Question about rear leafs on an already-lifted '87

[Philbert]

A few years back I got the 4 inch Pro Comp lift kit installed at my local Big o tires. They did the front using some new 4" hardware to move everything up. New Wheels and tires were installed too (32"). For the REAR, they used blocks instead of new leafs.

SO ..... I still have the "sag" in the back and the clearance on my bump stops is about 2 inches or less (!). Needless to say, speed bumps rattle my fillings - it's most uncomfortable and I hate the look of the sag.

In the next year or so I'l like to replace the srpings myself.

Pro Comp sells 4" lift springs:
http://www.topguncustomz.com/Store/Gen2ProdDisplay.php?iview=195877076

Skyjacker sells 6" lift springs:
http://www.topguncustomz.com/Store/Gen2ProdDisplay.php?iview=182346556

My question is, with the already installed 4" IFS hardware in there, could I just install the 6" springs in the rear, and then crank the IFS torsion bars to bring the front up to match (I don't want the back to sit too high)?

Or should I just go with the (much cheaper) 4" Pro Comps?

 

[fourwd1]

You don't want to crank your t-bars 2", ride will suffer greatly, you will loose that amount of travel in the opposite direction (you can't get something for nothing), and it will increase stress on your front end (CV's etc.)

So go with the 4" springs

 

[Philbert]

thanks for the tip - I'm new to torsion bars so that's good to know!

 

[ozmdd]

An additional thought here is to call Pro-Comp when you order your springs. I had a 4" kit for a leaf spring Jeep, and the rear springs were never arched enough. After a month or so, they had lost even more height. I talked to PC and they replaced them for me, and the new springs were uprated and had more leaves than the originals. They had a different part number, so I discovered that they can spec you springs with a greater load rating/extra leaves in the pack. I'd definitely ask them, and make it clear that you want to be sure the rear end rides level. The trade-off is that you will lose even more ride comfort with a stronger spring, but your flex and travel will be sweet,a s well as less sag when loaded.

 

[Philbert]

An additional thought here is to call Pro-Comp when you order your springs. I had a 4" kit for a leaf spring Jeep, and the rear springs were never arched enough. After a month or so, they had lost even more height. I talked to PC and they replaced them for me, and the new springs were uprated and had more leaves than the originals. They had a different part number, so I discovered that they can spec you springs with a greater load rating/extra leaves in the pack. I'd definitely ask them, and make it clear that you want to be sure the rear end rides level. The trade-off is that you will lose even more ride comfort with a stronger spring, but your flex and travel will be sweet,a s well as less sag when loaded.

Thanks - good to know as well. I had called them months ago when I first started looking into this. They didn't mention different models for 4", but I'll be sure to ask. I need new (stock sized) U bolts anyway (Big o tossed mine when they put the longer, block-accommodating ones on) so I'll be getting more than springs from them.

I'm still a lilttle new to suspension...are shackles on my setup necessary, or will they add any value? I don't really go off road, but use the truck for tahoe trips and camping - would just be nice to have the "ability", should I need it- and wondering what the benefit is of shackles - if I even need them at all?

thanks guys.

 

[ozmdd]

You've got a very capable 4x4 even in stock form, so don't worrky about that part: a good driver can take a stock 4runner damn near anywhere. As for shackles, the only advantage to upgrading them would apply off-road, as in swivel shackles or greaseable shackles. Longer shackles are sometimes used to add ride height, but its not generally a good idea to combine long shackles and lift springs on a mostly-street vehicle because it changes the geometry so much. You'll be fine with springs only. Invest your money in the best-riding springs you can buy and good shocks, then tires.

 

[Philbert]

You've got a very capable 4x4 even in stock form, so don't worrky about that part: a good driver can take a stock 4runner damn near anywhere. As for shackles, the only advantage to upgrading them would apply off-road, as in swivel shackles or greaseable shackles. Longer shackles are sometimes used to add ride height, but its not generally a good idea to combine long shackles and lift springs on a mostly-street vehicle because it changes the geometry so much. You'll be fine with springs only. Invest your money in the best-riding springs you can buy and good shocks, then tires.

Thanks for the clarification on those - I'll stick with springs. I have good tires right now, and the shocks came with the kit I got less than 20,000 miles ago, so I think i'll just get the springs and U bolts.

Appreciate the responses here guys!

Phil

 

[Philbert]

Superlift?

Thanks for the clarification on those - I'll stick with springs. I have good tires right now, and the shocks came with the kit I got less than 20,000 miles ago, so I think i'll just get the springs and U bolts.

Appreciate the responses here guys!

Phil

Doing some more research and finding bad reviews on ride quality on Pro Comp springs.

Have any of you used "Superlift" springs?

Found some cheap - with free shipping:
http://www.streetsideauto.com/shopping/shopaddtocart.asp?productid=205077&quantity=1

 

[ex_85]

I replaced my rear springs with some Explorer Pro-comp 3" (cuz they were the cheapest) on my old 85 pickup - and they rode like a brick. So bad it was damn near intolerable. If you want something to ride decent, you'll probably have to go with a longer than stock leaf spring. this unfortunately means you'll have to relocate the spring hanger, but it will ride a million times better. All-Pro, Marlin and Trail Gear make great 4" springs, but they aren't cheap. 63" stock Chevy springs, or 56" Ford springs are a popular cheap conversion, do some research into those. Hope this helps. If nothing else, stay away from Pro-comp springs, they will make your ride miserable.

 

[fourwd1]

Re: Superlift?

Doing some more research and finding bad reviews on ride quality on Pro Comp springs.

