85 PU lift options

[axel9615]

Hello everyone, I'm looking at lift kits and wanted to get some opinions on what I should do to my 1985 Toyota P/U, budget-wise, I do want to do things right, so Im not gonna set a budget, but I dont have 5-10,000 to spend on it at this moment , so please keep that in mind

This is my DD, but I don't mind a rough ride...I am looking to run 35-36s and do some crawling and mudding, maybe a little more serious crawling down the road a ways...

I have been looking at the Skyjacker 5" system (I want to stay away from blocks and add-a-leafs) and was gonna add a 3" body lift...I have also been looking at longer shackles, but I heard shackles can be weak and arent a good idea, also with shackles I recently saw the ball joint ones, are these worth it, and do they stop axle wrap

My budget isn't too limited and I have the tools to do heavy fabrication and work, but I would like to stay away from too much fabrication

I want to do things right, and get some good articulation out of my truck, so if you can help me out with the things I need to change I would appreciate it

I will also install the drag link and ss brake lines
Will the stock steering work, or should I look into some of the cross over steerings, and where can I get the best cross over steering for my $$$

I am up for suggestions, a lot of custom work is going to be done, I am getting new bulge fenders and bed sides, so tire clearance shouldnt be a big deal, and I am going to fabricate my own bed, and hopefully move my trans case and gas tank up

Other things I have heard is to worry about center of gravity, which is another reason I have been steered away from 7" kits by some people

[DeadlyPeace]

Sounds like you already have it all worked out. ;D

Skyjacker seem to have a fairly good system, but not sure on their flexability. You could look into allprooffroad.com and aor4x4.com also. They both make great products that work and will have most of what you'll need.

I have 3" extended double shackle set-up and have no prolems with them. AOR and All Pro also have the Orbit Eyes (AOR), or Johnny Joints (All Pro) you were talking about and do really work.

Your stock steering will work, but a Hi-steer (x-over) system will be a whole lot better. I have broken a stock steering system on the trail and it wasn't fun to try and rig it back up to get it to work.

FYI All Pro's prices are cheaper, but AOR has better quality.

The only other thing You might want to look into is a locker for the rear and a dual tanfer case. These can be done later if needed.

[axel9615]

With a 5" sus, 3" body, and 1.5" shackles, do i need to worry about driveshaft length and angles??

[axel9615]

been considering my options, and think im gonna go with the skyjacker kit and some johnny joints...as for lockers, im thinking maybe a lockrite ez locker up front and a detroit soft locker in back...

[DrumBum]

assuming you do end up with the skyjacker kit, make sure and let us know how it goes, and what you think after (and during, for that matter) the install. i'm considering the same kit, but would like to know what it's like- ride quality, articulation, etc.- before i buy it.
thanks, and good luck!

[axel9615]

think im leaning toward the all pro extreme kit, sorry guess youll hafta try skyjacker yourself

[fourwd1]

axel9615 said:

With a 5" sus, 3" body, and 1.5" shackles, do i need to worry about driveshaft length and angles??

With 5" of suspension lift you'll need longer driveshafts, angles will be an issue that can be dealt with, and you really should have crossover steering.

[nowhitefenders]

:-*Yes, go for the All-Pro you wont be disappointed. I got the 4" and its like a completely different truck from when I had the Downey 3" springs. If you go 5" you will definately need the Hysteer, but when you get it you'll be happy you spent the $$$ on it. Hysteer gets rid of the wandering, increases articulation, increases turning ability, and won't break on the trail. As for the driveshafts, you will need to lengthen the front shaft (All-Pro has a kit) and I would clock your rear axle. I did that on my truck -by cutting off the spring pearches and installing All-Pro's, and...doing the same for the shock mounts. Helps with the drive shaft angle, keeping vibration down to a minimum (or none at all). Since it is your daily driver I would recommmend it. Then of course, you want to get the All-Pro e-brake... Sounds like a lot of stuff, but once you get over 3" of lift, the suspension starts to change big time. Hope this helps.

[fourwd1]

axel9615 said:

With a 5" sus, 3" body, and 1.5" shackles, do i need to worry about driveshaft length and angles??

With all that lift I'd be worried about my COG when rock crawling ! Can you say flop.

[nowhitefenders]

8-)True, the higher the lift the greater the increase of a rollover could be expected. I guess the general rule is to limit lift to tire size. So plan on the size of tire you want to go with and the lift should work out to just enough to clear the tires. When I decided I was going to go to 35's I chose the 4'' AllPro's because I can get about zero rub and I didn't have to trim my truck up. I think a larger lift would only be beneficial if I went to a bigger tire. A bonus with a quality lift, ie. AllPro's, is the flex helps out for rollover on the trail. For example, on my Downey 3'' springs, a 30 degree lean was about as scary as you want to get, but the new AllPro's, I've been able to lean way more than that, 40 degrees comes to mind, and I didn't roll over. So to get to the original question is to look at the end result of what you want your truck to do, get the right kit the first time, and you'll save a ton of $$$ and get more out of the truck, in fun and safety, than if you compromise or skimp along the way.

[curiousgeorge]

If you have any other question Scott, at www.fattshack.com/inside2.htm is running 5" Skyjacker Spring. Also, I am planning on replacing the springs (4" Procomp) under my 82' with 5 or 7 skyjacker spring, I have not decided which yet.