Topic: rear spring ?????

[Broke_Okie_Ty]

anyone mix the IFS stock rear leaves with the '79-'85 to make a pack that provides lift w/o having to move the hangers and such? or has anyone mixed others to create a lift spring? if so what did you use?

[Snowtoy]

I have built a few packs over the years using Chevy Springs(the non-63" packs).  I usually use the Chevy main o under the Toyota main, then another Chevy, then Toy, Toy.  Each of the Chevy Springs can yield 1-2" of lift plus the thickness of the spring itself(3/8") depending on ho much weight you are carrying.  If you don't carry a shell, or a lot of weight in the bed, the Chevy main(cut to fit between the Toyota main and 1st leaf down from main, should give you about 2" of lift w/o stiffening the ride.  You will need to get new center spring pin bolts, and if your U-bolts are the original ones you will want to pick up a new ones.  The oem stock u-bolts are usually good for one additional spring sometimes two, but the center pin usually can't be re-used.

[Broke_Okie_Ty [OP]]

did you use them from a 2wd or 4wd model?

[Snowtoy]

It really doesn't matter, unless you are looking for a set of springs w/a already built in them.  The first set I used came off of a Suburban, the others have been from a "backyard Recycler" who had several sets of springs just labeled Chevy.  IIRC the last set was a 4 leaf pack.  You could also pick up a set of Toyota rear springs and use them the same way, just cut the Toyota main to fit under your current one.

Are you working with stock springs or after market lift springs?

[Broke_Okie_Ty [OP]]

stocks, thats why i asked if anyone had used the stock SFA rear springs. i know they have more arc in them than the IFS rears. i think i will just get downey's 3" and call it good. if i need more lift on top of the springs, i can always puta shackle on. i was just trying to save the $250 it'll cost to get them.

[Snowtoy]

You can still build your own set, and save money, it just might take you a few attempts to get it right.

What size tire are you trying to clear?

[Broke_Okie_Ty [OP]]

33"s-35"s thats all

[Snowtoy]

By building a set referenced above you should be able to clear 33's, and be able to do it for about $100(2 complete sets of leaves, 4 new center pins and 4 new u-bolts if needed), or less depending on what you have to pay for the leaves and if you buy or make your own center pins of of used bolts.  Building a set of springs for lift is a bit of a crap shoot, what will work for one may not work well for another.

[Broke_Okie_Ty [OP]]

ok, thats a handy bit of info, thank you