I've already built 3 vehicles. First was a samurai, sprung over, etc. Then turned that one into a tube buggy with 3link front/4link rear on toyota axles. Then built another full Zuk-based buggy 100% from scratch with a Vitara 2.0 motor, so I have some experience and I really enjoy fabricating. However, I can be cheap-AF and do very much enjoy being so. Buying stuff that I can fab myself seems wrong. With that said, I would like to dive into this next build...

I've got a '81-ish pickup with a crusty body and mediocre (1 or two rust holes needed to repair). My measurements suggest it's one of the longer frames, but I do have a spare shorter frame (about 10" shorter?) that is in great condition. This truck currently has 4.88's and lockers F/R. 22r with a weber that seems to run well enough. The cab is hurting and will require a fair amount of clean up and patching. Already have a spare hi-steer kit and IFS steering box. I'm hoping to build something streetable and wheelable somewhere around wherever the "sweet spot" is for Toyotas of this caliber. I figure 33's or 35's, and fork out some $$$ for a dual tcase adapter, maybe some new shocks.

The big advantage of using the spare frame is that it is in better shape and I can start building without even touching the original truck (which runs and is mobile) but I'm not sure if the longer frames are significantly better for reasons apart from the obvious (wheelbase). The current truck looks like it has stock-ish leafs, but it sits kinda high so they might be aftermarket lift leafs. My thoughts are doing a RUF and some 63's or something in the back. I think I have some 50 inch + springs hoarded that would save me from fishing around for some Chevys...

But, I'm also thinking maybe I want to do a cheap 3link front and 4link rear with some used parts. Are there any good joints that I can harvest from say a Jeep or something? I could buy new heims, but that's not as much fun and less cheap-AF. Both my buggies have bushings on one end and heims on the other and I'm happy with that. Air shocks are WAY too pricey these days and not something I wanna run on the street, but coils seem easy to find and seems there's plenty of stock link setups that I could extend/re-fab - if I recall correctly TJ coils work well in Toyotas?. By the time I build a traction bar and replace the leafs, I figure that's almost as much work as a 4link, at least for the rear. I was quick to move away from leafs when I first started wheeling and never looked back. I've always assumed that links/coils were way better but I'm honestly not sure the difference is so "night and day" as I've assumed... so, am I overlooking or underestimating a well-sprung leafy Toyota?