pulled my 1984 4wd out of weeds to put her back to work but forgot how stiff it road. Im going to work out of it and dont want to lift it real high but would like to know if I changed the springs to 2" softrides if this would make a difference.Also if I go with a 2" lift do I have to replace the standard leangth shocks? I would like to stay with stock size tires also if it will be safe. Im open to any suggestions , thanks in advance John

 

The OME 2" lift kit (springs + match gas shocks) is an excellent setup:
- http://www.arbusa.com/

 

thanks for info , does the 2inch give you a better ride than stock? what about tire size , Im going to have to buy new tires anyway but would like to stay with my factory rims. I just dont want to slow the truck down with huge tires because Im going to work out of it. John

 

It might help to let you know what im working on . Its a 1984 4wd truck longbed , all stock. I bought it new in 1984 and have retired it several times but never got rid of it . 169000 miles

 

Generally the ride improves, more uptravel so you are not bottoming out so much. Should be able to run 31x10.50 tires on the stock rims, I think that is the combo on this 1st gen 4Runner:

 

Downey Off-Road 2" lift springs with their 5th leaf(Add-A-Leaf) to replace the stock loadspring. There probably the most progressive(softest) rear springs for stock applications. Pair those with Doetsch Tech MV shocks, and you'll need to run over something larger than a bowling ball to feel it. Yes, new shocks to ensure maximum wheel travel. Tire width would should increase proportional to height to compensate for center of balance dispacement. An increase in tire height adds lift also raising COB.

 

Forgot to add, stiffer the front, softer in the back works best. My suggestion applies to rear axle.

 

instead of making a new thread. I was wondering if you can get new factory replacement leafs for the front and rear. i just dont want like reverse arch from worn out leafs. maybe liek 1-2 inches so i dont have to mod a bunch of stuff.

 

That is pretty much how they were stock as far as I can tell. Front may have been a little flatter but those leaves never had much arch to begin with. The OME 2" lift kit is a good one for a very mild lift. Suppose you could have Alcan bend you up a set of stock height leaves as well.

 

Not to thread jack, but this thread is asking pretty much the same thnig I was looking for. I'm also trying to refresh the suspension on my 85. It's basically going to be a car I want my girlfriend to safely drive and a winter beater.

Anyways, my questions are about the steering components. would it be a worth it to replace/upgrade parts? You know bushings, arms, etc...

 

Not to thread jack, but this thread is asking pretty much the same thnig I was looking for. I'm also trying to refresh the suspension on my 85. It's basically going to be a car I want my girlfriend to safely drive and a winter beater.

Anyways, my questions are about the steering components. would it be a worth it to replace/upgrade parts? You know bushings, arms, etc...