Chevy's In Rear, Rears Up Front: Difference between revisions

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This is a common modification to Toyota pickups. It provides increased lift as well as greater wheel articulation with the added benefit of being cheap/taking advantage.
This is a common modification to Toyota pickups. It provides increased lift as well as greater wheel articulation with the added benefit of being cheap/taking advantage of old part you may have around already.


'''What year and vehicle do you get the springs from?''' 
'''What year and vehicle do you get the springs from?''' 

Latest revision as of 00:50, 12 August 2017

This is a common modification to Toyota pickups. It provides increased lift as well as greater wheel articulation with the added benefit of being cheap/taking advantage of old part you may have around already.

What year and vehicle do you get the springs from? 

The correct years are 88-2014 1/2 or 3/4 ton Chevy or GMC truck.

Where do I get these springs? 

From a junkyard or donor truck.

2WD or 4WD springs?

Does not matter if they are from a 2WD or 4WD. The 2WD have 3 leaves plus an overload spring. The 4WD have 4 leaves plus and overload leaf. The 2WD are the most desirable because they are softer with only 3 main leaves. You can use the 4WD but you will have to pull out one leaf. The 4 leaves will work but most people use the 3 plus overload leaf. Some just run three leaves without the overload. Some people also run add-a-leafs too. Just depends on what you want to achieve in terms of lift, stiffness, etc.. 

How much are the springs? 

Depends on the junkyard, but likely under $100.

How do I mount these long springs to my Toyota? 

You must get a new front spring hanger and weld it on the flat part of the frame forward of the stock spring hanger. 

For the rear shackle hanger, you can either go with a double shackle set-up or weld on a new hanger back about 4 inches from stock. 

Where do I get new front spring hangers? 

You can either buy Jeep CJ spring hangers (some say they hang a bit low) or make your own out of 3.5" x 3.5" x 1/4" or 3/16" square tube. 

You can't use the Chevy front hangers they are not shaped properly to work. 

Can you explain the double shackle set-up? 

See this article to get more details: Double Shackle

How far forward do I mount the new front spring hanger? 

If you are replacing 48" long stock springs (2nd gen trucks), Mount them 11" forward of the stock spring hanger center hole to center hole. This will position the axle in stock location. Or drop a plumb line from the frame down to the center pin of your stock springs. Leave it there. Take off stock springs and line up Chevy springs. 

On 3rd gen trucks, mount the front hanger 9" To 9 1/2". 9" the axle will sit slightly rear of center and 9 1/2" should get the axle centered. 

On 1998-2000 Tacomas mount the front spring hangers forward 7.5 inches. Earlier Tacomas have shorter springs, but I don't have the measurements for those. Anyone? 

How wide are the Chevy springs compared to Toyota springs? 

The Chevy springs are 2-1/2" wide and Toyota is about 2-1/4" wide. Please note on the Chevy's that the sleeve in the bushings at both ends of the spring is 3" wide. Thats why you must use 3 1/2" box tube (1/4" or 3/16" wall) for the front hanger (3" on the internal width). 

Can I use Toyota stock U-bolts and spring plates? 

Yes you can use the stock Toyota U-bolt but you will have to grind the springs a little bit to get them to fit. 

What about a u-bolt flip kit? Can I just flip the factory u-bolts and spring plates? 

No. You will need new u-bolts and a flat piece of 1/4 or 3/8 steel to mount on top of the springs. 

How much lift do these springs give? 

You will get about 2-3" of lift but the springs are very soft, so most people end up using some lift blocks or add-a-leafs as well. 

Should I run bumpstops? 

Yes! They must be big enough to stop the springs from going too much past flat, they bend right near the front mount if you go to far. So bumpstops are a must! 

What length should the shackle from the frame to second shackle be? What about the second shackle? 

Length of shackle from frame to second shackle should be about 5 1/2"-6" eye to eye. Length of shackle from first shackle to spring eye should be about 3 1/2" eye to eye or you can just use the stock Chevy one. 

What size bolts do I need to mount the springs? 

9/16 x 5" grade 8 bolts with lock nuts for the spring eyes. 19mm or 3/4 x 5" for the rear factory hanger 

Can I still carry heavy loads with these springs? 

Yes, especially if it has the overload. Remember, these springs came off of 1/2 ton trucks, they can support a decent load. 

Do I have to remove the gas tank to weld on the passenger side spring hanger? 

No you don't have to, but it would be easier to weld if you do. You can get away with only welding three sides of the hanger and by filling a 9/16" hole in the middle of the hanger with weld. It will work. Just make sure you keep the gas tank skid plate on and shield it also. 

How is the ride with these springs? 

The ride is excellent on the street and even better off road. Lots of flex! There is such a big difference between these and stock springs that it's unbelievable. 

Do I need to run a track bar with these springs? What about axle wrap? 

No a track bar isn't necessary. The leaves are thick enough to resist kinking under normal conditions. You can try using the factory Chevy overload leaf, but cut the leaf flush at the rear of the spring pad and leave the front about 8" long or so. This will help prevent any axle wrap. 

Is it worth it to mount these springs on an IFS Toyota? 

Yes! It will make a huge difference. 

Can I just buy aftermarket lift springs for an 88-98 Chevy truck? 

Yes you could but the whole purpose of this swap is that it is cheap.

Can I still run a stock rear driveshaft with this swap? 

Yes.

What about shocks? 

Yes! You will definitely want longer shocks to take advantage of all that new travel you gained. Get Rancho 5012 or 9012's or Procomps. Bilstein 5100 series are also great shocks.