Author Topic: Rear 3in lift (Read 6432 times)

chuck5.0 · « **on:** Apr 17, 2005, 10:37:06 PM »

I want to lift my 1988 toyota 4x4 3in. This is a leaf spring setup. What is the best way what gets the most tarvel articulation. Any Sugesstions?

chuck5.0 · « **Reply #1 on:** Apr 17, 2005, 10:37:47 PM »

I meant the rear of my truck not the front

toyhunter · « **Reply #2 on:** Apr 17, 2005, 11:20:12 PM »

you could put some rough country 3 in springs on it. or you could put some long shackles on it.

CTENG in KS · « **Reply #3 on:** Apr 18, 2005, 06:21:50 AM »

Rough countries are rough...

This depends on what amount of work/modification you want to put into this project. If you just want to change springs, then you can go with a downey(http://www.downeyoff-road.com/) or something like that, or for some cash you could call deaver and get some nice flex out of their springs. Very pimp.

If you are willing to break out the welder and the sawzall you can do the chevy springs...see here: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20665

or perhaps you would like to go with the buggy setup: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=152259&highlight=buggy+leaves

there is also the double shackle deal: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156774&highlight=double+shackle

Mostly you nees to do some soul searching and figure out the difficulty level of the trails you are running. With IFS you will need the rear to pick up some of the slack, but you won't sctually like rediculous flex in the rrear when the front is doing nothing. This will leave you very unstable and you will spend much of your off camber time with your ass puckered up. Balance is the key. A well balanced suspension and good driving skill (learned over time, not born with) will get you much farther on more difficult trails than super flex will. Have fun...

unclejpl4x4 · « **Reply #4 on:** Apr 18, 2005, 05:44:04 PM »

aHH i forgot about downy 3" springs for a good price I'm so ordring them.

just 1 noob ? do i need to extend the drive shaft? with 3" i'm not doing any rock crawling just trial riding on the weekends.

Hyena · « **Reply #5 on:** Apr 18, 2005, 08:57:09 PM »

Nope, driveshaft will work even with a lot of lift.

CTENG in KS · « **Reply #6 on:** Apr 19, 2005, 09:05:48 AM »

Quote from: unclejpl4x4 on Apr 18, 2005, 05:44:04 PM

aHH i forgot about downy 3" springs for a good price I'm so ordring them.

just 1 noob ? do i need to extend the drive shaft? with 3" i'm not doing any rock crawling just trial riding on the weekends.

Yeah, like Hyena said...rear driveshaft won't be an issue. Front is the one you need to watch. Ive had downey springs before, for the price they are good quality, they flex well, I think they are a good choice for those who do not want to modify their spring hanger location.

blackdiamond · « **Reply #7 on:** Apr 19, 2005, 12:01:15 PM »

Are chuck5.0 and unclejpl4x4 the same person or was this thread hi-jacked? I certainly won't dispute any information that has been provided so far, but I can't help mentioning Alcan springs as an option. Hopefully my 3.5 inch Alcan rears were shipped yesterday and I plan to install them a week from Sunday. I plan to review them once they are installed. Custom springs from Alcan or Deaver (I don't know anything about them) seem like they would be superior to anything that comes as a standard part.

CTENG in KS · « **Reply #8 on:** Apr 19, 2005, 01:34:50 PM »

Ahh yes, Alcan, another good option. I don't know if someone here has multiple personality disorder or what. My only issure with the custom springs is the price. For that kind of money I would probably put it into some coilovers and link the rear. Post up pictures of your Alcans and how they perform when you have them on...always like to see all the options in pictures. We could put together a comprehensive thread showing all possible setups/products and a flex pic. The Sticky it and no one would ever have to ask again! $Beer Chug\'n$

blackdiamond · « **Reply #9 on:** Apr 19, 2005, 03:39:22 PM »

3.5 inch rear Alcan springs shipped today, total including shipping was $436. Since they are designed for the stock mounting locations they should be a snap to install. The marlin 4 inch rear springs are $349 (not including shipping) plus $59 for rear hanger and $35 for front hanger plus install time. I won't argure that Marlin's springs may provide more flex for the money, but since I am not looking for extreme flex the Alcans were not a bad deal considering that I don't have the equipment or skill to move mounts myself.

