Hey all, I've been reading on YT boards for months but just signed up for an account. I just purchased a bone-stock '85 4Runner yesterday(sorry no pics yet) & was looking into the lift options I had with it. The guy that sold it really recommended Downey's lift since I'm not wanting to go all out like with All Pro or Marlin Crawler because I can't afford to. I'd like at least 3-4 inches so I could fit 33" tires & I'd mainly be trailriding with the 4Runner. I'd also like to stay away from blocks in the rear, thanks for any info.

 

Rears up front chevy's in back is the cheapest way to go. but will take some fabracation.
I have skyjacker on one and NWOR on the other and don't like either!

B

 

my ranchos didnt flex for ÅÅÅÅ, but i like trail gear check them out.

http://trail-gear.com/suspension.html

 

i second the trail gear, its what im currently installing on my 84 its a very compolete kit and the guys ove in the forum are helpfull and back their stuff 100%

 

Thanks for the input, I've heard nothing but good things about Trail-Gear & their customer support so I'll check them out. Thanks again.

 

Trail Gear is just like the Marlin and All Pro kit you want to avoid, so that won't do you much good IMO. The problem with cheap lifts that require no fabrication is that they are just that, cheap. They may or may not work well. If all you plan to do is easy stuff throw a 3" body lift in it and run 33's. There are various 3" kits around that are AAL's in the rear and new spring packs in the front. Check out Downey.

 

Just pound in the pinch weld on the fire wall for clearance in the rear of the front fenders. Throw on some 33x9.5 tires (BFG makes their AT and MT tires in this size). They will fit the stock rims and not rub the truck. This keeps your center of gravity low plus its cheap and simple. I have seen others run 33x10.5 stock but I have never done this personally.

 

I'd rather not use a body lift right now so I'm mainly looking for suspension lift.

 

What about procomp? 4wheel parts sells it for 4something and has springs Front and rear blocks(get the springs)or front and rear springs. Its 4inch suspension.Body lift if needed to clear the tires.


Anyone have procomp feedback?Im interested in getting one too.

 

Dont forget that if you go above 3" you really need to do crossover steering, which is the expensice part of the allpro/trailgear/marlin lifts. Those lifts also reaquire modification. If you just want a decent 3" lift, and are not looking for superflex or the best ride you can get rough country (3 in", procomp. Procomp has 3 and 4" front springs and 3.5" rear. You cannot get 3"front with 3.5" rear, but if you call procomp and get all the part numbers 4wheelparts can order it. Allpro sells stock leanght front springs but in 4 and 5". There is stuff out there...

EDIT: Agree with rockota, forgot about those....

 

3" skyjackers front and rear - by far the best "off-the shelf" system out there that requires no mods. Two friends have run this and I've been VERY impressed with the 3" kit. The 5" kit is very stiff, the 3" is very nice.

Another alternative is Old Man Emu 2" kit. Extremely nice and well built. I've seen this in action and been impressed. Combine with a 1" 4Crawler body lift to match the SkyJacker 3" lift.

 

Do the Skyjacker 3" front & rear springs provide any flex at all? Does it level out the vehicle nicely & prevent the rear from sagging? Thanks.

 

A freind of mine had them on his 82, they actually did pretty good. Now not nearly as well as AllPro or TG, but for a bolt on, not bad...here are some examples..

 

AH64ID, what all does that truck you have pictured above have done to it suspension wise? Just the Skyjacker 3" Front & Rear springs?

 

If I remember correctly, yes. At first he didnt upgrade the shocks, but he did later and got a bunch more travel from her.

 

histeer would be my next upgrade after shocks, but by that time you could have bought a classic tg front and rear lift kit.

 

i just got the procomp today.Everything looks simple and easy.I am planning on high steer before i do any serious wheeling tho.

 

The reality of things is this. Once you start wheeling it your going to want more. Take your time and invest the money when you can on the parts that will pay off for you ea. Hy-steer. There is no need to have buy things twice. For the All-Pro Super flex springs and the Hy-steer (on sale for a killer price right now) it comes to $917. I bought my steering box from a wrecking yard for $75. then all you need are shocks and brake lines and you are good to go.
The only catch is that the steering box needs to be welded.

Your looking at about $1650 for the whole thing including shackles, brake lines, shocks and shock hoops. You will have all the suspention you will ever need and only having to do it once.