3rd Gens with Chevy 63's

[Red October]

Our trucks are getting a little older, and more and more people are modding them with more hardcore trail use in mind, and less DD duty. So I'm just wanting to collect some info for anyone (including myself) interested in this swap. :hungry:

My reasons for looking at this over other options are as follows.
- I have a wrecked truck, with some frame damage up front. This truck is gonna get a Solid axle.
- I have most of the parts needed already, and the stuff I don't have is cheap.
- The short links on the stock rear setup cause some funky "rear steer" issues when pushed hard. Leaf spring travel will be somewhat more linear.
- Future upgrades (like one tons) will be easy if desired eventually.
- It's pretty cheap, but maybe I already mentioned that...
- Setup is easier than rear links. For some people this is attractive.
- These springs can be run with the factory side saddle gas tank, unlike an aftermarket link setup.

So I am hoping that anyone who may have done this on their 3rd gen 4Runner could contribute things like;
- How much lift height they gained.
- How they built their leaf pack.
- What kit they used to install.
- Or parts they gathered into their own "kit."
- Shocks/ Shock mounting options.
- Problems they ran into when installing, that weren't planned for.
- What shackles they are using. Length, offset, you know...
- Etc.

 

[Red October]

Here are some general information sources about Chevy 63's if anyone wants a little light reading. Still looking for application specific info tho...

The Toyota Chevy 63 Swap: Get Cheap, Flexy Lift on Your Toy - Roundforge

63" Chevy 1/2-ton spring swap FAQ!! - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum



Also...

 

[rkntoy]

Interested to see where this goes. Put them on 2 of my 1st gens.

 

[tx_shooter]

Our trucks are getting a little older, and more and more people are modding them with more hardcore trail use in mind, and less DD duty. So I'm just wanting to collect some info for anyone (including myself) interested in this swap. :hungry:

My reasons for looking at this over other options are as follows.
- I have a wrecked truck, with some frame damage up front. This truck is gonna get a Solid axle.
- I have most of the parts needed already, and the stuff I don't have is cheap.
- The short links on the stock rear setup cause some funky "rear steer" issues when pushed hard. Leaf spring travel will be somewhat more linear.
- Future upgrades (like one tons) will be easy if desired eventually.
- It's pretty cheap, but maybe I already mentioned that...
- Setup is easier than rear links. For some people this is attractive.
- These springs can be run with the factory side saddle gas tank, unlike an aftermarket link setup.

So I am hoping that anyone who may have done this on their 3rd gen 4Runner could contribute things like;
- How much lift height they gained.
- How they built their leaf pack.
- What kit they used to install.
- Or parts they gathered into their own "kit."
- Shocks/ Shock mounting options.
- Problems they ran into when installing, that weren't planned for.
- What shackles they are using. Length, offset, you know...
- Etc.

Check out Ford 57s also. They have a much better departure angle than the Chevy 63s. They can be setup for almost any weight load with a little tuning. Just throwing it out there since the tail end of the 4Runners are not exactly great for departure angles already.

I am running Ford 57s on my 1st gen 4Runner with good success and flex.

 

[JZiggy]

63s on my 1st gen. I like the ride and flex but are really too flexy for a vehicle that drives on public roads much. Had to add a swaybar which adds mess and complication.

Have had over 1000lb of firewood in the back and the springs took it fine. It’s the basic 3 leaf pack from the 1/2 tons I think.

 

[Red October]

63s on my 1st gen. I like the ride and flex but are really too flexy for a vehicle that drives on public roads much. Had to add a swaybar which adds mess and complication.

Have had over 1000lb of firewood in the back and the springs took it fine. It’s the basic 3 leaf pack from the 1/2 tons I think.

I'm interested to hear a little more about why they are "too flexy." Too much body roll? Does the rear of the truck wander?

The reason I ask is because my planned setup uses orbital shackle eyes on the frame. I'm hoping to actually increase the flexi-ness of an already flexy spring setup. But I have also heard some people say that it causes the rear end to wander. I wonder if a panhard run with the leaves might alleviate that?

 

[JZiggy]

Yes just body roll.

 

[Bad Luck]

Doc2012 has rear leaf springs. Here's his build thread for anyone that's interested. I think he swapped to leaf springs in the first few pages of it. Doc's ZRV(Pic Heavy)

 

[Doc2012]

post

I gotcha boo.

Hit me up if for any information you want.


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[Xinja_T4R]

I gotcha boo.

Hit me up if for any information you want.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I know it’s been a few years but I would be interested in where you placed your brackets on your truck Doc