i know about RUF setups, but I have an 84 with the push pull steering, and don't have the funds for "high-steer" and all that madness. my question is, can i rebuild my front springs with a set of rear springs? I already have one set of extra rears from an 87 p/u and the fronts currently on my rig.

Is this possible to do without moving the axle forward the whole 2 inches? Or maybe using the correct springs be able to move the axle forward, but not enough to need high-steer conversion, like 1 inch or so...?

 

You could use real front lift springs (with centered center hole).
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/4R_suspension.shtml#PhaseII

Or you can affect a RUF swap with stock steering but it is some work. Why? Rear springs move axle forward 2". You can redrill the spring perch and plates to move the axle back about 1.5" or run the stock main front leaf (with centered hole). But you have the issue of the thickness of the spring pack hitting the steering drag link. About 4 leaves is the most I could fit before it hit. You can fix that by flipping the ball stud on the end of the steering J-arm (grind out the weld, press it out, reinstall on top and weld back into the arm). But then you'll need an adjustable steering drag link, since you need to turn the socket ends on the drag link to match the J-arm.

 

sweet, thanks 4crawler. another question, can i just do some longer shackles for a little more lift/droop on front and/or rear?

 

Yes:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/Shackles.shtml#FAQ4