So in my 89 4runner I was planning a lift of 3 inch downey springs in the rear and 1.5 in BJ spacers in front. So I installed the springs about a month ago and waited until they settled. When they finally settled the truck was level and looked great so I figured that I had to lift the rear another 1.5 to match the BJ spacers when I install them. So I installed a set of 1.5 shackels in the rear and I think the springs settled a bit more because the truck has a nice level stance now. If I put in the BJ spacers then the front will be high i think. rignt now the clearance between the fender lip and the rim are as follows:

Front: 13"
Rear: 12.5"

what gives? and what should the clearances be stock?

thanks

Andy

 

I think lift and clearance amounts are a crap shoot and different on every vehicle and combination...

They don't guarantee lift amount on springs especially because there is no way a stripped truck with a 145 lb driver will lift the same as one with a 350lb fatass with three kids and 4 baby seats will...

Once the springs finish settling you can bet on bracket and block amounts, but even a shackle will differ a little from truck to truck due to the load on the springs.

 

i havent heard good things about Downey springs :/

Seems odd overstock shackles and 3" springs would "level" a 4runner.

Thats a lot of settling.

 

I agree.

 

You can install the BJ spacers and crank the torsion bars down to level the truck out:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...cer.shtml#FAQ2

Or try installing a good add-a-leaf in back. The Rancho Soft Ride AAL kit is good: http://www.gorancho.com/. That will help the springs carry the weight without sagging so far and they can give ~1.5" of lift, depending on how you install the 2 pair of leaves in the kit. Adding longer shackles to a soft spring can result in no lift since that shackle transfers more weight onto the spring, making it settle more (like in Nascar when the crank the springs up or down to put "wedge" in the car).

 

My 89 stock was 13 in front 12 in back. The back opening is cut lower than the front.

I had it level at one point with 3 inch longer than stock shackles and stock springs. Then, with heavier torsion bars and the front at 14.75, I used the Add-a-leaf softride 2 leaf units to level it again (back at 13.75). The AAL's broke at the centering pin hole after about 2 years.

 

my old 81' with 38" swampers was a couple inches higher in the front, seemed to ride better that way

 

Great responses guys, thanks alot. I think I am gonna go with AAL's. Anyone got a set they wanna sell?