Have any of you used "Superlift" springs?

Found some cheap - with free shipping:
http://www.streetsideauto.com/shopping/shopaddtocart.asp?productid=205077&quantity=1

The springs from any of the big suspension makers all have a harsh ride (but Pro-Comp does have the worst rep).

The key to a smooth ride is lots of thick leaves in the pack. But a thin leaf arched to provide the 4"+ lift a lot of people want will not hold the arch long. A thick leaf will, so they use a few thick leaves so the pack will keep the arch.

If you want a modest lift with a better than stock ride and handling, get an Old Man Emu suspension kit.
That's their speciality, and that is also why they don't make a kit greater than 2" lift for any vehicle.

You could make up the other 2" using a 2" lift shackle, or even a 2" block.
Neither will affect the ride, and the shackle will improve travel a bit offroad.

 

[Philbert]

Re: Re: Superlift?

The springs from any of the big suspension makers all have a harsh ride (but Pro-Comp does have the worst rep).

The key to a smooth ride is lots of thick leaves in the pack. But a thin leaf arched to provide the 4"+ lift a lot of people want will not hold the arch long. A thick leaf will, so they use a few thick leaves so the pack will keep the arch.

If you want a modest lift with a better than stock ride and handling, get an Old Man Emu suspension kit.
That's their speciality, and that is also why they don't make a kit greater than 2" lift for any vehicle.

You could make up the other 2" using a 2" lift shackle, or even a 2" block.
Neither will affect the ride, and the shackle will improve travel a bit offroad.

Thanks guys for the replies.

The Superlift ones I found seem pretty thick, leaf-wise:

http://www.streetsideauto.com/produ...=L4&lsbFuelDels=Fuel+Injection&lsbASPs=Normal

I don't want to move the hangers - I don't weld and don't want to deal with that - I want a bolt on solution I can do myself. Shackles are not out of the question, but if not needed I won't get them.

I looked at the OMEs in my research, but like you said, they stop at 2"....and my truck's already lifted 4" in the front due to the IFS kit already installed from Procomp.

So what I am looking for is something to replace my saggy (flat) OEM springs with blocks on them - something that I can bolt on and get a 4" lift with, and has a decent comfort level. And something that's not going to break the bank

This Superlift offering looks to be that to me (free shipping for goodness' sake!), but I was hoping to get an idea of others' experience with them?

thanks

 

[fourwd1]

Re: Re: Superlift?

The springs from any of the big suspension makers all have a harsh ride (but Pro-Comp does have the worst rep).

The key to a smooth ride is lots of thick leaves in the pack. But a thin leaf arched to provide the 4"+ lift a lot of people want will not hold the arch long. A thick leaf will, so they use a few thick leaves so the pack will keep the arch.

If you want a modest lift with a better than stock ride and handling, get an Old Man Emu suspension kit.
That's their speciality, and that is also why they don't make a kit greater than 2" lift for any vehicle.

You could make up the other 2" using a 2" lift shackle, or even a 2" block.
Neither will affect the ride, and the shackle will improve travel a bit offroad.

I just re-read my own post and I wrote the first sentence backwards (that's what I get for typing in a hurry).

The key to a smooth ride is lots of THIN leaves.

The aftermarket uses thick leaves to retain the bigger arch needed for higher lifts, and the result is a rougher ride.

Sorry if I confused anyone.

 

[jackedup]

do any of the lift companies offer a add a leaf to re-arch the factory spring pack?

 

[fourwd1]

do any of the lift companies offer a add a leaf to re-arch the factory spring pack?

Yes, they all do. Just get a full length one, not one of the short ones, they make the ride stiff too. The longer one may be harder to find tho, I can't remember which companies have it.

 

[ovrrdrive]

When I lifted my truck I found a good price on a set of Superlift rear springs and of course just like here, everyone told me how crappy they were going to ride if I bought them. Well I got them anyway because they were a good deal and I needed them, and I think they ride great.YMMV of course, but mine ride smoother and softer than my stock flat springs did. And believe it or not, they haven't sagged at all. Go figure.

FWIW, OME stuff has a very high approval rating. I would think they would be a good way to make it work if you go that route.

It's perfectly ok to use a longer shackle on lift springs. A longer shackle lets things flex better and some lift companies give you options on how much lift you need. I would be comfortable running a 2" spring and a 4" longer shackle (7.5" total) but I wouldn't want to try going any longer than that.

I don't know what your budget is, but for the money a Trailgear rear kit is a pretty good value and includes everything you'll need to do the back right. I think it's about $599 IIRC.

Those are my opinions on it... As I said, YMMV.

 

[Philbert]

When I lifted my truck I found a good price on a set of Superlift rear springs and of course just like here, everyone told me how crappy they were going to ride if I bought them. Well I got them anyway because they were a good deal and I needed them, and I think they ride great.YMMV of course, but mine ride smoother and softer than my stock flat springs did. And believe it or not, they haven't sagged at all. Go figure.

FWIW, OME stuff has a very high approval rating. I would think they would be a good way to make it work if you go that route.

It's perfectly ok to use a longer shackle on lift springs. A longer shackle lets things flex better and some lift companies give you options on how much lift you need. I would be comfortable running a 2" spring and a 4" longer shackle (7.5" total) but I wouldn't want to try going any longer than that.

I don't know what your budget is, but for the money a Trailgear rear kit is a pretty good value and includes everything you'll need to do the back right. I think it's about $599 IIRC.

Those are my opinions on it... As I said, YMMV.

Thanks!

I think I'll likely go with Superlift - they are cheap and I am on a budget.

appreciate it!