as titled im in a debate whether or not to do a leaf swap in the rear or buy the all pro lower and upper links. I know i can fabricate extensions on the axle to make the upper link angle a lot less severe so it won't hit the gas tank. But its gonna be about the same amount to do either of them. What are the pros and cons of this am i going to lose stability on road with all leaves and what are the differences offroad from coil in the rear to leaf in the rear?? thanks ahead of time.

 

I'm not an expert but I've decide to go leaves in all corners when I do my SAS.

I think leaves are easier, and will be simillar manners to the front, I have the impression than having coils in the rear and leaves in the front would make my truck more tippy when offroading. Also, if you buy the upper and lower links you're almost spending what a leaves kit cost...

David

 

yeah thats exactly what i was thinking i think ill be savin my nickels and dimes for the rear leaf swap hahaha

 

When I do my SAS I will be putting in 63" chev leafs, to upgrade the coil set up will cost me 3x as much.

Jeremy

 

no it won't be 3x as much cuz the all pro links are 500 for all 4 and that takes care of MOST of the problem then im fabricating extenders for my upper link mounts on my axle to make the angle almost parallel with the ground and that takes care of it for around the same as the leaf swap.

 

Didn't you forget about the price of your springs? Assuming you are going to try and gain more travel with long travel coil overs or similiar. I think links will cost more in the long run, but if done right they are probably well worth it if you plan is to really hit some aggressive trails.

But then again, what are your thoughts as to where to stuff such long springs under the back of your 4Runner? You might find that overall wheel travel is similiar between leafs and coils on a 4Runner unless you are prepared to move the coils through the bed. Links have other benefits as well though, so I can see why you are looking into them.

I wouldn't mind trying to link mine one day, but you have to be pretty much spot on with the geometry to get the ride characteristics and handling to work well. Leaves are hard to mess up. I'd be interested to learn how you are getting around some of the link complications on your 4Runner... should you go that route.

User "Flygtenstein" has a rear linked 2nd Gen if you are still looking for design ideas.

 

I have kept my stock configuration for now.....but..

I have the All-Pro upper links, adjustable panhard bar, panhard drop bracket, high angle driveline, OME 860's, and adjustable Procomp shocks..

Everything I have in the back was bought used or free. If I was starting from scratch I would probably go with leaves.

 

yeah i keep lookin at my 4link and its just too much of a hassle to try to get it right when i can just do a leaf swap and be done with it...Ill be doing a 5" leaf swap and while im back there ill do a rear disc brake conversion as well..

 

hey all im looking at the rear leaf swap kit and it doesn't have upper shock mounts just wondering where and how everybody mounted their shocks thanks for the help pictures would be ideal...

 

I got a hanger kit from Sky Manufacturing originally. Runs $60 and welds between the rear frame rails.

However, the shocks sit like this / \ which seems to reduce their performance. I just finished making my own cross bar to allow my shocks to sit like this ||.

Was cheaper and really made a difference with body roll and general axle control.

 

mine are | | also: https://www.yotatech.com/50535160-post133.html

 

Mike, did you custom made that upper supports?

David

 

yeah, fabbed them up myself

 

The link/leaf debate comes down to a few things IMO.
-Budget - leafs will be much less, figure 2X [min.] for coils/coilovers
-Fabrication skills - Can you weld? Like fabricating? Again, coils will be more work
-Performance - Links will flex better, period. But they are less stable in some situations, and are not as predicatable as leafs...

AOR is going to be looking at building a Ftoy in the next year, and even if I had the choice to link it, I would still keep leafs. Just my $.03