Topic: 4runner RUF?

[dune_it86]

So RUF has been done to death, but I had a question... 84-89 4runner rears are nearly flat, has anyone used them for the RUF lift?? I have a pretty much sacked out front pack I can add to it. The goal is to be at like a 4" total lift low on 35's. Pic would be appreciated!

[John Doe]

I have been running RUF's for a few years now. I will not be doing them again but if I did I would use Stock length aftermarket Old man Emmu springs. They are good quality, cheaper then most toyota lift springs and give you what you are looking for.

[dune_it86 [OP]]

I have built a RUF pack for a buddy and we used 90's pickup reads mixed with rough country 3.5" fronts, came out towering over 38.5's lol I was more interested in anyone who has used 80's factory 4runner rears since they are flat they would be a significant amount of less lift, just wondering if any members have done this either...

[H8PVMNT]

Try using the top 2 or 3 leaves from the 84-89 rears with the bottom 3 leaves of a stock solid axle Toyota front pack.  Then of course add or subtract to taste.  I used this on my stock-ish '80 pickup to use rears up front for a 1.5" to  2" lift, they are nearly flat and act like front springs with the extra overload type leaf material mostly to the back of the pack.  It worked so well on the '80 I mimicked the same setup on my RUF 4Runner when I was trying to lower it.  I got increased spring rate and I was able to lower the whole setup a good 2" or so plus it rides better than using all rear leaves.  The springs on my 4Runner's RUF were emus from a 94 pickup.

Here is the RUF with '84-'89 4Runner rears for the top 3 leaves and the bottom 3 from a stock '80s front pack.  You can see they are pretty flat and low... The second pic down is the springs on my 4Runner whch are the '94 emu rears for the top 3 and the rest of the leaves are from a stock 1st gen front pack. This whole setup is taller but the springs have only minimal arch and handle and ride well, not to mention both setups flex great.

[dune_it86 [OP]]

Thank u h8pvmnt, glad someone did it, I was going to give it a shot regardless but it's nice to hear results first, did u run hysteer or push pull, no lie I am starting free and doing a home made crossover steer arm.

[H8PVMNT]

The 4Runner is typical Hi steer but the '80 pickup is still totally stock push-pull.  I did have to redrill the spring pin hole on the top two leaves of the rear springs like 1.25" forward to get the stock axle location because you can't get your axle forward with push-pull unless you shorten the drag link and that sucks. As long as you stay really low you can use the push-pull stock.  I tried the J-Arm flip and stock works better as long as you are low enough. I did remove the tourque rod on the '80, or rather it removed itself.  The tourque rod won't put up with the flex of RUFs.

Here is the low RUF '80 somewhat flexed.  It does very well for how low it is and how stock it looks...

[1985CRAWLER]

H8PVMNT is totally correct.


i used my stock 85 rears for my ruf pack mixed in with another 85 rear pickup pack.
the top 3 main leafs are stock 85 4runner and so is the 4th leaf.the 5th and 6th leafs are a cut down 3rd leaf from the 85 pickup pack.
total is 6 leafs.no aftermarket leafs. overall it turned out nice,they sit almost flat and flex like a champ. running 37s and trimmed out the fenders about 2 inches. also have sky offroads boomerang shackles so it clears the body mount under full compression. bumpstops are they key to this swap if u want a low rig with big tires.

 the stock toyota leafs are already old and worn. u dont want to wear them out more by negative arching them.

[dune_it86 [OP]]

sweet thank u guys this is awesome, i have all but the brake lines and steering drag link and tie rod for the swap, do you guys have more pics of the ride height and tire clearance with the runner RUF