Here's my deal...I bought a 81 4x4 and want to modify it somewhat, so I figured I'd ask those who have been through this for advise. My truck will be used as a secondary vehicle and mostly for short trips and trips to hunt which is 1.25hrs by interstate. I've built many 4x4s, but this model (81 Toyota) is new to me. What I'm looking for is combinations that work, like lift spring height with which tire size and which specific brand springs/lift to go with. My goal is to get this thing nicely lifted and still be able to maintain about 70mph without being dangerous for me or the truck. I'm not a wheeler, just more of a guy trying to build a hunting truck, so I don't need anything especially bulletproof. Also, I should mention that I'm not afraid to spend money to do things "right". Thanks for any help/suggestions.
Here's a picture of the Samurai that I recently built and sold.
Mike

 

How big is your checkbook? just kidding.
First off is the '81 with a 22R, 5 Speed or 20R w/4 Spd.?

From your prior experience it sounds like you have an idea of how to do it.I would keep the lift kind of mild-probably 3" if you want a kit that has good road and trail manners a 3" OME (old man Emu) it is a more on the spendy side at far as 3" kits but from what i understand the ride is nice.
Some of the Rancho, Superlift kits ride like tanks. I would recommend you stay away from North West Off Road (NWOR) for springs, I have a set my brother in law had on his truck, they did not stay on long due do the rough ride and zero flex.
Tires I would go with 32" or 33" MT's. 4.88" gears are a good choice. If you go 35" 5.29s gears. I would throw a Detroit or Aussie in the rear. If you go with a locker up front I would use a Toyota E-locker or an ARB air locker, just to give you a selectable.
Definitely good recovery points front and rear. Marlin Crawler has a nice rear bumper.
I would look at rebuilding the front end, places like Wab-Fab, Trail-Gear, Marlin Crawler all have good kits with all the bearings etc. A good brake up grade is to add a 1" bore master cylinder, V-6 Brake calipers and Vented Brake discs.
Post up a picture of what you have to work with. and welcome to Yotatech and the world of Yota's...

Edit: forgot you are the one that got the ebay truck, I would love to have that one...appears to be in great shape...

 

That's the kind of stuff that I'm looking for. As of now, I'm leaning towards 35s. How are the Downey springs and who, in your opinion, makes the best 4-5" springs?? I would guess that OTT steering is almost a must with 3"+ springs...is that correct.
Oh, and checkbook is healthy, but not unlimited!

Mike

 

My '81 is similar to what you're planning. After having some of the more mass-market approaches on my truck, I'm really happy with the Downey pieces on the truck. I've regeared, run 32" - 35" tires (depending on when/where/what), and left the motor and electricals stock. I haven't spent a fortune, and the truck runs and drives great. It's a daily driver, and we don't hesitate to hop in it and drive 1500 miles or more at a pop. PM me if you want more details - I don't want to seem like some huckster.

 

s far as 4-5" springs a lot of folks say Marlins are the best. All Pro's (made in India) are good but from I read they seem sag after a while. I have got 4" Trail-gear(chinese) springs that I got for a song off ebay ($91 including the shipping) I have not really wheeled the truck with them as mine is probably one of the slowest builds in the online Toyota world. Some after market springs (such as All Pro, marlin, or TG) they require a new front spring hanger (they are longer than stock) which gives you an extra 1-1.5" of lift.

Cross over or High Steer is not totally necessary when going with bigger springs (need 3" minimum lift to clear high steer arms). the Stock push-pull steering system seems to work OK when used in conjunction with a dropped dragged link. The thing I like about converting to high steer is that you are using a Steering box from an IFS (86-94) Toyota truck that has a quicker ratio) and to me the steering feels much more responsive. It also places the tie rods above the axle and springs out of the way of obstacles (I have been several hitting stumps in stock configuration).

some stuff to read: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...ferrerid=89727
one front spring option is to go RUF (rear springs upfront)
http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthrea...ears+front+faq

but sounds like the Downey's might be the way to go for you. I totally forgot about Downey. They were probably one of the first aftermarket suppliers for Toyota Mini Trucks...been in business forever so they must be doing something right...

 

I've got Downeys on my 82. They've been on there since 94. They still have good arch. My recollection is they are made by the supplier to Toyota (at least were in 94). My kit came with extended shock arms for up front and 3" lift spring all the way around.