blocks and a leaf or two from the rear and at least a leaf from the front. in hopes of a more compliant ride and less lift. anyone ever tried this?


thanks again,


Royal

 

hey welcome aboard ...
these units were not known for there "comfort " but more for the durability ..
if your wanting a better ride , you might look into chev 63's swap ..


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^^^What he said^^^


It's probably one of the best choices for a guy (like yourself) looking for flex without a ton of lift. They are also CHEAP and VERY abundant in pretty much every junkyard in the USA.

 

Consider yourself "lucky". Long beds have a way softer ride than the short beds. But I'll bet your lift is making it ride more like a stock short bed.

 

thanks for the replies, I'm not expecting a Cadillac. and I drove an FJ55 for 16 years. so I and very familier with a leaf sprung truck, but this thing has no flex at all. these springs have two leaves that are the same length and I figure It won't hurt to remove one of them. I'll let you know how it goes.


royal

 

My 83 definitely rode like a tank. My 86 felt like a cadillac compared to it.

 

I agree if your springs are stock. Thing is theres not much travel in front and you really dont want to bottom out too hard IMO or could be possible to bend the axle?

Note the tire pressure recommended in owners manual for front tires being 20psi though I keep mine at 24-26 so its not so hard to steer but a better ride and extra coushion just in case you hit that 2 foot pot hole. I never put more than 27psi. New tires would make it ride better but $$$

If you're going back to stock springs I'd try 24 front and 28 rear if tires will be close to stock and see if theres a diff in ride? I run one size over 265 75 15. imo stock is 255 but there hard to find in junk yards so makes it a bit harder on the long hills in 5th,