New to board with Suspension question on 1993 SR5 4x4 kingcab

[Snakebite Cortez]

Hello everyone! I'm new to this board. Yes this is my name, Ma was a hippie, Pops is Nicaraguan. Long story with origin of my name.

I own a 1993 Toyota SR5 king cab 4X4..I bought it with 12 miles on it. I love my truck.

I recently put a camper shell on it with carpet kit. Want to take my lady out camping more with more comfort. and now my leaf springs seem flat
and my ride is not as smooth as it once was. Which was expected but it seems to be
getting worse.

I have to replace my tires and I'm ordering Pit Bull Growlers. Did a lot of research on those and the radials get awesome reviews! Looks like an offroad but is a All Terrain. Must check them out if you haven't heard about them.

So I figured while I have my wheels off the vehicle I would address the suspension.

I'm thinking new leaf springs. New Shocks all around, with helper springs..I'm not looking to go large. The new tires are the same size as the stock offroad size, but have more of an aggressive look and better tread for all conditions. But I imagine it will probably go up a little bit with new leafs and helper springs.
My lifestyle is mostly on the road with recreational offroad time. I like the option.

Although I'm kinda turning my truck more into a camper experience vehicle since my lady has the "nice" car.

I've never addressed modified suspension before and I'm looking for any insight as to what direction I should go with the above mentioned considered.

thanks in advance!!

[Obi..]

Good first post, lets see pics? :D

Depends on your budget and wants/needs. IMHO, for factory stuff, go factory, they last forever. Skip the helper springs, they'll make things harsh riding. If you want to consider that then consider going with a set of Deavers. Everyone I know who's upgraded to them for all purpose and travel stuff has loved them every little bit.

IIRC my buddy used their ratings for their production Tacoma replacements and worked with them giving his needs, added weight, regular carried weight, etc.. http://www.deaverspring.com/products/leafstoy.html


Part #'s..

90-171
90-173
TACOMA 6-lug Prerunner/4WD
('95.5-97) OEM Replacement
$450.00

90-201
90-203
TACOMA 6-lug Prerunner/4WD
('98-04) OEM Replacement
$450.00

F85
Tundra / Tacoma ('96-04) 1.5", 3-Leaf Rear
$229.90

They also set him up with a good set of shocks to work with it all.

[Snakebite Cortez]

Hey thanks for the info! so quick too! I will take shots of what I have currently goin on..I replaced the engine a couple years ago. long story. I just bought I used camper shell..its a little beater looking. We've been through a lot together. Tires haven't come in yet..but I will share my progress...in the meantime I'll take some shots tomorrow.

thanks again!

[CJM]

You could look into the low cost of having your springs re-arched. I paid alot for mine only b/c I specified what I wanted (specific arch and stuff), but you can get it done for cheap. Call up big truck spring shops, thats who has the stuff to do it.

Deaver springs are ok, be sure you dont get the super flexy offroad style springs-you wont like them on the truck as it can induce axle wrap to much.

[Snakebite Cortez]

I didn't even know that was an option...thanks!!!!

[corax]

I'll put in a vote for Old Man emu rear springs with a set of 25mm Sway Away torsion bars up front. The ride on my '88 is firm but nice, allowing me to drive-it-like-I-stole-it on road and still flexing as well as any IFS off road.

Check out Rocky Road Outfitters for more info (http://www.rocky-road.com/omesprings.html) or to purchase (http://www.rocky-road.com/4runner.html)