1983 spring advice

[bigdaddy1]

So I am starting to build my first real trail rig and i need some advice. I bought an 83 short bed pickup last june and have fixed all the mechanical problems, new timing set, rebuilt t-case, all new engine seals, new ignition system, numerous electrical gremlins etc. So, for now i want to keep it fairly road worthy, (for now). The goal is to go with lockers, ARB? And new springs to fit 33's, i see a lot of guys going with longer springs, do i need to do this? What are the advantages, and what springs should i use? Thanks for the help.

 

[raevenzero]

Not sure on tire fitment on your year. With 84+ which is probably pretty similar, people often go with 1/2 ton springs on the rear, and move the rears up front. The longer, flatter springs offer a better ride and more room to flex. If you're just looking for lift, there are many other options including an AAL kit on your current springs.

As with anything, it all depends on what your eventual intentions are. Try to make a plan in the beginning and install the upgrades that will get you there.

 

[bigdaddy1]

So if i wanted to go with a spring package that had more flex and a little bit of lift i could go with a half ton spring and an aal? Or will the half ton spring be a little higher than stock? What about shackle choice, should i go longer or around the same size? I have a set of chevy springs that should work just fine, i just want to do it right the first time.

 

[raevenzero]

The half tons are a bit higher than stock. I am running 35's with chevy rears and longer shackles. I believe 3-4 inches with a stock length shackle setup, Most of this lift comes from moving your spring hanger to a much lower part of the frame. You want to avoid the AAL if you want flex, most of them are stiff to add arch. You could use a 4wd chevy spring set to get more lift, but again, this will make things stiffer. It all depends on how much lift you want and how much flex you want. There's usually a trade off between the two unless you are going with coils instead of leaf packs.

 

[bigdaddy1]

Thanks for the info i will let you know how it goes.

 

[Combat Chuck]

As far as tire clearance goes, First Gens have fender clearance by the truckload, and you can run upwards of 35s with a decent lift and very little trimming.


Springs, you can buy kit springs, or do Chevy 63s in the rear and RUF, but I really advocate custom springs made for your specific application and need. Springs really aren't a one size fits all system, and different lengths and springrates apply according to use and weight.

Alcans are the most common custom spring builders, but I would ask around the local 4X4 shops, and see if anyone knows of a decent suspension shop that can cook 'em up for you. For around the price of a Skycracker lift kit, you can gets some really good springs from a local builder.

 

[bigdaddy1]

I'm definately gonna do some searching before i make a decision on anything. There is a pretty good 4x4 shop in my town and they build a lot of toyotas, I'm sure thay will at least have some insight on my application. I know it sounds unrealistic, but price isnt a huge issue, cause like i said i want to do it right and not waste my money on a junk set of springs. I'll check out the alcans, thanks

 

[petescoffee]

If you want to keep the stock hanger locations you are probably looking at BDS, OME, Sky Jacker, Super Lift, or the like. Modifications are required for most of the other brands such as All-Pro or Trail Gear. On my 82 I have the All-Pro off road 4" springs and can say I am pleased with them. They came on my truck from the previous owner and they held up to his abuse and are doing well with mine. They ride and flex well. I don't think there is a need for a custom spring for the mini as there are plenty of companies making sprinkgs for them. Though if you will be carrying a special load or have special circumstances by all means go with a custom spring.

This just my $.02

 

[raevenzero]

I love the chevies. Cost me about $40 for springs and rest was cheap too. Probably $100 for the whole swap. I got decent lift and a good ride as well.

 

[Combat Chuck]

I'm definately gonna do some searching before i make a decision on anything. There is a pretty good 4x4 shop in my town and they build a lot of toyotas, I'm sure thay will at least have some insight on my application. I know it sounds unrealistic, but price isnt a huge issue, cause like i said i want to do it right and not waste my money on a junk set of springs. I'll check out the alcans, thanks

Regardless of budget, I think you're doing the right thing by asking around for advice. There are some really junky expensive options out there, as well as some really affordable good options to be found. Anything's possible, but it all comes down to researching and asking questions.
Best of luck!

If you want to keep the stock hanger locations you are probably looking at BDS, OME, Sky Jacker, Super Lift, or the like. Modifications are required for most of the other brands such as All-Pro or Trail Gear. On my 82 I have the All-Pro off road 4" springs and can say I am pleased with them. They came on my truck from the previous owner and they held up to his abuse and are doing well with mine. They ride and flex well. I don't think there is a need for a custom spring for the mini as there are plenty of companies making sprinkgs for them. Though if you will be carrying a special load or have special circumstances by all means go with a custom spring.

This just my $.02

Good points, Dave.

Do you know what all goes into the Allpro conversion?
I've read their catalogue page a few times, and it feels kind of vague, but it seems like a combination of their proprietary front hanger and some in-frame shackle mounts for the front springs, but do they also relocate the hangers for the rear, too?
I think the stock first-gen rear spring angles are a little harsh, so I'm wondering if they had a solution cooked up for that, too.

 

[petescoffee]

Good points, Dave.

Do you know what all goes into the Allpro conversion?
I've read their catalogue page a few times, and it feels kind of vague, but it seems like a combination of their proprietary front hanger and some in-frame shackle mounts for the front springs, but do they also relocate the hangers for the rear, too?
I think the stock first-gen rear spring angles are a little harsh, so I'm wondering if they had a solution cooked up for that, too.[/QUOTE]

All-Pro, Trail Gear, Sky's Off Road and I believe Ruff Stuff all make a similar front Hanger. It welds on to the front moving the hanger about an 1" forward. This helps keep the larger tire in the wheel well and makes room for the longer spring, With larger tires you can clearance the fender pretty easily if you need to.

The hangers for the rear springs moves and have to be welded on.

The emergency brake line also has to be relocated 9 not difficult, and a hi-Steer Kit is recommended.

The catch to the lift from All-Pro and Trail Gear are welding is required if you don't weld then you need to find someone that does. Plenty of Shops around and people that do it as a hobby. Though you want to make sure the people are experienced welders. I have seen bad welds fail, but then again, I have seen good welds fail.

Here is the link to the instructions on All-Pro's web site it is in their Tech section
https://www.allprooffroad.com/images/stories/Instructions/extremeliftinstallinstructions.pdf and a link to their extreme lift kit. https://www.allprooffroad.com/pickupsuspension/pickupextremelift
The extreme Kit requires the IFS box and a plate (plate included with kit).

To be Fair here is Trail gears-
Toyota, Suzuki Samurai, and Jeep Off Road Parts Install instructions rear http://www.trail-gear.com/pdf/110038-1.pdf and front install http://www.trail-gear.com/pdf/110041-1.pdf

And Sky's Toyota 5 Inch Lift Front Leaf Springs - Sky's Off-road Design front hanger Toyota Basic Solid Axle Hanger - Sky's Off-road Design no install instruction on web site.

All of the above companies support the off-road community and access to trails. All support TLCA events.
I have some trail gear parts, all pro parts and Sky parts on my mini truck.
My nephew's truck has Trail gear springs with Chevy 63" outback. Come to Fun Day this year and you'll get lots of opionions on which is best.

There are inexpensive way's to lift a mini with out buying a Kit even if you buy springs from one of these manufactures.

Dave

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Those 1st gen pickups don't need much of a lift, if any, to run 33's. If it were mine, with your intentions and budget, I'd buy the 2" softride springs from NW offroad, re gear it with ARB lockers front and rear, plus longfield superaxles in the front.