I'm looking for any information about this and I believe theres a couple on here that already have done it. I'm just wanting to know where to start? Cost? Kits? Links? Pictures? Write ups? Worth the money? Anything would be helpful. Ive searched galore but can't find any solid info.
It seems the current 'limited options' for a 2nd gen is OME/Downey replacements but i'd like to know more about a rear leaf spring/shock conversion.

 

http://www.marlincrawler.com/sas.html

bottom of the page after the SAS kit.
Allpro also has a kit thats about 95% the same.

I dont know of any step by step writeups with pictures, but its somewhat similar to a SAS. Hack the old stuff off, grind everything down smooth, weld up the new mounts, dress everything up nice, and go wheelin. Everything you need besides likely driveshaft work comes in the box.

Yes its worth it. I still have the stock coil-link system with super tall LC80 lift coils but plan on doing this when some money comes free to do it with.

 

Here's a writeup on one of the first conversions I know of:

http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/56leaf/index.html

 

Thank you for the links and info. Now I just need an excuse to swap it.

A white 2nd gen 4runner passed me the other day that was going around 80mph (slightly up hill too). He had a SAS, sick looking rear leaf conversion, and rolling on 35's I had a hard time keeping my eyes on the road I wish i could of followed him and taken some pics but i was on my way to work..

 

there is a lot of stuff on pirate4x4.com about this.

 

okay, its been almost 3 years now since these posts... how did the swap go because I am finishing my sas this weekend, and then starting on the leaf spring conv. on my 91 runner. I was only able to find the same link posted above for help.

Anyone else find anything about a coil to leaf spring conversion on a Runner?

 

There is a writeup on the page below, it may be the same as one of the above links, but it has some good information:
http://toyota.off-road.com/toyota/ar....jsp?id=300933

 

I converted mine. Went with All Pro leaves.

My thoughts were that leaves were simple, would match my SAS as far as spring charecteristics and be basically bullet proof. My concern was that lifting the stock linked setup might result in a weaker system with some strange handling characteristics.

I really have no problems with the swap working well for me, but I did add a traction bar to keep the rear end from hoping. This might be a All Pro springs problem, as others I run with have had similar issues with there leaf packs.

Here is my T-bar writeup... if you are interested:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f88/...ar-fab-122658/

I can take some pics or answer question as to what I did if you like.

 

Molly did 63" Chevies in the back of hers ... I think the coils flexed a little better.

 

Yup...
Look at any purposely build rig for just about any type of comp.
Some observations:
- Leaf springs are about as common as Unicorns.





Fred

 

Two words......"Formula Toy"

 

I think the original poster was asking whether modifying the factory link setup of a 2nd Gen 4Runer made better sense than leaves.

If the question is whether or not a well designed, built from scratch link system seen in performance rockcrawling buggies will outperform a leave spring system... then that's a different story entirely.

 

Ok, let's talk plain 'ole run of the mill Toyotas.
The factory 5 link, modified (as required for all suspension parts to run hard) for the rocks will out perform leafs in about all areas that one wants to compare, plus there isn't the problem with axle wrap etc.

I've always been amazed with those who SAS and use leafs and with those that pull a perfectly good 5 link out of the rear to convert to leafs.
I suspect that it's two things (neither one a good reason IMHO) and that's cost and simple lack of knowledge of link systems.


However, going back to:

for a second, if leafs were so great, we'd be seeing leafs in even these machines, but we don't. Wonder why




Fred

 

thanks for some more input on the leaf conv. Right now I have cut a lot of the old mounts off, but now i need a second set of hand for the other side to help line everything up.

Hoping to finish the rest of the lift by next weekend.. i bought the 4runner, drove it into the shop and that has been the most i have driven it! I cant wait until its done... then back in for more surgery...what does everyone think about the 3.4L or the 4.3L conversions (i have the 22re)? Im thinking 3.4L because ill have the reliability of toyota, but not sure. I still havent even bought wheels and tires yet!!

Its a never ending project! I am already thinking 3 projects ahead!

 

I am almost done with my rear leaf spring conv on my 91 runner, if you wish, i will send you some pics of my process and some measurements. i asked Elvota and he was cool enough to take pics and send me measurements of his conversion, which helped so much. Now Im just waiting for my gears and lockrite to be installed and im ready to drive it for the first time since I bought it (2 months ago)

PM me and ill send you what I have so far. Ill eventually do a write up.

 

You can see pics of my conversion in the SAS subforum.

David

 

hey rockrunner f you want to take some measurements of your front and rear spring hangers and send them to me that would be great im getting ready to start my leaf swap within the next week or so. thanks

 

Not a problem. I just mounted my inboard shocks tonight, im just waiting on a friend to install my 4.88s and lockrite, and then do the brakes, and ill be good to go. ill send you those pics with measurements shortly.

~cody

 

I had these handy...

I am running 6" All Pro rear leaves. If you have different springs in mind, these dimensions most likely will not work.

Rear shackle mount:



Front hanger mount:



Shackle angle:

 

[QUOTE=Elvota;50717864]I had these handy...

I am running 6" All Pro rear leaves. If you have different springs in mind, these dimensions most likely will not work.

***

hah, you know I was actually thinking about sending him these ones in the mean time since I have to drive 6 miles to get to mine. Thanks Steve!

for anyone else interested, ill do a write up once Im finished with everything.