i have a fully stock 85 4runner and am wanting to build it up. i have had advice to convert it over to coil and also similar advice to keep the og leaf spring set up. i am wanting to do 3.5'' suspension lift soon and gauging opinions. . . any help would be appreciated Thanks.

 

I would just get some really flexy leafs but seeing as you're probably in Utah, coils may be beneficial you need all the flex you can get out there.

If you set your leafs up right they will get you around, I would have some made by Alcan, tell them exactly what you want out of your springs and they can make you a set.

Coils can be super flexy but the turn off for me is the body roll (not an issue if your running a trailer queen)

Oh and if your going through the work to do coils i would just 4 link it and run coilovers

 

I would say definitely stick with leaf springs. If you've never set up any type of suspension it would be in your best interest to start with what is simple, inexpensive, safe, and readily available. You will want to cut off the original spring mounts, though and go with longer leaves than stock, either junk yard leaf springs like the common Chevy 63s, and rear springs used up front, or basically any of the trail-gear, Marlin, All-Pro, etc Toyota specific companies. What you want to avoid are the "generic" lift kits you would get from the local 4x4 shop. Procomp, superlift, skyjacker will lift your truck, but these kits all use a short spring with a large amount of arch resulting in a very stiff, not so flexible suspension setup. You will probably be quite happy wheeling longer than stock leaf springs, and once you have mastered setting up leaf springs and WHEELED your rig for a few seasons then you might consider trying to set up some links/coils, or you might be totally happy on leaves. Just remember, change should come from necessity, no sense in changing something until you need to, right?

 

Well said.
I will add that i'm running the 63's and they are cheap and great and I love them but they arent anything super for flex, you should just start with a Marlin or Allpro kit.

 

i will end ups sticking to leafs the conversion seems too intricate and time consuming for what i have time wise. i would like to find a kit that offers the flex and length described so i will have to do some research to find it but let me know if you know anything. i will have to be patient even though i want some instant gratification. thanks

 

Get ready, the snowball is about to start rolling. Once you do suspension you'll want bigger tires, then axle gears so it actually drives well in 2 wheel high, then lockers, transfer case gears, duals, or both. Now you're breaking axles, so longs come next. Oh, now you are getting hardcore so you need a cage. it seems to be never ending once you start. I hope you don't have credit cards, or they're about to get maxed out. Have fun!

 

i am of no help, but id go with the leafs, they are relieable and prentiful in the NW!!! here im using one for a streering stabilizer. ha ha just kidding i thought it was funny picture from yesterdays wheelin'.