rear end

[badhabt]

My 88 4runner came with shackles in the rear to level out the truck. It sits on 33's, without a lift kit. Theres not a lot of give in the back, and it can make for a rough ride. I would like to make it ride better.

I'm not sure which way to go. I've read about upgrading coils, shocks, and even add-a-leaf. Though I heard that add-a-leaf makes for a stiff ride.

Don't want to do the lift kit thing. But would like to give these 33's a little more breathing room. Whats the word on ball joint spacers (1"), for the front of course, are they any good?

Any advice, pros and/or cons, is what I"m looking for.

Thanks in advance
Jason

 

[Hyde802]

Ball joint spacers are good, just dont have your t- bars cranked.

Best thing for your rear would be new springs. Sounds like your are pretty beat.

Start reading around. Both of those are all well discussed topics.

 

[fourwd1]

BJ spacers would be a better choice than "cranking" the t-bars.
New leafs in the rear would be the proper fix, anything else would be a band aid.

 

[badhabt]

Thanks for all the help. I'm gonna go with a new spring pack for the back. Are there any cheaper options, say, adding a single beefy leaf to the existing pack? I read about a guy who added a chevy leaf and got 4" of lift, and a soft ride.

I am considering using ball joint spacers in the front. But, I read some where BJS and off-roading are not a good mix, even light off-roading.

What is the lifespan of a BJS considering I will do some light off-roading but mostly pavement pounding?

I'm getting ready to replace my CV axles, and would add the BJS while it's opened up. That is if they're going to last, not destroy my truck, and be safe.

While I"m replacing the cv axles, what other cheap and easy fixes/upgrades can I do while it's opened up? I can build a house with my eyes closed. But working on cars/trucks is new territory to me, exciting territory; so all the help I could get is welcome.

Again, thanks for all the great help.
Jason

 

[Hyde802]

Ball joint spacers are fine. Just dont crank your torsion bars. And get manual hubs if you dont have them.

 

[badhabt]

Yeah, I don't have manual hubs. Is this a problem?

 

[Thurlo76]

your gonna want manual hubs!!! helps mpgs and will save your cv's in the long run

 

[Hyde802]

It wont be the end of the world without them, youll love them if you get them.

 

[badhabt]

Okay...how do I change that? is it a big job or small job?