unclejpl4x4 · « **Reply #10 on:** Apr 19, 2005, 05:22:09 PM »

I am me

well I have a broken left spring/blown shock( since last summer

) and refuse to put stock springs on, but I do not plan on doing the front any time soon

so was thinking stock shackles Polly bushing for now+ springs. or I could just get the 2" springs and always add a longer shackle later. I will order next week I think

see when i got the truck it had a 3" body lift on it+33s so i don't want to go higher then 3" suspension /35s + NJ has a lift law

dirtyskivies · « **Reply #11 on:** Apr 19, 2005, 07:50:11 PM »

hers allpros 3'' stuff on my old truck

blackdiamond · « **Reply #12 on:** Apr 20, 2005, 07:15:54 AM »

My Alcan springs were meant to be, their first stop via UPS was Moab, UT. Too bad my truck wasn't attached to them, but at least they have seen to goal!

CTENG in KS · « **Reply #13 on:** Apr 20, 2005, 09:52:37 AM »

I think that qualifies your truck for some type of Moab approved type sticker!

Huhwhye · « **Reply #14 on:** Apr 21, 2005, 03:30:56 PM »

My experience, take it for what its worth.

I killed a set of Downey 2" springs in my 87 shortbed in 2 years with less 10k mile of mostly street driving, some trails but I was working 70 hours and commuting at that time so not much wheelin. And I don't carry any heavy loads. When they died the truck had no up travel and sat on the load leaf. So it rode terrible, I was out of warranty so they told me too bad.

With the stock rears they go all the way to the stops. With the Downey Springs I could never get it close to the stops. So I didn't get any more flex, just height. I was dissapointed.

chuck5.0 · « **Reply #15 on:** Apr 21, 2005, 08:27:40 PM »

Thank you for that post looks like i wont be buying any downey springs. I just need some good flex but nothing to extreme. I am about to install my fornt suspension lift and was looking for a good combo. The front lift is the Rancho one with new upper a arms and stuff. I was about to use add a leafs for the rear but heard that the ride sucks and you get no flex. what kind of springs can i get from the junk yard like what model chevy or ford can i take some from.

unclejpl4x4 · « **Reply #16 on:** Apr 22, 2005, 05:14:17 PM »

good info bro

I don't need flex tho and it's gona be a while befor I do the fromt so im thinking of the 2" atm i just don't know I tryed calling downy 3 times but keep geting all lines are bizzy and never made it to there switchboard.

blackdiamond · « **Reply #17 on:** Apr 22, 2005, 06:07:10 PM »

Here are the new Alcan springs, hopefully next Sunday they will get installed. <zzzz>

blackdiamond · « **Reply #18 on:** May 01, 2005, 07:57:45 PM »

Here are pictures of the old Superlift rear springs for the last time.

Both rear springs were broken when we took them apart, the center pins were both sheared in half.

blackdiamond · « **Reply #19 on:** May 01, 2005, 07:59:46 PM »

The pictures above are showing approximatly full compression and extension.

Here are the new springs, I lost about 2 inches of lift, will likely add a 1 inch block soon.

blackdiamond · « **Reply #20 on:** May 01, 2005, 08:00:52 PM »

Summary:

The ride is awesome! The flex is great considering stock mounting locations. No complaints so far.

unclejpl4x4 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 02, 2005, 04:36:45 AM »

sweet

CTENG in KS · « **Reply #22 on:** May 02, 2005, 04:46:46 AM »

Quote from: blackdiamond on May 01, 2005, 08:00:52 PM

Summary:

The ride is awesome! The flex is great considering stock mounting locations. No complaints so far.

