Hello from the Wetcoast of BC! This is a great forum, tons of info and cool trucks!

I've got an 85 4Runner that I'm in the process of turning into a DD/trial rig.

My question is about tire fit and suspension.
I would like to run 33x9.50 BFG AT tires for general use and possibly some 34x9.50 TSL's for off-road use when the extra cash is available.
I was thinking of swapping some Chevy springs into the rear so I can fit the tires in, but could I get away with just adding a slightly longer shackle instead? My concern is with the Chevy's giving too much lift.
According the previous owner the rear springs have been "done", whatever that means. But they don't have the usual sag that is so common with 4Runners.
What should I do, put some Chevy's in the rear and these up front or keep them where they are? If I keep the springs, what should I do with the front, they have a reverse arc.
I'm not afraid to break out the sawsall and start hacking fenders.

I've attached a picture of the rear springs if it helps.




Thanks
Nechako

 

I fit 33 9.50s on my 87 with no front lift and shackles in the rear. There is no problem.

 

Thanks AxleIke.

OK, another question. Keeping the stock springs, is it worth getting shock hoops for the front and mounting the rear shocks like this /\?
Do the stock springs have enough flex to take advantage of longer shocks?

Thanks for the help!
Nechako

 

From the looks of that pic it would seem your "shocks" are done too...as in get some new ones...looks like a lot of rust to deal with from just seeing that one picture.

I think rearranging the shocks depends on how much a trail rig you want...but you definitely need some new rear shocks.

 

I want an affordable but capable rig, not too tall or unusable for daily driving.

Yes, the shocks need replacing. That's why I was wondering if I should rearrange them when I do.

I don't want to run tires bigger than 34", and I wasn't sure if the Chevy springs would give too much lift. But looking at getitdone's Chevy swap thread, it looks really good with his 33" tires.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...+stock+springs

I think I'm going to do the swap.
Do my rear springs look usable to put in the front, if not what should I do?

I should also mention that I'm planning on getting an Aussie locker.


Sorry about all the newbie questions.
Nechako

 

Anybody ever done a Ford spring swap? I did a search but I couldn't find anything.

I remembered I have these Ford springs, they measure 2 1/2" wide and 56 1/2" eye to eye. I don't know what model they are for but they look unused.






Thanks
Nechako

 

No idea on the Ford leaf springs, but perhaps you can find some additional information on Pirate4x4.com in the Toyota 4Runner section...look at the TOP of the forum page for the FAQ and do some reading...lots of information there.

 

I went over to Pirate4x4 as waskillywabbit suggested.

I just thought I would post my findings in case somebody is looking for the same info.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=333823

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showp...2&postcount=15

Now I just need to decide whether to use the Fords or find some Chevys.
I still need some suggestions on what I should do with the shocks, if you have any they would be appreciated.


Thanks
Nechako

 

my rear shocks are in the triangular /\ fashion and my truck is my DD as well as the only rig I use offroad. i have awesome flex with my 63" chevies and my shocks mounted triangular. if you ask me, i don't suffer any bad performance on the road because of it. granted ive only ever driven my truck with /\ shocks, my rear end bounces a lot over bumpers and "hops" if im accelerating over that bump, but i chalk that up to a light rear end + too soft shocks