I am considering buying an 87 runner. 22RE, stock gearing, and I want to run 33x10.5 BFG ATKO's. I know I can probably fit them as it is with a little crank of the torsion bar but I may want to lift it a little and am looking for suggestions from others who are familiar with this vehicle. The rear has the classic sag so it will need at least an add a leaf so what is my best option for the rear? Should I add a leaf from a AAL kit or buy a set of lifted springs to lift it. I am also considering BJ spacers in the front and a 1" body lift. Also I have been reading the message boards about modifying the bumpstops top and bottom for more travel from the ifs and would like to find out some more info on this as well (cost and explanations of install). I will use the runner as a second vehicle and also to run some trails and to get me to my hunting and fishing destinations. No hardcore rocks or anything yet.

 

Would it be better to just add extended shackles in the rear instead of an AAL?

 

i have an 88 v6 that was badly saging in the back end when i bought it. if i had anyone in back or my spare tire or system i would bottom out on the bumpstops all the time [i always have around 200lbs extra stuff in back]. with my 3" body lift i'm already running 33" tires so total lift wasn't as much of a concern to me as making what i have work better. what i ended up with was an extra long add-a-leaf for a chevy [about as long as my main leafs] this gave me about 3.5 inches of lift. now the back is just a little higher then the front. the long leaf shores up the leaf pack with out making it to harsh. if i ever lift the front i will add a longer shackle in back. for $50 i can't beat the add-a-leaf...

 

I did the Pro Comp lift on my 88 and love it.

 

I just put in new leaves on my 86. I went with new springs because I figured the shackle or AAL approach doesn't really address the issue of old tired leaves. Her's the thread on mine: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/new-rear-leafs-installed-48400/ If money is a big issue AAL or shackle is certainly a cheap alternative. Most of the springs I saw were considerably more than the Downeys that I ended up with. For me, the price of the Downeys made the other options a moot point. I also have a 1" BL on and BJ spacers waiting to go in as soon as I have the $$$ freed up to replace the other stuff I want in the front end.

Mike

 

you said you have a 3'' BL with chevy add a leaf in the rear that have you 3.5'' lift? is that total lift including the BL or on top of the BL giving you a 6.5'' total?