Suspension Advice?

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I've learned a ton about the lift options for newer rigs, but the torsion bar/leaf spring setups I know nothing about. I've got a 88 Pickup (not a 4runner, but close enough since most lifts should fit either) and the suspension is worn. I just bought it and don't know what all has been done. Shocks aren't OEM, but look to be several (5+) years old. The ride at the moment is pretty sloppy, so looking to improve it.

Main use is going to be expo type stuff in the mountains, but will also see some light crawling. This is technically a trail rig, but I want to keep a good ride on road and be able to use it as a daily driver if needed. After some research, it looks like the OME kit would be perfect. I see two kits offered, one with new torsion bars and one without. Would you all suggest getting new torsion bars? I've read mixed reviews on how they ride on road and also how the affect flex. Are there any other "kits" out there that I should consider?

 

[Goldrush]

Do a 4in procomp suspension lift, and you'll be happy with that.

 

[92-SR5]

I would go OME for sure, Bracket style lifts are ok but not the best.

 

[77'911]

I upgraded the torsion bars on our 1990 4runner (4wd, V6, auto) to 25mm Sway-a-Way units and like them. We didn't lift the truck, but I completely rebuilt the suspension. Both upper and lower front control arms were rebuilt with:
1)urethane bushings
2) new ball joints
It does tighten things up in a big way. Sway-A-Way does make a "race" bar at 26mm, but these are plenty stiff. For around town and highway use, we like them. They can get bouncy if you get loads of poor roads. The control though on the front end is just superior. The truck handles the roads so much better then before. Bumps in the road/highway used to send it all over the place, whereas that is all gone now.
regards

 

[Quatre Coureur]

How big a tire do u plan on running? U can fit 33/10.50s on the stock rims with no lift at all. Just do the pinch-weld mod and ur good to go.

 

[KidVermicious]

Your rear springs are a different length than the 4Runner, so don't fall into the trap thinking one fits the other.

If you have the cash, I cannot recommend OME highly enough. The ride is nice on pavement, but it really shines offroad. It's nice and firm while you're throwing the truck around and doesn't make you feel like you're driving a bowl of jello the way most lift springs will. They're great. If you're on a budget, consider stuffing a coil spring between the rear bumpstops (the Zukmod) and installing a set of balljoint spacers in the front. Depending on what spring you use and how you adjust the torsion bar in front, that'll net you anything from 1 to 2.5 inches of lift, and 2.5" will clear 33s with maybe a little trimming. A happy medium would be the OME springs in the rear and a balljoint spacer in front for balance, and OME Nitrocharger shocks all around (this is my plan for my next IFS truck). I would not screw around with bracket lifts. If you need to fit bigger than a 33" and don't want to cut and tub, a solid axle swap is the right way to do it.

I'm going to disagree with Quatre a little bit - while 33s will fit in your driveway, some tires will rub any time you try to introduce your bump stops to eachother, depending on their actual diameter. I had to do a little trimming and pounding to get that under control with my old IFS/balljoint spacer setup, and I had 255/85r16 KM2s at about 1.5" of lift. Cranking the torsion bars or extended bumpstops would have worked too, but most guys want MORE flex from the IFS .

While we're on the topic of 33" tires, do you have the 22RE or the 3VZE? The 22RE with stock gearing will not like the 33s - nominally usable, but you'll hate it. The 3.0 has a little more pep, but you'll still take a hit for sure. A 31" tire is plenty big for light crawling and random offroadery, and a Spartan locker in the rear will get you enough traction to shove through anything the smaller tire won't roll over. 31s and a locker are much cheaper than 33s and regearing.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks for all the info/suggestions. Mine is a 22re. It currently has 31x10.50s. I've only driven around town but it seems to pull them great. I was hoping to go bigger, 33x10.50 but I'm not looking to regear. Once my lift is done I'm going to throw the 285/70/17 Duratracs off my 4runner on it to see how it does before purchasing tires. I'm afraid 31s may look a little small with 3" lift, but that may be the best bet. I've already done the zuk mod as a quick/cheap fix for the rear end sag until I can purchase the full lift. I'm willing to spend whatever it takes to do it right the first time. It sounds like the OME kit is perfect, just gotta decide if I need/want the new torsion bars.

I keep hearing 33s will fit stock, but no way that's happening.

 

[Quatre Coureur]

They fit in the driveway. They also fit in my wheelwells. Last trip to BigBear in April, we rockcrawled all day. Zero rubbing. That being said, no two vehicles are identical. I would get the OME in a heartbeat if I could afford it. As a heavy equipment operator, I'm still waiting for Obama's shovel ready projects to start($$$). :cowboy:

 

[dorton]

For Overlanding/Expedition/Trail I don't feel there is much need for a 4" drop bracket.

Mine on 265/75r16s went very, very well. I have since swapped to 33x10.5r15s. Both were BFG KM2's. It does almost everything a similarly equipped truck with 35's would, but you save money on cost of tires, fuel, and breakage. The clearance at your lowest point would only be about 1" between a 33" tire and a 35" tire. I'd suggest on a budget, go 1.5" Ball Joint spacers, and decent shocks, if that's, not enough, add a body lift(I went with 1"). If you want to step up a little, go ahead and go Old Man Emu front lift, you will not be disappointed

For the 17's take a look at the 255/80r17 BFG's

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

A drop bracket lift is out of the question, don't want to go that route. I am doing a body lift for sure. I've got sliders ordered that have 2" square tubing for the legs, and right now there's not enough clearance. I'm going to have to go with at least a 1" body lift so the legs can be welded to the frame and have proper clearance.

