Chevy 63" spring swap

[Hyde802]

Chevy parts on a Toyota!! NOOOO.... get over it. :rockthrow:

Lots of info all over the web about this swap, but its the first time Im doing it on one of my rigs, So I figured Id document it a bit.

The springs Im using are 2 leaf+overload (not sure yet if Im going to run the overload) Ideally youll want the 3 leaf packs from earlier years, but its what I found around here. From my reading they say they work just about the same, and net me about 2-3" of lift.

Im using the Sky install kit with ubolt flip and new bushings. New lower shock mounts will be welded to the axle and I will be using the Ford-stamped steel shock towers and running the shocks vertically through the bed.

Notice the corners of the front hangers are cracked where they bent them. Sky says thats normal and to weld them solid, so I did.

Now, Im doing this on a 3rd gen PU (89-95), but the basic principles are the same.

I measured my wheel base before removing old parts to make sure I put the axle back in the correct spot, but a plumbob from the frame isnt a bad idea either.

Old parts out:

Mocking up new springs:

My front hanger will be moved about 9"forward, but for a 1st gen runner, you want to move it about 11". And the rear hanger goes about 4" back.

I should be able to get them burned on soon.

 

[SecretSquirrel]

I look forward to seeing how you make out on this one. I was going to do 63s or Fords, but got pissed at having to multi-source parts and figure it out without a ton of info...

Good work so far and good luck in the implementation of it...

 

[KidVermicious]

Sweet! I'm considering the same swap for mine, so consider me subscribed!

 

[fourwd1]

I did this on my 4Runner when I built it. The longer springs provide great flex for rock crawling.
The install is fairly easy as long as you can cut/grind/weld.

And cracks at the bends is not normal.

 

[ToyoTech]

Sweet I plan on doing this soon since a buddy has a pair for free. I plan on doing double rear shackles just in case I wanna return to stock

 

[Hyde802]

After all the people say dont run double rear shackles... you still want to huh?

The double shackles are pretty only good for RTI scores IMO.

 

[fourwd1]

After all the people say dont run double rear shackles... you still want to huh?

The double shackles are pretty only good for RTI scores IMO.

I've seen double shackles do some squirrelly things when the vehicles weight shifts, especially like when going down a hill. That's one of the reasons I don't use them. However they are good for ramps.

 

[Hyde802]

Or what happens when you hit a speed bump at 20-30mph? the shackle will lift then BANG back down. Or a quick lane change on the highway could cause a shackle to lift... If you found a way to secure the first shackle to the frame and only pull it when you need it, I could see that working..

WHat if you just dont cut off the factory hangers. The new shackle hanger goes behind the stock one. I cut mine off, but its not necessary. That way you could put your stock spring back on if you want to.

And fourwd, I checks skys site and it looks like all their hangers have been welded on the cracks... I agree it looks sketchy, but I welded them closed, so I think ill be ok. Ill be watching them though first time I drag them over a rock.

 

[ToyoTech]

yea i have hard alot of bad things about DS but a friend of mine is running it and yet to complain. i dont want to run DS so if i can squeeze in the rear mount without removing the stock one i run a single shackle. i dont get too much for ramp score since i never been on one. thanks for talking me out of it haha

 

[Hyde802]

Ended up moving my rear hanger 2"back from stock to give me my 45* angle.

The Jig I made to make sure the front hangers are correct

And ride height, looks to be about a 2-3" lift, just as predicted:

It will be a while before I can really test them, but shocks and such should be coming right along now.

 

[nevada]

Ended up moving my rear hanger 2"back from stock to give me my 45* angle.

The Jig I made to make sure the front hangers are correct

And ride height, looks to be about a 2-3" lift, just as predicted:

It will be a while before I can really test them, but shocks and such should be coming right along now.

several years later....

how is it working?

im thinking very strongly about doing this, I just don't like the huge shackle hanging down in the back. any issues?

 

[fourwd1]

I've never had any problems with mine.

 

[Hyde802]

Works very well! Ive only really been testing it this spring/summer after I got the front end "finished." I definitely hit the shackles on stuff, but not as much as you would think. And they are tough.. no signs of wear on them yet. Minimal axle wrap. The 2 leaf chevy springs stuff very well, but dont droop the as well as the 3+ leafers from the earlier years.

My shackle angle wants droopy springs, and these are not, so I could probably get more motion out of them by moving the hanger back a bit /trying different shackle lengths, but that sounds like a lot of work. Haha. If I find a set of the earlier 3 leafers for cheap , ill try them on, see how they do. I also dont have much weight back there.

They are very reliable and cheap to install, and that works for me.