I have a stock 90 4Runner (except for 33"x12.5"R15 Durango MT's, and I keep breaking upper control arm mounts off the axle. So I was at the wreckers where I came accross a 4" trailmaster IFS lift (paid $60) for everything except rear spring (broken) but I did grab the rear axle (it was on an 87 pickup) So I need leafs, so I managed to have them cut some off a 4 door S10 (aloso got a few more matching leafs just incase they aren't heavy enough for $10). So my question is this has anyone swapped in S10 springs instead of using 63" Chevys? I measured them a while ago and I believe they are 59". I did put one under my axle (frame to frame with the center pin about centered on the axle) and it hangs about 2" lower than the axle - so as long as they don't go negative I think they sould give me close to 4" of lift... I hope..... What do you think? Thanks for any help.... Larry

 

My first thought would be that the S10 leaf springs will in no way be the same as the Full Size Chevy springs. You gotta figure the FSC is either a 1/2, 3/4 or 1 ton and the S10 is a mid size pick-up. Totally different from each other in weight and towing capacity.

IMOP I think you may want to go back out to the salvage yard and find the FSC springs that you need. The S10 may work but they are probably going to settle and not be able to keep your rear end at the height you are looking for.

 

yeah the s-10 springs might be enough for lift but the weight capacity is going to be way lower than the fullsize chevy springs. the other option would be to combine spring packs (you said you got multiple) to build a pack that will better hold the weight.

 

That's why I got other springs, but I was also thinking about getting FSC mains and custom pack it...

 

S-10 springs are very soft like the 88-98 1/2 ton (63") springs. However, they are really thin and break easily. The 63" FSC springs are flexy but really only work with a lot of weight in the back which is why the guys with 4Runners love them. They don't work as well on pickups. And they don't give more than 3" of lift without shackles, or blocks.

 

I think they will work just fine for you. You may need to add a leaf or two for your 4Runners heavy fat ass. If they measure 59" that is a good length I think because you won't have your rear shackle bashing on rocks nearly as much as a 63" Chevy spring would. Also Marlin's rear springs are what, 57 or 58 inches long? That tells you something right there. They'd probably make 63 inch springs if they thought it was more beneficial.