'85 lift question

[stickandtin]

Hi everyone, new to forum and second post. Recently purchased an '85 with suspension issues. PO removed stock front leafs and replaced with leafs off a wagoneer to get a 4" front lift but used stock mounts, shackles. Also removed front shocks. Ran truck like that and cracked drivers side frame starting at shock mount and continuing nearly all around frame rail. Back leafs are original and sagging badly. After I repair cracked frame, I'm looking to install a good suspension kit. I don't do any crawlin but run mud and river bottoms. Looking at a 2-3 inch lift kit. After doing a lot of reading, lift kit options for 1st Gen 4runners seem to be limited. OME looks to be the hands down leader in quality in that lift range. Here are my questions...... Are there other kits with comparable quality to OME that I am not finding? Who has the best price right now on the 1st Gen OME kit? Appreciate the advice and help.

 

[flyinhawaiian01]

OME is good stuff, but if you're trying to keep the cost down, you could try trail gear's leafs:

https://www.trail-gear.com/TG/Leaf_Spring_Kit__Front__3_/i_0_0_374/_110015-1-KIT.aspx#.VVPcR9JQHP8

They have a 3" leaf, I believe it fits the stock suspension (you'll have to call to verify that though), but if you don't mind going up one more inch, you can also get All Pro's 4" leaf for a few bucks less.

Just don't buy anything from Superlift! Crappiest springs EVAR!!!

 

[stickandtin]

Chris-
Thanks for the lead. Checked it out and they do have a 3" spring but it requires moving the mount. Looking for something that will bolt up to stock mounts. Looked at Ironman, but they don't show a kit for an '85 runner anymore.

 

[flyinhawaiian01]

Ahh, I didn't think they mounts had to be moved, I thought they were drop-in replacements with a bit of lift.

Sorry 'bout that! I guess OME will be your best bet, they're definitely worth it though if you ask me!

 

[stickandtin]

Anybody have an opinion about northwest off road suspension systems? Their website says toyota 4x4's are their only business for last 35 years and they test all their own equipment. Good.....bad??

 

[BOSS4x4]

You can try All-Pro 4" springs, which typically sit a little lower than that on 4Runners compared to pickups. They are slightly longer than stock, but may be able to fit in the stock hangers.

Most aftermarket springs are longer than stock so that the axle gets moved forward to allow for room to install cross-over steering.

I'm running the AP 5" on my '85 with Bilstein 5160s and they ride great for a solid axle vehicle.

 

[KidVermicious]

Anybody have an opinion about northwest off road suspension systems?

I have never bought from NWOR, their high prices and reputation for ultracrappy customer service has kept me away. Back in the day they were one of the only shows around, but they've got lots of competition now, no need to put up with that garbage IMO.

OME is great, I run it on my '85. I DO crawl, as well as lots of high speed dirt and highway miles, and I can't recommend it highly enough.