Where to get OME leaf springs for a 1985?

[KidVermicious]

Not at all the same, no. In addition to different lengths, there's going to be different leaf thicknesses and different numbers of leafs in a pack. Springs for a Jeep or Landcruiser would act very differently under your truck than springs for a 4Runner even if they were near the right length. That's not to say you can't experiment, but don't count on awesomeness once you get off-menu.

 

[TheManOutside]

Not at all the same, no. In addition to different lengths, there's going to be different leaf thicknesses and different numbers of leafs in a pack. Springs for a Jeep or Landcruiser would act very differently under your truck than springs for a 4Runner even if they were near the right length. That's not to say you can't experiment, but don't count on awesomeness once you get off-menu.

Ok, cool. Thanks for clearing that up, I was just a little unsure. :thumb:

 

[TheManOutside]

I got some more questions (quick ones, luckily)! WOOOOOOO

Can I use the stock U Bolts, shackles, and pins with new leaf springs?

I don't think I can afford the whole package as of right now, so I'm going to get new shocks later (I currently have rancho's that were put it around 2-3 years ago, and they're still pretty good). I just want to be sure I'm getting all the parts right... - Front and rear leaf springs, bushings, maybe shackles and pins. I shouldn't have any issues with this setup, correct?

 

[KidVermicious]

You can use any of your stock pins that you don't have to cut off. I'll bet you money you'll have to cut at least the two front pins on the rear springs. They seize to the metal collar inside the bushing, and you cannot pound them out. You can replace them easy enough at the hardware store, but if they aren't greasable you'd better drown them in antisieze or you'll be cutting them off next time too. And there will be a next time, because once your bushings start to squeak (and they will) you'll be buying and installing greasable pins anyway.

You can reuse the stock shackles, assuming you don't have to cut the rear pins, because they're one piece so if the rears don't come off easy then you'll need new shackles AND new pins there too. The stock ubolts, eh... they're TTY, lots of guys reuse them anyway without trouble, but not all of them. Those ubolts are 25 years old or more, and axles falling off is a thing. I wouldn't reuse them on a truck that sees pavement.

You can wait on the shocks no problem, but having learned all of the above the hard way, my suggestion would be to get the OME ubolts and shackles and pins. Or at least SOME ubolts and shackles and pins, if you don't like the OME prices. If money is the issue, wait.

 

[TheManOutside]

If I can get new OEM U-Bolts (or close enoigh), I could use those instead of the Old Man Emu ones I would assume. I've pretty much made up my mind that I'm gonna be going with new leafs, greasable shackles and pins, bushings, and possibly U-Bolts. I should be ordering stuff soon, so I'm pretty excited! I'm getting tired of slamming my bump stops every speed bump. Thanks guys for your help!