I'm not going to say money is no object, because it is, but I don't want to cut corners. I did this on my 03 4runner and have re-done it more times than I can count. If I would have spent the money up front, I would have been way better off. I am willing to spend the money on the OME kit, It sounds like it will be the best on/off road combo I can get. I've considered ball joint spacers, ZUK mod with bigger coils, and new shocks, but I keep going back to OME. Biggest question is whether or not the OME torsion bars are worth it. Based on previous comments, I'm going to say yes but would like more input.

I don't want to turn this into a tire discussion thread, but I'm considering BFG A/T's, BFG KM2's, and Goodyear MTR's. I'm wanting something a little bigger than what I have now to fit the lift, but also don't want to regear. I hear the KM2's run small so I'm thinking I might be able to get by with a 33x10.50 KM2 and stock gearing. The difference in price for both BFG's is $2 / tire, so I'd hate not to get the bigger size then want it down the road. I wanted 32x11.50's but after looking at the specs, the 33x10.50's are lighter and due to width would probably be easier to fit. I don't know the specs on my wheels, they aren't stock and do stick out a good bit so that doesn't help.

 

[dorton]

Are you going to add a winch, or heavy bumper on the front? If so, then go for the t -bars, if not, I don't think they are a must have.

33s on stock gearing is doable, but 4.88s really make them drive great.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I'd like to have a winch, but then I'd have to have a bumper to put it on. I'm not really wanting to shell out $1k for an ARB but that's about the only one I've found I like. I don't really care for the Trail Gear and similarly styled bumpers. So, the winch is a possibility but probably not likely at this point.

 

[dorton]

Like you've experienced, it's best to plan ahead. The only bumper on the market I like is the ARB. I'm not a huge fan of the tube style for this kind of build. I would suggest holding off on the torsion bars for now, as you won't be going backwards by doing them later if you need them.

 

[Pyroboy]

I ran the OME kit with spring, torsion bars, shocks, shackles and bushings for several years. It's a great setup but it is a bit pricey. You might be able to find some parts used. I sold mine for half price when I did my TG SAS and rear lift.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I've looked at the Ironman kit, it's much cheaper but not as proven. I really don't feel like taking any chances, so pretty sure I'll be going OME. Where is the best place to buy? I've found it at Rocky Road Outfitters for $953 + shipping, that's the best price I've found so far. They list a 43" and 47" spring for the rear. I'm not sure how that's measured. Does anyone know which the pickups use?

 

[Quatre Coureur]

I'm pretty sure its measured eye to eye. So measure ur trucks and I think the trucks are longer. My 33/10s fit no problem but I have a long bed and the springs are stiffer. BFGs do run small, mine are only 32.5"

 

[KidVermicious]

I got my OME from Cruiser Outfitters: Cruiser Outfitters

I know Kurt personally, and he's a great guy and knows a ton about old Toyotas. What engnbldr is to the 22RE, Kurt is to ARB and OME. He can hook you up right. On the other hand, Rocky Road is local to me too and I don't know ANYBODY with anything good to say about that outfit. Give Kurt a call and figure out what you need, and get a quote from him. I bet you find it's competetive to Rocky Road or any other outfit, and you'll be buying from an expert with impeccable customer service to boot.

(Sorry - I'm passionate about endorsing companies that do business the right way, and Cruiser Outfitters definitely qualifies)

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I got my OME from Cruiser Outfitters: Cruiser Outfitters

I know Kurt personally, and he's a great guy and knows a ton about old Toyotas. What engnbldr is to the 22RE, Kurt is to ARB and OME. He can hook you up right. On the other hand, Rocky Road is local to me too and I don't know ANYBODY with anything good to say about that outfit. Give Kurt a call and figure out what you need, and get a quote from him. I bet you find it's competetive to Rocky Road or any other outfit, and you'll be buying from an expert with impeccable customer service to boot.

(Sorry - I'm passionate about endorsing companies that do business the right way, and Cruiser Outfitters definitely qualifies)

That's good to know about Rocky Road. I've heard of a few running their sliders and haven't heard any complaints about them as a company, but I haven't researched it either. I'll reach out to Kurt and see when he can do.

Thanks!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I think I've come to a conclusion. Right now I'm trying to do a lot with a little (lot of mods, little money). You guys have pretty much talked me into sticking with 31x10.50's. I was crunching the numbers and I think I can do OME shocks all around and new tires for about the same price as the full OME kit. This will get me going and hopefully improve the ride, and seems to be the most benefit. A nice/new lift kit isn't gonna do much with the tires I have now, so seems like this is the best approach. I'll eventually piece together the full OME kit, but think I'll start with just the shocks and a new set of shoes. Thoughts?

 

[KidVermicious]

I think it's a great idea. You should celebrate your wisdom by grabbing a lunchbox locker and throwing it in. Spartans were $250 on Rockauto the last time I checked...