Im looking to redo the rear suspension on my 89 4Runner, looking for the 63 inch leaf springs. Don't wanna buy new springs because its not in the budget. Are they out of any old chevy truck? Looking to do about a 4 inch lift in the rear.
63 Inch Chevy Springs
- Thread starter Benny99
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2ndGenToyotaFan
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I think there are 3 and 4 leaf versions out there, but it's almost every 1/2 ton Chevy from mid 80's to 2000ish I think... There are lots of write ups, do some searching. 
- Thread starter
- #3
Thanks I'll do some more work and research.
I think there are 3 and 4 leaf versions out there, but it's almost every 1/2 ton Chevy from mid 80's to 2000ish I think... There are lots of write ups, do some searching.
Check out this link, I believe it has the detailed information you were needing:
63" Chevy 1/2-ton spring swap FAQ!! - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum.
63" Chevy 1/2-ton spring swap FAQ!! - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum.
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- #5
Don't typically get on Pirate but that is perfect, thank you.
Cruiserdrew
On the way there
Some of the info on Pirate is wrong, and infact you can use springs up until recently. The bolts used at one end got larger and were upsized to 5/8 but otherwise the new springs are just like the old springs. You can get NEW ones very reasonably from National Spring or something like that. You'll typically want 1/2 ton springs for a minitruck, or maybe 4 leaf 3/4 ton springs if you carry a lot of weight. THere are also 5 leaf 3/4 ton springs as well. I have 2009 3/4 ton springs and they have been great in my FJ60.
The post was from 2011, so it may have some dated information in regards to the year Chevy to use but I believe the post still provide a good run down of what's involved for the actual swap.
- Thread starter
- #8
Thats awesome. Yeah I have a 4Runner and more often than not have people or stuff in the back plus the hardtop so would that be enough weight to want the 3/4 ton?
Cruiserdrew
On the way there
Not sure. 4 Runner is much lighter than an FJ60. I'd likely start with the normal 1/2 ton springs.
Box Rocket
SILVER Star
I have a set of the 3 leaf 63's on my sons truck. The 4 leaf versions will have a little better load capacity if you need it, but on our 1st gen truck even the 3 leaf ones are not too soft. The 1/2 ton springs should still be just fine for your 4Runner. I think the 3/4 tons will be way too stiff for your liking. We used the 63" Chevy kit from LowRange Offroad that came complete with everything but the springs (hangers, shackle hangers, shackles, hardware). We have them paired with 3" Trail Gear leaf packs in the front and its a great match for lift height.
Box Rocket
SILVER Star
This is how ours is sitting with the 63's in the rear and 3" TG springs in the front. You could run a longer shackle on the rear if you wanted a little more height. I've also seen a "block" welded to the bottom of the frame for the new shackle mounts to add some height that way.
I was wondering if their kit was good, I'm thinking of doing the same for my 85.
Last edited:
Posted a pic and my thots here: Chevy Leaf Spring Swap
- Thread starter
- #15
This is how ours is sitting with the 63's in the rear and 3" TG springs in the front. You could run a longer shackle on the rear if you wanted a little more height. I've also seen a "block" welded to the bottom of the frame for the new shackle mounts to add some height that way.
Thats a sweet pickup and I appreciate the help. The shackles shouldn't be a problem between me and my dad we can fab up just about anything. Hoping to get this project started as soon as I find another truck to be more of my daily.
Still figuring out photos now that photobucket is no longer an option.
bjowett
Supporting Vendor
I have a ton of shiney new take off 59.5" VDJ79 Land Cruiser springs. While a little shorter, they might work well for these swaps. They have a Berlin eye with military wrap, 6 main leaf pack with 3 overloads... you could build just about anything out these. $100 a pop + the ride.
Those are missing the crucial feature that makes the GM springs work as well as they do. Could be added though. I did it to some OME springs.
Box Rocket
SILVER Star
Air gap shims?
Yes. I explained it all in my thread.
