CaJun@1972

So still new here and trying to smooth out the ride on my 86 4 runner. Previous owner has 33x12.50x15 tires, with just the torsion bars cranked up and rear shackles. What is the correct way to achieve the same height without such a harsh ride. BJ spacers or a complete kit? Sorry only photo I have for now. Any guess lift height now?
thanks

Hairyberry

I’m running ball joint spacers without a differential drop. I also converted to manual hubs so I’m not tearing up my cv axles when I’m not using 4 wheel drive

Robert m

iTrader: (2)

What psi are your tires at? That can have a huge impact on how the truck will ride and handle

Jimkola

The torsion bars cranked up will give an absolutely miserable ride. Beats the hell out of the upper ball joints, too.
I have 31" tires, and have the ride height pretty close to stock.
Poly bushings will make the ride harder, and tires will be a significant factor, and not just because of size(composition, tread design, etc)

CaJun@1972

33 inch tires are at 35 psi. So I have a set of stock Yota 4 runner rims and 31's that I am going to swap. What is the stock rear shackles size? Also anyone have a photo of the stock rear springs? Will eventually adjust torsion bars to stock height as per fsm. Then new Bilstein shocks so hopefully that should help.

Robert m

iTrader: (2)

35?!? I run like 22psi in my 33x10.50s. Let some air out and see how it feels

Jimkola

I run 32 psi in my 31”
Most likely the Bilsteins will make a noticeable improvement. Did on mine.

The FSM specs for height will be based on measurements from the ground to a point on the vehicle. And it assumes the vehicle has the stock 225/235 tires. Someone posted a measurement here once where you measured from the top of the wheel rim to the fender lip. On the front I think it was 13.5 inches. This removes the actual tire from the equation

I remember taking a thin board and measuring 13.5” and driving a 3” nail through each mark. Since I can’t drive a nail straight I rechecked the protruding points and bent to get the 13.5”. Using this was easier than a tape measure. You’ll be checking many times as you make adjustments on each side.
Remember to jack up the vehicle before adjusting, then lower to measure. Tedious, but necessary.