rear leaf spring conversion

[Dezerts10]

Search isn't working on my slow computer and was wondering if there is a build thread on doing a rear leaf spring conversion. Not sure I am 100% going to do this but would like to see what has been done if someone has done it.

Specifically what axle was used, what springs were used and how their shocks were mounted.

 

[NWFL4Runner]

I know Doc (I think that's the name) did it.

My parts list:

Axle: Sequoia (2003) - same width as Tundra but disc brake rear. Have to grind off the 4 link mounts, which took some time, but easy.
Springs: Custom Deaver pack (mine is a long travel, like F67, but for the heavier weight of our rigs)
Shackles: Total Chaos 12" (gonna have to move the rear most body mount as it's an on-frame mount. You could use shorter shackles and mount them under the frame to avoid this issue)
Hanger: Total Chaos (Tacoma, they fit)
Spring Under Axle kit: RuffStuff
Lower shock mount: RuffStuff
Upper shock mount: bed cage wooooooo
Shocks: Kings 2.5x16 Triple Bypass

I'll post some pics as we work through it, should be getting started in the next few weeks.

 

[gamefreakgc]

What's the benefit of having leaf-springs?

On the previous gen's people were always trying to get rid of them and switch to coil/shock setups since once the leaf springs wear out they are a pain to replace. My leaf springs were absolute garbage.

 

[MN4runnerman]

What's the benefit of having leaf-springs?

On the previous gen's people were always trying to get rid of them and switch to coil/shock setups since once the leaf springs wear out they are a pain to replace. My leaf springs were absolute garbage.

Long travel IFS front paired with rear SUA leafs is great for driving fast over bumps and dunes. Desert racers do this. If your not doing something like that then I don’t see any benefits.

 

[Scramble]

Wouldn't it be easier to use a Taco axle that's already set up for leafs? Or maybe an old T100. Unless they're not wide enough to match the LT front.

 

[NWFL4Runner]

Wouldn't it be easier to use a Taco axle that's already set up for leafs? Or maybe an old T100. Unless they're not wide enough to match the LT front.

Old T100 is (I believe) as wide as the Sequoia/Tundra WMS to WMS. Tacos are same width as 4runner so no extra room for outboarding shocks.

It took me a weekend with a cutting wheel (well, a dozen of them) to strip the Sequoia down. You can pick them up disc to disc with a 3rd member for $200, far cheaper than other options.

 

[Scramble]

Old T100 is (I believe) as wide as the Sequoia/Tundra WMS to WMS. Tacos are same width as 4runner so no extra room for outboarding shocks.

It took me a weekend with a cutting wheel (well, a dozen of them) to strip the Sequoia down. You can pick them up disc to disc with a 3rd member for $200, far cheaper than other options.

And probably even quicker with a plasma cutter.

 

[Dezerts10]

What's the benefit of having leaf-springs?

On the previous gen's people were always trying to get rid of them and switch to coil/shock setups since once the leaf springs wear out they are a pain to replace. My leaf springs were absolute garbage.

Long travel IFS front paired with rear SUA leafs is great for driving fast over bumps and dunes. Desert racers do this. If your not doing something like that then I don’t see any benefits.

this is pretty much why I want to do it I think. I mostly use my 4runner in the desert and for semi high speed stuff not crawling.

Better / bigger shocks can be used as well. I still want my 4runner to be a decent overland type vehicle but I do spend a lot of time with faster vehicles and the 4runenr rear end just doesn't keep up really.

 

[Doc2012]

I did it

Look at my build thread. Doc's ZRV.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J320A using Tapatalk

 

[kolelt]

Long travel IFS front paired with rear SUA leafs is great for driving fast over bumps and dunes. Desert racers do this. If your not doing something like that then I don’t see any benefits.

extreme desert guys usually run coils all around. Don't they? Don't recall seeing much leaf spring long travel??

 

[MN4runnerman]

extreme desert guys usually run coils all around. Don't they? Don't recall seeing much leaf spring long travel??

Your right but you’ll see this kind of setup as an alternative. It’s less common.

 

[gamefreakgc]

this is pretty much why I want to do it I think. I mostly use my 4runner in the desert and for semi high speed stuff not crawling.

Better / bigger shocks can be used as well. I still want my 4runner to be a decent overland type vehicle but I do spend a lot of time with faster vehicles and the 4runenr rear end just doesn't keep up really.

Cool, hope the project comes together! I'm all for making a vehicle your own, I just have never seen or heard putting leaf springs on a 3rd gen before.

 

[Dezerts10]

Not sure how many of you know who Geoff is but he owns Giant motorsports in Southern California and does a lot of leaf spring conversion stuff for desert trucks and prerunners. The picture he posted is his 64” kit that mounts to the side of the frame rail but I asked for a 62” spring kit picture.

I may go this route when I get a chance. I know Geoff personally and also know the ppl at deaver well enough to go that route as well. I’d run 62” spring kit I think vs the side mount 64” spring kit


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