New 1987 owner needs some help/opinions

firemedic15

New member
Hello all, I just picked up this 1987 22re with a 5-speed last month, and am getting ready to start upgrading a few things. First off I am going to be ordering some 12" x 125 lb coils for the rear and doing a zuk mod. Next up will be a set of new tires which will be mounted on a set of 16 inch Tundra/Tacoma twisted 5-spokes I picked up off of craigslist. My question is on what size to go with. I decided to do the 12" coils vs the 14" because I am trying to avoid bj spacers on the front and don't want a major front end rake. I have already decided that I am going to give the Treadwright Guard Dogs a try. Because I am going to be rolling 16's, I have narrowed my choices down to 245/75/16; 265/70/16; or 265/75/16. 30.9"; 31";and
32.2" respectively. Any specific advantages to any size vs another besides cost? Would the 245's be too small after the zuk mod? Conversely would 265's be look too big? Just looking for what other here are running and or your opinions and experiences are. I don't plan on lifting the rig, and it will mainly be used as my dd and as a camping/exploring rig. Let me know what you guys think and or show pictures of your set-up. Thanks in advance for the ideas and help.
 

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Good looking 4runner!

I would suggest you stay away from the zuk mod. In my mind, it's a hack mod and using two types of springs at the same time doesn't make any sense. Get some stock replacement leafs and you'll be much hapier with the result.
 
i had 31s on my 87' and it looked good, the 33s at stock height fit with a little TLC but were too big for the truck at stock height. a little lift for the tires wont hurt ya, and itll give the truck a nicer stance

X2 on the zuk mod and new leaf springs. i put chevy springs on mine, but i like to play on the rocks.
 
I've currently got 245/75x16's and I wish I'd gone with 265's instead. Coming from 31x10.5's, they made a huge difference in steering and rolling resistance, but I really have to air down to get traction on sand or slickrock.

I've also got a zukmod, and I agree with those guys, don't do it. The coils from Southwest Speed run 60 bucks plus shipping, so you're not really saving any money over an add-a-leaf, and the coils destroy your flex in the rear.
 
I am suprised that you guys do not favor the zuk mod as much. I have been on other forums and it seems like that's all they talk about as far as a fix goes. I really was only considering it because I thought that add-a-leafs would only fix the problem for a short time and then it would sag again? If I go add-a-leaf, what would you guys recommend as far as brand, etc. I had heard that bj spacers made alignment more difficult? Figured the less I messed with stuff the better, however feel free to enlighten me, that's why I am asking for your guys advice. Thanks again, already learning alot. Also keep the tire thoughts coming.
 
Most of us are against the zuk mod because it really makes no sense. It costs money and takes away from performance. Buy new leafs you'll be happier.
 
Thanks again for the input; I'm gonna take the advice and purchase all new leafs. OME, but should I get the cs009R or the cs010R? I also decided on running 31's.
 
While BJ spacers do throw off the stock geometry, alignments arn't an issue. You need to get one right after they are installed, but that should be it.

Just dont get the spacers and crank your T bars....
 
Just purchased OME CS009R rear leafs
Killer, so now how will you lift the front to match those new Leafs/lift(2-2.5")?
You have two options, with only one making real sense(bj spacers)......
OME IS the sh1t , BUT even with a full setup your front stays stock height (unless you crank your t bars up to match, and in the process lose wheel travel and A LOT of ride comfort.)
 
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Still need to order shackles and bushing kit, etc. I think I will be using BJ spacers, anyone recommend a brand, size (1.5 inches?), website, etc? Thanks
 
Yeah, grinding the underside lip of the uca IS NECESSARY. as the website says, it is minimal, cosmetic and does not effect the structural integrity of the control ARM. I watched a friend do his in my driveway...
I'm still waiting on installing my bj spacers and new bjs because I'm a *****,and don't want to pay .
 

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