Trail suspension info/help
 

I'm finally gonna build my 82 up. I know a lot of guys run ruf and 63 rears but this requires building up a custom spring back. I rather just throw a lift kit in and be done. Would like to see pictures and reviews of anyone using trail gear springs? I'm looking at getting the complete classic 4inch front kit and complete 5inch rear kit. Flex pix be nice and anything that was changed from the kit for te better. More info the better. Thank you. Hope to join the fun of building a mini. And if you seen what I have done with my 88 runner. I won't disappoint with build pix and tons of trail pix.

building a spring pack is way easier than you prolly think it is, all you need is two set of rear springs and a cut off wheel on an angle grinder to cut the leaves to the proper length.

with that said, if you are set on using an aftermarket spring then i would spend the extra money and go with all pro springs rather than trail gear. also these trucks are very light in the rear so the 5 inch rear is really unnecessary unless you have a 4runner. I would go with 4" front and rear.

Trail gear us local to me. Reason for 4inch front is because it comes with a spring hanger that drops it an inch. So it would make the front 5inch of lift.
I just don't see how a pack of flat springs give me any lift? Seems like its just spring cut down to give height like a lifting block would do

even with the drop hanger in the front the rear will still be higher with 5" springs.
this my 1984 with two stock rear packs up front the tires are 37"

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/p...84/ebay125.jpg

it also worked quite well
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/p...84/ebay118.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/p...84/ebay119.jpg

i guess what you have to ask yourself first is what am i going to do with it? DD it ?the higher the more problems you get into. ive done alot of searching on this for my 1980 and ive come up with,for a DD weekend warrior a 3" procomp with bilstein shocks and 33" M/Ts.

and here is what the front pack looks like when done
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/p...84/ebay083.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/p...84/ebay084.jpg
http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/p...84/ebay130.jpg

Wow 85toy. I'm really interested but would I need to find pre 83 rear springs to build with my current rear springs? How long of a shackle will I need and will I need to relocate the rear spring hanger? Should I get a new front hanger as well? Lots of questions that I don't know and hate to be a noob at asking it all. That was my main reason for doing a complete tg kit. So if you guys can help I'm down to build my spring pack


As far as what I'm gonna be doing. Won't be DD but would like to be able to travel up ad down California for other trails.
Plans.
Want to flex to fenders if not more
4 inch lift
Hi steer
35s
15x10 rims
Elocker front and rear
Dual 228 t cases
I already have everything above ready to install minus 35 tires and suspension.
I wanna get suspension done so I can get high steer installed. Than all that's left is me swapping in the duals. Custom drivelines. And wheel the crap out of it.

Again thanks for the help so far

For the rears will 2011˟ chevy 3/4 ton 63 springs work or they too new and stiff?

79-88 rear spring are the same you can even use 89-95 rear springs but they are longer.
i used a 6 inch shackle but you would be fine with 4.5"-5" shackles. the rear hanger is in the perfect spot, it's not absolutely neccesary to use a new front hanger but it is recommended.

I would think that the 2011 springs would work but i would assume you would have to remove at least 1 or 2 leaves from a 3/4 ton truck, the springs i would use would be 88-98 1/2 ton springs and in a 1st gen i would use the 2wd 3 leaf+ overload, but that depends on how much weight you plan on carrying I like to keep my truck light.

i dont see it in your list but if you plan on driving this truck on the highway alot you will want to get lower diff gears.

Sounds like you are leaning towards doing RUF and 63's.
Other than being higher than I like I am happy with my 4 " front and 5" rear kit from trail gear.
Probably seen pics but here you go
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...717_192711.jpg
Older pics with 33's
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...0truck/080.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...tuff/007-1.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...0stuff/010.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...0stuff/009.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...canopener2.jpg
After 3-4 years the springs have settles a little, I am running 35's but feel I could still clear 37's with ease.
Daily driving takes a little getting use to with a flexy suspension especially cornering. I am pretty sure I have lifted a rear wheel more than once

85toy Oh I forgot I will be running 5.29 gears. I won't be towing anything. I might throw a quad in the back with camping gear for pismo a few times a year if that

Dropzone. That's trail gear kit? Looks damn good lol. Did you move the front axle forward? I guess I have to go thru your build page to see the install pix?