85 4 runner with broken leafs

[85runner]

My 85 4 runner has broken leaf springs, sits unlevel, and handles horribly.

This is my work truck and RARELY off roaded(however, still does happen occasionally). The truck is basically stock with exception of fiberglass front end and 32" tires.

I would like to replace ALL the leaf springs and have the truck sit level again. Dont need to get crazy or expensive, just want something that works FOR WORK!

My questions

1. What would be the cheapest/most practical way to go?

2. Can i use TRUCK leaf springs on my runner? Are they different? It seems like the same year trucks are much lower... Am i correct? i see tons of adds for 85 TRUCK leaf springs, but never know if i can use them or not...

thanks in advance, and please excuse my newby question.

[bbagwell]

Truck and 4 runner leaf springs are the same. I would recommend some Old Man Emu springs. They are only about 2.5 inches of lift, but are very good quality springs. They are about as reasonably priced as any other aftermarket spring. Here is a link to a place that sells them: http://www.rocky-road.com/ . I have them on the front of my truck and I know a lot of people that run them on Samurai's.

[fourwd1]

Actually, the truck and 4Runner spring packs are slightly different, the Runner's designed for a better ride, the truck's more for load weight, but they are physically interchangeble.

The OME stuff is great.
You can also get some stock replacements here.http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Browse/showCustom-0/tf-Browse/makeName-Toyota/makeId-85/modelName-4Runner/modelId-2166/year-1985/s-10101/N-111+600003427+200729268+1985/c-10101

[85runner]

Wow, thank you guys for the links, info, and everything without flaming the crap out of me for noob questions.

I have one more though!!! How can i tell what lift/if any i have now? Are there points to measure from(like axle to bed, etc)... I basically want my truck the same height as it is now, or SLIGHTLY taller but don't know if its lifted or how much...

I currently have 32's but i also have fiberglass fenders...therefore front fitment isn't an issue. HElp please! (and no, i dont see marks/brands on the springs) I also have bilstien shocks all the way around and trying to avoid replacing them...

[bbagwell]

If the front springs are negative arched and look all rusty then they are probably stock. I had to buy longer shocks with my Emu's the stock length shocks were too short. My pick up was a couple inches higher in the back, so with the Emu's it sits about level. Here is a poser shot, I just got the Emu's on last week.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y154/bbagwell/Toyota.jpg

[85runner]

So what is the general rule of a 4" lift? Typically clears 33"s?

I found an entire procomp 4" lift kit(springs, shocks, brake lines, and pitman) for 400 bucks...considering buying it but i dont want too high of a lift.

[bbagwell]

4" should clear 33's no problem, it will clear 35's with a little trimming. I would be willing to guess that pro comp springs will be stiff as hell so keep that in mind.

[85runner]

ehhh. Stiff ah hell isn't really what i'm looking for...

Since i currently have bilstiens made for 0-3" lift, i should prob. go with the OME springs... Agreed? Is there anything else cheaper/reasonable?

Oh yeah, forgot to mention.... I carry a good 4 hundred pounds of tools around ALL THE TIME.... Does that matter?

Thanks again....

[bbagwell]

If you go Emu I would recommend getting the Old Man Emu heavy duty springs. They are designed to handle a load, or heavy winch in the front. Trail-Gear sells some three inch springs for about the same money. I would have bought those but I got the Emu's used for a good price. I would either get the Emu's or go with the Trail gears. That is my 2 cents :redspotda.