Haha...those are super pimp. Nice stuff! Congrats on finding a good setup. I only hope you don't really try to ruin those choice springs with blocks. Hows your shakle angle. Maybe a longer shackle? Or less lift in front!!! $Beer Chug\'n$

blackdiamond · « **Reply #23 on:** May 02, 2005, 06:56:17 AM »

Do you really think that adding a 1 inch block would be a problem? I lost about 2 inches of lift and my shackes are already 2 inches longer than stock. The pinion has a better angle now than it did with the old springs and shims. The ride height is OK right now, but if it settles at all or I load it for camping I will be doing the California 2wd baja impression and I hate that look. I don't really like blocks, but I don't see how a 1 inch could make that much difference.

wishin4atoy · « **Reply #24 on:** May 02, 2005, 08:54:39 AM »

Quote from: blackdiamond on May 01, 2005, 07:57:45 PM

Here are pictures of the old Superlift rear springs for the last time.

Both rear springs were broken when we took them apart, the center pins were both sheared in half.

I have superlifts on my runner right now and they are horrible. thats funny that you mention the center pins because on saturday i found out that my center pin on my rear driver side spring was sheared in half the hard way. my truck started turning really good to the left so i got out and looked and it turns out that i lost a leaf so my whole axle moved. i cant wait to do chevies those superlift springs suck

CTENG in KS · « **Reply #25 on:** May 02, 2005, 11:25:25 AM »

Quote from: blackdiamond on May 02, 2005, 06:56:17 AM

Do you really think that adding a 1 inch block would be a problem? I lost about 2 inches of lift and my shackes are already 2 inches longer than stock. The pinion has a better angle now than it did with the old springs and shims. The ride height is OK right now, but if it settles at all or I load it for camping I will be doing the California 2wd baja impression and I hate that look. I don't really like blocks, but I don't see how a 1 inch could make that much difference.

You might be alright with a one-incher, but honestly, those springs are way to sweet and expensive to be f-in up with blocks. I wouldn't do it, but you might want to get some info from someone who has run 1-inch blocks. I've never run any size blocks...

blackdiamond · « **Reply #26 on:** May 02, 2005, 12:43:11 PM »

If the weather clears up tonight and I get home before dark I will post before and after pictures of my truck sitting on level ground to show how much it changed.

I actually installed my 4.5 inch Superlift to replace the 3.5 inch Pro Comp springs (rear blocks) that were on the truck when I purchased it. I don't like blocks, it seems like the cheap way out and it has a negative effect on axle wrap; however, now that I have quality rear springs installed and need a tiny bit more lift, I don't feel to bad about 1 inch blocks. The Alcan springs have the top axle wrap leaf so I am not too concerned about that being a problem.

94toytruck · « **Reply #27 on:** May 02, 2005, 07:13:26 PM »

Quote from: Huhwhye on Apr 21, 2005, 03:30:56 PM

My experience, take it for what its worth.

I killed a set of Downey 2" springs in my 87 shortbed in 2 years with less 10k mile of mostly street driving, some trails but I was working 70 hours and commuting at that time so not much wheelin. And I don't carry any heavy loads. When they died the truck had no up travel and sat on the load leaf. So it rode terrible, I was out of warranty so they told me too bad.

With the stock rears they go all the way to the stops. With the Downey Springs I could never get it close to the stops. So I didn't get any more flex, just height. I was dissapointed.

Thats odd. I ran my downey 3 inch springs for 3 years hard wheeling and loading truck up and drove it daily. I never had any problems with them. They actually are on my truck still but now have a AAL and a longer shackle. Only reason i used a AAL was to raise truck when i did SAS. I've beaten that heckout of them and no probs. My only complaint is now with a AAL it doesnt have enough droop. They flexed quite well before and after the AAL just no alot of droop now.

CTENG in KS · « **Reply #28 on:** May 02, 2005, 08:15:51 PM »

I agree, I had a set of 3 inch downeys I ran for years...they are still on the truck infact. I liked em, flex was decent too.

BlackDiamond: Maybe you should fab up a simple track bar...you know, the shackle based type. Would help keep the wrap down with blocks and hell, you can never have too much protection for your suspension, yes?

blackdiamond · « **Reply #29 on:** May 02, 2005, 10:03:09 PM »

I don't expect much, if any, wrap from the blocks. I am considering 1 inch or 2 inch. Here are pictures showing the old ride height and the new, you will notice that the back sits lower now.

chuck5.0 [OP]

chuck5.0 [OP]

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