Originally Posted by KidVermicious

Got any pics? The front leaves are supposed to be nearly flat. I've got 2.5" lift OME springs in front and they're practically flat too. Check to see exactly how low the front is riding by measuring from the center of the hub to the lip of the fender.

Does the truck have aftermarket wheels or wheel spacers on? That could be the cause of the rubbing too, it might not be a lift issue at all.

If you do end up lifting, be aware that the stock J arm steering is already a weak point and lifting makes it weaker. And lifting more than a couple inches means getting rid of the dogbone stabilizer, and then you have to switch to crossover steering or suffer terrible brake steer.

Originally Posted by danthemanx07

I am looking for a simple/easy/cheap remedy to the nearly totally flat leaf springs on a new to me 1985 4runner. This is not going to be a wheeler, so I don't need a bunch of flex. What I do need is the 33x10.50s that the PO put on at stock height to not rub ASAP.



I was hoping someone more familiar with the factory springs would chime in an let me know before I do something stupid.



In an effort to try to replicate a previous leaf spring revival, I am thinking about pulling the spring packs apart and adding a donor leaf to each. My hope is to achieve something in the neighborhood of 3" of lift. I, and many others, have done this with rear Tacoma leafs with varying degrees of success. Using a single leaf, I was able to achieve about 3" of lift on the rear of my Tacoma recently. Ride quality improved, but I attributed this to the leafs being toast beforehand. I can't compare it to actual lift springs from other manufacturers.



My inspiration for this project comes from here:https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/...ishing.194386/



Here are my results:

Tacoma Spring refurbishing

Tacoma Spring refurbishing



So, my plan was this.



1. Starting with the front - pull the springs, making note not to switch sides.

2. Cut the leaf spring banding (if necessary) and remove the center pin.

3. Cut down my donor leaf as described in the link above.

4. Slide the donor leaf in between overload and bottom spring like I did in the link above.

5. Slap them back in and see what happens.



So anyone see any problems in my thought process here? I figure that if I don't like the results, I can move on to some aftermarket lift springs or take the leaf back out - no harm. Right?



Lastly, will I need to change anything else out? Shocks I assume, but anything other than that? Not familiar with lifting on a solid axle.



Thanks,

Daniel

Originally Posted by Bad_Vision

33 inch tires are not going to fit with stock ride height, they will rub. You have to do a lift or like kid said trim your fenders but the tires are still going to rub on the frame. So you either lift or you learn how to not turn so sharp and avoid hitting bumps. I would just put a lift on to save the headache.


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Originally Posted by Bad_Vision

I see one major flaw. If you're using this vehicle as a daily driver untested front leaf spring modifications could result in a cataclysmic failure while driving. You could be hurt or killed or worse yet the 4runner would suffer damage


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Originally Posted by KidVermicious

Got any pics? The front leaves are supposed to be nearly flat. I've got 2.5" lift OME springs in front and they're practically flat too. Check to see exactly how low the front is riding by measuring from the center of the hub to the lip of the fender.

Does the truck have aftermarket wheels or wheel spacers on? That could be the cause of the rubbing too, it might not be a lift issue at all.

If you do end up lifting, be aware that the stock J arm steering is already a weak point and lifting makes it weaker. And lifting more than a couple inches means getting rid of the dogbone stabilizer, and then you have to switch to crossover steering or suffer terrible brake steer.

Originally Posted by Bad_Vision

I see one major flaw. If you're using this vehicle as a daily driver untested front leaf spring modifications could result in a cataclysmic failure while driving. You could be hurt or killed or worse yet the 4runner would suffer damage


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Originally Posted by Bad_Vision

Your lugs on the tire are going to rub. Lift it and be done. Springs are cheap


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Originally Posted by Bad_Vision

In my opinion with all the trucks I have built the best option is to buy as a kit. New items with warranty and geometry proved and safe.
Skyjacker Suspension Lift Kits T303PK - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing


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Originally Posted by Bad_Vision

I snapped every leaf in a rough country lift on my 84 4Runner after 3 months of daily driving. Called and complained they told me to go suck eggs and buy another replacement leaf pack. I will never buy another. My skyjacker springs withstood a fall off a 40' cliff and not a single leaf cracked as it hit every boulder on the way down. Bent the axles but leafs are on the shelf till my TDI build is ready.


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