1980 toyota pickup lift project

[hawaiilux]

lifting my truck 3 1/2 in and maybe with some 2 in shacles depending if its high enough but im wondering what to do with the rod from the brake valve on the rear axle do i take it off or extend the rod to the rear axle never had to deal  with this before thank for reading happy trails

[79coyotefrg]

i took mine off years ago and ran the line directly to the rear brakes.  you can take the rod loose from the axle and tie it up against the frame this will also send full pressure to the rear giving you more stopping power with big tires.
I would NOT use shackles to lift especially on the front.  shackles up front effect your steering.

also the stock steering works well up to 3 inches.   you can get 3 inches of lift by removing all the leafs from your stock front leaves except the top two.  then take apart some 2wd F150 or 2wd S10 springs (any leaf spring with lots of arch and 2 1/2 inches wide) and add 2 - 4 leaves under your stock front leaves.  this will give you the lift you need and still be using stock steering and other stuff.


OH  pull that torque rod from between the front axle and the frame and install a shock absorber in its place.

[hawaiilux]

what do you mean torque rod? pic would be nice

[locked 4x4]

^^kind of curious too?^^

[Peterbuilt84]

http://image.4wdandsportutility.com/f/8240225/0803_4wd_16_z+toyota_4runner+torque_rod.jpg

Looks like this ^

Connects between the axle and frame

[79coyotefrg]

what do you mean torque rod? pic would be nice

remove that rod and replace with a farely short shock absorber,  something with an eye on each end  like your rear shocks do.

[79coyotefrg]

http://image.4wdandsportutility.com/f/8240225/0803_4wd_16_z+toyota_4runner+torque_rod.jpg

Looks like this ^

Connects between the axle and frame

thanks for that pic

[hawaiilux]

alright ill do that you think 2-3 in of travel or should i do more

[locked 4x4]

The idea of putting a shock absorber in their sounds cool but would it really make a significant difference.  I have taken that torque rod out of all 3 of the trucks I have had and I really couldn't tell a difference.  I understand that it is to prevent axle warp, but the springs have always been stiff enough and the 22r motor not enough power to cause significant axle warp.  This is only form personal experience so maybe other applications would benefit from this.   

[COwheeler]

My buddy did a shackle lift on his 82.  Looks bad and drives worse.  I do like the shock idea. I will have to try it.

[Lowspot]

The Torque Rod is only their because of the push/pull steering if you have cross over/hi steer you dont need it

[locked 4x4]

My 81 and 80 were both rockin the push pull steering and I removed the bar with no issues.  I thought the bar was more for axle wrap?

[81yotalove]

im still push pull and dont have the rod either. i think it is for axle wrap and brake dive. i did get a little more brake dive, nothing i would expect from an offroad truck though.

[yota4x4sc]

ya those rods are useless basically

[79coyotefrg]

im still push pull and dont have the rod either. i think it is for axle wrap and brake dive. i did get a little more brake dive, nothing i would expect from an offroad truck though.

get yourself a short shock, like from the rear of a ford ranger  and install where the rod was.  it keeps the brake steer down and still allows massive flex