Topic: Piecing Together My Suspension

[Yota Tony]

I need to figure out the final pieces of my suspension set up so I can buy all the parts I need to be ready to do this swap. Truck is an 82 4wd (duh) Pick Up, Reg Cab with a short bed (no bed actually )

I'm hoping someone can help me figure out what else I might need. I'm looking for about 5" of lift at of these set up as it will give me enough clearance for running 37-38" tires once I'm ready for it. I really hate doing things twice so. I've done a lot of reading over on Pirate and while I'd love to ask there they'll just flame me and tell me to read the FAQs (which I have and I'm presently reading them again). I'm hoping someone here will be kind and help me out since I'm new to setting up leaf springs.

Rear:
2wd Chevy 63" springs
Hangers made from 3.5x3.5x1/4 tube
5.5" eye to eye shackles

Now the Chevy rear springs give about ~3" of lift so I'm wondering if I should drop the front hanger 2" along with the shackle to gain the 5" I want, will this work?
I don't want to run blocks, they are gay and unsafe, imo. I also don't really want to mod the pack because the springs are so soft and flexy, don't want to mess that up.

Front:
48" 82 Toyota 4wd leaf springs
Sky 2" Drop Hanger
5.5" eye to eye shackles mount through the frame

Again, I want to get about 5" of lift so the 2" drop hanger and 5.5" shackles will help. For the springs I'm thinking of taking the bottom 3 leafs from my stock front springs and adding them under my rears. This will add some stiffness and durability from what I've read, they'll also still flex great. Any opinions on this?

I'll be running 15 travel Pro Comp ES9000 shocks at all 4 corners and some shock hoops up front.

Any and all help is welcome!

[Yota Tony [OP]]

Any help?

[Gearhead Wiki]

everything sounds good but you probably don't want to drop the front hanger in the rear because the chevies already need to be mounted in a position where they like to catch rocks so dropping the hanger would make it worse. I know blocks are kinda gay but they are the easiest way imo.

[Yota Tony [OP]]

I guess so.

[86bobbedtoy]

Im in your boat 2wd 63" chevys rear,   88toy stock rears front. im only wanting to run 33s with a 2" body lift I think if I need anymore lift I will fab some new perchs mayby gain an inch there otherwise shackels. anyways good luck.

[toyman2]

take a coulpe spring out of the chevys and put in a add a leaf.

for the front youll need to put in some kinda spring to help keep a pos. arch.
i put in 2 springs from a pro-comp pack and it worked great.

[Yota Tony [OP]]

Front will be getting the 3 bottom springs from my stock front pack. Will make it about a 6-7 leaf pack IIRC.

[All_Set]

Front will be getting the 3 bottom springs from my stock front pack. Will make it about a 6-7 leaf pack IIRC.

Front:  Definitely do the 6-7 leaf pack.  But don't be surprised if you don't get your 5" lift.  (You "might" get 4" out of that set up.)  Of course it depends on the condition of the springs.  My 6 leaf pack gave me almost 3" of lift, with 5.5" banana shackles.  (stock '83 springs.)

Rear:  Another vote to not do the dropped rear, front spring hanger.  You will catch it on rocks.  I catch mine, it seems, all the time.  I've got the Sky chevy kit.  I can only imagine an additional 2" will be just make better rock catchers.

Maybe consider these to help get the tire clearance you want/need.
Adding a 1" body lift.
For the rear, a "zero rate" add a leaf from ORD.  It's a steal 1" block. 

I got 37" Mtrs on mine with little sheet metal trimming with a little bit more of inner fender hammering.

[Yota Tony [OP]]

ORD?

I think I might have to do some 1" blocks in the rear.

[All_Set]

Off Road Design.
http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog/Zero%20Rates.htm

Chevy stuff, but if you put '63's in the back these will be fine.  Allow you to move the axle up to an 1" too.

[Yota Tony [OP]]

Thanks!

[Yota Tony [OP]]

Alright, one last super n00b question.
Can I run the stock front hanger with the rears up front?

I'm trying to save a lil bit of money now so I can get my truck running sooner.

[All_Set]

Alright, one last super n00b question.
Can I run the stock front hanger with the rears up front?

I'm trying to save a lil bit of money now so I can get my truck running sooner.

Yes you can.  At least my '83 stuff did.  The stock hanger is weak though.  Mine has started to crack, split, and bend.  I keep welding it back together, but I need to build a stronger front hanger.

[Yota Tony [OP]]

I've got some scarp steel sitting around so I'll gusset/re-enforce it.
Like I said, I just want to get this thing on the road for now.