I have searched and haven't found a lot. Please post link to thread if you know of one that might help.

I have an '81 2wd 5spd (approx 225k) that I have had since '95. It has sentimental value so I am not getting rid of it to buy a 4x4. It is completely stock right now, other than (I think) I put a 4.10 rear-end in it from a long-bed in high school when I bent the axleshafts. I have never needed to be pulled out of any "stuck" but there are plenty of places I didn't go because I knew better. I want to use the truck now for light off-roading and general jackassery, with minimal $ invested. My bro-in-law has a stock wrangler 4x4 that we ride around off-road in and I want to be able to take my truck so I have my own ride when we wheel. Mind you, we aren't crawling or anything like that, just having fun in the dirt and mud. Truck will be driven about 250-300 miles/month, mostly on the street.

What do you guys suggest for a suspension setup? I want to get a few inches (2-3") all the way around. Mostly, I am having trouble finding any companies that make susp parts for the 2wd 1st gens. Does anyone have any experience with any of the Downey parts? Or maybe a long-travel setup?

As for the drivetrain, I am pretty sure I want to put a locker in the rear. I am not worried about clicking and banging on the street since I won't be driving it that much. What's the best drop-in locker for the 7.5" toyota rearend? Detroit EZ, Aussie, Lockright? Remember, minimal $ and minimal miles, this is not a DD. But, I do not want a spool/welded diff.

Thanks for your help. I'll post some pics tonight if I get a chance.

 

Might be able to fit some 2WD ball joint spacers up front:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...shtml#2WDor4WD

And either an add-a-leaf or longer spring shackle in back:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...es.shtml#FAQ14

 

just put some spinners on it and you'll be fine. goin places a jeep never would

 

where is tc when you need him ?

 

Has anyone used your 2wd spacers on a 1st gen, that you know of? Your site lists them as an 86-95 application.

Thanks for the direction.

Spinners? Yeah, buddy! That's mad tight!

 

They do fit on the '84-'85 2WDs, not sure about the earlier trucks. Bolt hole spacing is listed on the above page so you can compare to yours and see if it matches.

 

Nice truck! Have you considered restoring that gem?
Seeing little to no rust, it looks like it has lots of potential ($$$$) for a collector/buyer....might be worth an investment.

 

Thanks, 4crawler. I'll measure this weekend.


Thanks! Pics are of the truck's "good side". lol. That is something to consider, though. hrm...

 

What about a spring over axle conversion? I know there are steering problems and axle wrap probs in 4x's with big tires, but the largest I can ever see putting on this truck are 30" tires, maybe 31's. The conversion would be rear-axle only, so I wouldn't have steering issues. The driveshaft is long enough that pinion angle would probable be a non-issue. I am guessing approx 3" of lift plus retain the stock ride with the conversion. 4crawler, do you make anything like this or know where to find it? Will your ball-joint spacers work with the Downey torsion bars (for an extra 1.5", total 3" in front) or would I need a longer control arm like Downey sells?

Thanks for the help.

 

Spring over is an option. Cut off the spring perches and either re-weld them on top or get new perches to weld on. I have made perches before.

Regarding front lift, yes, spacers will work with bigger torsion bars:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...cer.shtml#FAQ3

Total lift will depend on your tolerance for the ride (stiffer) and also on the geometry of the front suspension parts. Longer arms would allow more lift.

 

Sorry, I should have rephrased my question. Your site says that the spacers will work with the bars. In your experience, can the factory control arms perform well with 3" of lift dialed in? or do I need to upgrade to the longer arms?

 

Well, at some point, you max out the suspension, like the controls arms are all the way on the bumpstops. So you get no down travel on the wheels and the ride will be quite harsh. No matter if you use stock or aftermarket t-bars and spacers or no spacers, simple geometry takes over and there is only so much wheel travel possible. You could try it and see and if needed get the longer arms. Companies make longer a-arms for that very reason. I do know one guy with 2WD ('84/5 vintage pickup) w/ 2WD spacers and he is comfortably running 31-33" tires.

 

Ok. So what do you think of this combo:

1.5" balljoint spacers up front $150
2.5" or 3" longer braced shackles w/poly bushings in rear $70+10+15=$95
1" body lift kit Ultimate UHMW $85

That would net me 1.5" susp, 1" body for approx 2.5" total lift for $330.

Can you think of any other modifications that would have to be made to the truck to run like that?

 

Probably need some shims for the rear axle:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...es.shtml#FAQ12

 

i hate pitbulls

 

I've hears that they make lift spindles for the 2WD trucks... or atleast ocne did. Might wanan try a search on that. That plus cranking the torsion bars for more lift oughta do it.

 

Its okay. Nobody is perfect.

 

well keep your head up... you'll be alright.

 

X2!! That truck is in way too good of condition to beat up on. Restore it or sell it to someone who wants to take loving care of it. Find a POS for little $$ to beat on, just don't beat on this truck.

 

Wow, this thread has taken a direction that I did not expect. Thanks for the compliments! I say again, those pics are of her good side. That said, what do you think she might be worth to someone who wants to take loving care of her? I understand this would be pure speculation, but I am interested in your opinions.

Thanks!