Springs and shakles question

[Carbon]

So here is a question. Since in 86 they switched to IFS and this has a solid axle I was looking over the frame up front where they would have cut all the IFS off and where they would have welded everything on for the SAS. I am kind of confused because the frame is clean and looks completely factory where all the IFS stuff would have been. Also has the tube through the frame where the shackles are for the front leaf springs looks stock. Is it possible with having a build date of December 1985 but a title date of 86 that it came factory with a solid axle up front?

One more concern I am having is the shackle length. The rears are 7-1/2" center to center and the front is 6-1/4" center to center. I noticed the rear sits a little higher then the front but I can change that easy enough. My question is, are these shackles to long? This is mostly going to be a toy and will see very little street time.

I am also trying to figure out what springs I have under it. Appears to be stock length so I am not really sure. It appears that the front hanger has been spaced down by 2"x3" tube to give it a little more lift. The front is spring over with hi-stear. If possible I would like to get rid of the shackles and blocks for all spring lift. I am planning on only running 35's so I don't really need a whole lot. Although I have toyed around with the idea of putting my 38.5's on it. What are your thoughts?

Can anyone give me any answers to what I am looking at here?

 

[KidVermicious]

Those are definitely the stock front spring hangers from a solid axle truck, though you're right that they spaced them down with box tube. I've never heard of a factory solid axle truck with an '86 title though, unless that's an '86 body on an '84/'85 frame? Check the vin plate on the frame behind the passenger front wheel, see if it matches the vin on the body.

You can fit 35s in front with minimal lift if you redrill the perches on the axle housing and shove it forward an inch or so. You already have high steer so it won't affect your steering, but you might need to shove the steering box forward on the frame to keep the tie rod and drag link from getting in a fight when you flex. There's no easy answer for the rear - you'll want at least 4 inches to clear 35s back there, or have a stupid-long bumpstop, or get out the sawzall and start hacking.

 

[Carbon]

I have been doing a bit of reading about the 63" chevy springs. Are those measured following the arch of the spring or from eye to eye? If I get the 63's what shackles would I need if I remove the blocks as well? I would be happy running 35's and have no problem doing some trimming.

The front is the next issue. I could leave the hangers the way they are and move the axle and steering box forward an inch or so. What would I need for springs and shackles up front to be even with the rear? I am searching.

 

[KidVermicious]

The lift you get from Chevy springs is all over the place. There were a lot of differences in leaf strength (2wd vs 4wd, tow package vs not, etc), plus used springs all wear at different rates. There's no telling what a given set will give you until you slap them on. If you decide to do Chevy springs, most guys use their old rear springs in front (why it's called the Chevy/RUF swap), and that gets them in the ballpark. Then adjust as necessary with 1/2in blocks or playing with shackle length or whatever.

Check out the Toyota Bible on Pirate4x4.com: ***Toyota Bible/FAQ 2.0 - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum. Lots of fantastic info in there.

 

[Carbon]

Yeah I have been reading all over the place. Still unsure what my plans are. I guess it all depends on if I want to run my 35's or my 38.5's. I want to stay as low as I can but still be able to flex.

 

[Hyde802]

I dont think thats an IFS frame. The arch in the frame is much greater than on an IFS frame. I agree with checking the VIN on the frame. Or, how do you know its an 86? Whats the title/reg say?

 

[Carbon]

Title and vin come up as an 86. Frame vin is different and is an 85 or earlier. Most definitely a solid axle frame.