I have a 87 xtra cab truck, arb winch bumper, 31x10.5 bfg muds. The rear sags about 2". I just ordered a pair off 3" Tuff Country add-a-leafs, to bring the rear end back up to a good level. Any ways my question is would ball joint spacers or aftermarket torsion bars(downey26mm) be a good way to lift the front of my rig?, what is the best make?, how difficult is the install?, how will it affect my ride? Thanks for the time-sc87yota

 

Bj spacers are mainly so you can gain a little lift, and relax the torsion bars to improve ride. Your ride is going to really be bad with the add a leafs, so i wouldn't bother.

I don't think you will want to lift the front since you'll be just reaching level with these AAL's, i would put in the AAL's and see how much lift the front needs, if any. Then decide what would be best.

 

i've got about 1" lift in front contributed by cranked t-bars. it feels a little stiffer, but nothing really rough. i also had a rancho steering stabilizer put in at the same time, so konwing just what does what is kinda muddled. i replaced the rear springs altogether. the BJ spacers, as axleike says, would contribute a bit to your quest, but just do those if you aren't level after whatever you do.

also you could just get some extended shackles in back for a smallish lift... but that won't help your saggy leaf springs.

 

nice thing about bj spacers is you gain a little suspension travel as well as lift.

 

i have noticed that ball joint spaces tend to make the spindles weak. I have broken 2 spindles before i decided to get rid of mine. Dont do the add a leaf if you are worried about the ride quality because that will make it very stiff in the rear

 

my spindles are fine...never had a problem either, nor have i heard of anyone else having a problem...perhaps you've got something else contributing to it?

 

Thanks for all of the advise guys. I'm really bummed I ordered those add-a-leafs now, maybe I will try to return them. Maybe I will just have to get new springs.
Sounds good about the BJ spacers. When installed will 33x10.5's rub at full stuff with the tire turned? Thanks again!

 

33x10.50's don't rub AT ALL on my '93 4Runner with NO lift (well, OK, I have +1.5" springs in the back to fix the saggy butt)

 

really? 33's don't rub? I have a 93 P/U with 31x10.50's and the tires just slightly rub the mudflaps at a full lock turn.

Did you crank the T-bars to get the 33's to fit?

 

Nope - no crank, no rubbing. (no front mudflaps though)

 

remember a pickup is slightly different then a 4runner and usally requires some lift for larger tires.

sc87yota, if you return those add-a-leafs, look at these options... https://www.yotatech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78776

 

thanks

 

I have never heard of any problems with ball joint spacers. You must have something else causing your problems. I have been running mine for along time and not once did they give me any trouble. I have been selling them for sometime now and have had no problems either from any of my customers.