Topic: switch springs on a 79

[wakkjobb]

Hey all, on my girl's 79 LB the front springs look like they're starting to de-arch. Can I switch them for the rear springs? I measured and they're about 2" longer and a few leaves different. Truck is a DD and I have Marlin's shackles on the front; 2" lift? I forget, got them new in box from craigslist. I can't lift the truck any higher since she has back problems and it's almost too tall for her now; if new springs are required.

Thanks,
Dan

[toyotanner]

you will have to modify the pitment arm or upgrade to hysteer.... and if your front springs are dearching.. rears are gonnna lift probably a good 3-4 inches from where it sits now

[wakkjobb [OP]]

Dang, thanks man... I figured there was more to it than I was thinking. I'd like to do the J-arm ball flip deal just for good measure but that's a little ways down the trail.

Thanks,
Dan

ps--- is it a good idea to drill holes in the shackles to decrease the lift amount? Like older muscle cars had the adjustable rear shackles? Just a thought... 

[toyotanner]

i guess you could but make sure there is a good amount of steel between each hole so it doesnt get honed out and become one big hole

[jrock]

Quick fix would be add a few leafs. What I did for a temporary fix.

[wakkjobb [OP]]

i guess you could but make sure there is a good amount of steel between each hole so it doesnt get honed out and become one big hole

Yeah, I was wondering if boxing them would be a bad idea... I saw some shackles a while ago that were attached in the middle by like a 1"x1" or so piece of box tubing.

Probably going to get my own 1st gen before I switch her springs... lousy weather.



Anyone want an AllTrac? 
Dan

[79coyotefrg]

find a set of used rear springs, take them apart (remove the bolt that ties the leaves together)  and do the same with her front springs, then add 1 or 2 of the rears under the top two leaves of the front pack, this keeps the axle in the stock position but will give some "spring" to the front end again without lifting it too much that she cant get in with her bad back

i would also add one of those extra leaves into the rear pack so it stays level front to back


i had a friend do that J arm ball flip and both Jarms he did it to broke

[wakkjobb [OP]]

I read the 'How-To' on flipping the ball, did your friend press it out or just cut and flip the end with the ball? Where did the arms break and could some metal be welded to help avoid breaking? I would guess the press-out route would be stronger and not mess up the metal's strength?

Another thought, are 2wd rear springs similar/same to 4wd? From around the same year; like 79 to 84 or so? There's an 81 2wd at a yard I could get the rear springs from if needed...

Thanks again,
Dan