my front leaf springs look flat or almost have a negative arch to them. Im wanting to do about a 3-4 inch lift, nothing to extreme, just like a basic lift kit. Im not sure what brand to go with but ive been looking and reading all over this place for info on whats the best bang for the buck.

 

Pretty typical for 25 year old leaf springs.

:wabbit2:

 

Looks like mine did in '97:

- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/4R_suspension.shtml

You basically have 3 options on the springs, one is a bolt on set using some name brand, off-the-shelf springs (Rancho, ProComp, SuperLift, etc.). The second option is one of the more specialized spring kits that may require some welding or other modifications. The third option is get some springs custom built to fit your truck and lift needs.

 

Hopefully you are looking a little deeper than "bang for the buck". It's your suspension you're investing in. Quality components give quality results. Talk to people about what they have tried, pros and cons.

 

You could just do the ZUK mod - $70 and a Saturday of your time - see my signature for my DIY.

 

That would work for the rear, but up front, on the solid axle trucks, you need new springs for any lift.

 

Aha - I didn't notice the leafs up front in the photo.

nevermind!

 

my front springs are just about like yours , when I hit a bump it bottoms out , the bump stop hits the frame . I think there is only like 1inch or so from bump stop to frame.. hay, what size tires do you have on there , does that tire size rob any of your power, just wondering I have Michelin ltx 235/75/15 and need new tires soon

 

Well, I'll tell ya what, I will GIVE you my 4" lift Rancho springs for the front, in exchange for a couple of OME 2.5" springs or even some Allpro springs... Maybe some Alcans...

Thats a heck of a deal, if you ask me... especially for me...

 

Get some rear springs from pretty much any year of toyota truck and replace your front leafs with them.

Actually pretty much any springs from any truck that have similar locations for the holes for the axle pin will work. my buddy had like two leafs from a f250 in the front of his for a while.

 

Do new leaf springs sag down this much, even ones that are stock height? And how much extras are needed with like the 3-4" kits that come with front and rear leaf springs and shocks. would i need to do anything with the brake lines and steering componets?

 

Don't recall how the new springs looked, but they are likely flat maybe a little reverse arc, can't have a lot because the stock front leaves don't really have any arch to them:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/4R_suspension.shtml

3.5" lift spring above, stock spring below:


You can read the above page for what needs to be done with a 3"-4" lift.

 

So a new drag link is pretty much required with any size lift, and the brake line kit is preferred to do it the right way. I havent found a kit anywhere that includes both the drag link and brake lines, enless those are only offered in the more expensive $900+ kits. I have found just the drag link itself for a little over $100