Would it be possible to trim a 3 inch body lift to make the front of the rig drop lower than the rear? I have a just SAS my 86 runner with TG 5 inch lift and seems to be a very high up front. With the 3 inch body lift, the front of the hood sits right up to my nose level, and I’m 5’4 tall. The rear I believe is a 4 inch lift spring from Pro-Comp.

I don’t feel like investing more cash into getting a rear leaf to match the front. I was thinking about adding a leaf or a block, but read a lot of bad news about it. Also making a custom shackle would help, but you can only lift so much and can only stay within 7 ½ inch eye to eye.

It seems to be a 2-3inch off from the front. The TG I believe had settle enough. Just trying to find ways to cut cost for future plans. Please, any input would really help.

BTW, anyone heard of removing a leaf from the front??? What are pros and cons on this idea??

 

I personally wouldn't do it. In order to get 2-3" lift out of a rear shackle you have to run a 4-6" longer shackle then your running now. If your on OEM length shackle 3.5" ??? that would put you at a 7.5" - 9.5" shackle length. 9.5" shackle is too long IMO.

 

I’ve got Downey shackles at 5” inch eye to eye.. But still a little too short. Was really trying to calculate the length needed for the custom shackles, but I remember it was gonna be well over 6.5” inches long.. The angle of my 3rd looks safe the way it sits now..

 

getting the angle correct would be a major pain. all the the mounts would need to be tapered at the correct angle gradually as you went up to the front.
too much angle would put the fan into the radiator.
a lot of people don't realize that though the T-G kit says 5" springs, the front spring hanger probably add an inch. Frenching the front spring hanger helps to eliminate this issue.
it is usually recommended on a 4runner SAS to go 4" in the front and 5" in the rear.
it is the set up I used on my '81

each additional 1" of a shackle length nets 1/2" lift

edit: you could also pull a spring from the front spring pack...maybe send a message to ScottyC or Waskillywabbit on a recommendation on which one since they are both T-G dealers...just a thought.

 

Thank you for your input!! Never knew about the fan and radiator thing, need to really consider that. I’m now leaning towards removing “a” leaf from the front. But wouldn’t that cause a “W” effect, if you know what I mean? Since I now made up my mind, I will be dropping the front. Since I haven’t installed a new drive line yet, I think financially its best to finish the front mod.

If all fails, how would I be able to calculate how much lower I’ll need to go for the front? Would it be better to go with a 3 or 4 inch leaf spring??

Here’s a general idea of my rig:

86 4Runner:

FRONT:

TG SAS 5”inch lift (front), 3” inch Body lift, 13” inch shock hoops, 14” inch shocks, with 38.5 TSL SS tires.

REAR:

Pro-Comp 4” leaf springs (?)
5” inch shackles (eye to eye)

 

Pics would help.

:wabbit2:

 

Haven’t had the chance to take pictures yet, had to re-gear, locked, and install a new master kit for the 3rd.
Anyhow, is it possible to use the stock 3.5inch shackles of 79-85 yota and take off 1 leaf to drop the front.. Couldn’t find anything about using that 3.5 shackle.

 

Not sure but I don't think the 1st Gen shackle will work.

 

Anyone use Front Leafs in the Rear... I see a lot of Rears up Front ??

 

How much can you drop it with 38.5" tires still not rubbing?

Get some pics and let us offer a realistic opinion.