Hey all,

Nearly completed my coil to spring conversion. I have a little bit of painting to do (that brake fluid really eats up paint ), some bump stops and it will be done.

I took it out the other day, a very cold day, and got a few pics.

Let me know what you all think, any ideas?????

I still have to put on some rock skis and a new rear bumper, and it will be ready to play in the rocks.

live pic, and links to more pictures below:

http://www.hunt4steve.com/P2130002.JPG
http://www.hunt4steve.com/P2130004.JPG
http://www.hunt4steve.com/P2130005.JPG
http://www.hunt4steve.com/P2130006.JPG
http://www.hunt4steve.com/P2130007.JPG
http://www.hunt4steve.com/P2130008.JPG
http://www.hunt4steve.com/P2130010.JPG

 

All I have to say is

 

 

I will be expecting a detailed write-up with pics to go along with those poser shots. I don't think my 4Runner will do that.

 

I do have lots of pics, and I have yet to write up the info yet. I'm re-doing the website, again, trying to make it easier to get to certain pages. When I get it done, hopefully soon, I'll let ya all know.

I must say, it has flexed better than expected. During this poser shooting, I really wanted to make sure the 1/8" Tom Woods drive shaft didn't come in contact with the gas tank skid plate. It had plenty of room. I also wanted to see how long my bump stops should be. When I had my '86 4Runner, I was constantly putting my rear springs into a negative flex, and then they started to sag. Hmmmmm, what happened. This time around, I would like to keep the springs from going into a negative flex, however, the thing is so high, a little sagging is needed.

I'm looking at getting some Yoka 315 tires on, to get a little more ground clearance, as with this lift, they will easily fit.

Oh yeah, and those two guys standing in the picture are there for reference.
Abqjim on the left is 6'4" tall and my neighbor on the right is 6'2" tall.
That will give you an idea of the height of this thing. At the rear wind deflector, the beast sits at 6'10" tall. Pretty high.

 

I'm not quite 6'5" probably pushing 6'4", but you get the idea.

"The Beast" as it's been dubbed has mad flex! I was truly amazed.

 

Looks great Steve. Is that some sort of IFS lift up front?

I bet that would work real well with a 44 up front hung on some leaves...

Keep up the good work.

 

Ya know, when Jim came over to have a look, Carole thought I was putting on a D44. Doh!, maybe I just should have done that to start with. Then when I told here it was just a 4" pro-comp lift, and maybe I should go that route, she started laying down the law. I quickly bowed down, and stated, "yes dear".

Actually, I was just talking to her about the 2004 Toyota Jamboree in california, and she stated that she actually missed going out in the green beast.

I would imagine in a couple of years we may have a D44 on the front end. With the shackles in the current position, it rides really nice on the highway.

 

Nice work Steve.

Looks good. You defnitely need bigger, beefier tires, though.

G

 

Thanks. These pics don't even really show the detailed work that really went into this Runner. I cleaned up all the control arm tabs, save the upper shock mounts. I left these in place to give strength to the crossmember that holds up the gas tank and exhaust system.

Soon, I'll have some detailed pictures up.

 

How much lift and what size tires are those? Very cool and big-time articulation. What is your front like?

 

The rear springs are 56" long, 5.5" All-Pro with johnny joint shackles. How much lift over stock is this, I have no idea.

The tires are 295/75R16 Nitto Terra Grapplers, which equates to 33.27" tall by 11.73" wide, mounted on M/T 8x16 Classic Lock wheels with a 4" BS. These tires and wheels have been really great, but I'm looking for a bigger set of tires, and a C range would be really nice. The only 315/75R16 tires in "C" range I have seen are the Yoko tires. So, I may pick up a set of those.

 

It looks reall good Steve!

 

you said you are getting a new rear bumper correct? is there anyway you could send me your old hinge by chance?

 

WOW! I can't believe how tall that thing is, now that its completely on its own "feet"!

How are the front downey coil-overs working? Are they flexing adequately, too? Did you have to adjust them any?

 

sorry, the old hinge is part of the old bumper. I can no longer use this old bumper due to the way it bolts to the bottom of the frame, the shackles are now in the way. However, you can purchase the entire rear bumper setup for cheap, cheap.
http://www.hunt4steve.com/off-road/skids/99bumprr.htm

I'm going to build a new rear bumper setup.

 

not yet, I like the way it rides right now, pretty soft. It compresses pretty good. So, I think I'm gonna stuff another spacer in to see I can get a bit more lift in the front.

 

do you have any shots of it sitting level

 

This almost makes me want to convert mine!

Well done!

 

Looks Great!!!!
I have been considering doing this, but most of the conversions that I have seen have lifted the vehicle 6" or so. Obviously this would mean that I would have to lift the front, and would rather do a SAS than an IFS so the money begins to add up.

Few questions
Steve, How does it ride? Have you put a decent amount of weight in the back to see how much it sags compared to your Downeys? Did you have any driveshaft issues? What parts other than springs, shackles, and brake lines did you need? Do you have a 3" lift on the front? I would like to see a pic to on flat land also.

Everybody, If I can get 2.5-3" lift leaf springs can I purchase a 3" shackle lift in the future if I do a SAS? Is it alright to have only the springs supporting the axel, like most of the leaf spring conversions I have seen, or should there be traction bars or something similar? Can the axel be rotated to reduce the angle on the drive shaft if I do the swap?

Thanks Guys
Jeff