The left front leaf spring has gone bad on my 85 4x4. Other than switching to a Rancho steering stabalizer when I started running 33x12.5 BFG's, I've never done any work on the suspension. The truck sports a home fabbed 2" body lift. With 223K, I'd say everything has held up pretty good. I bought the truck new.
I'm thinking of replacing all the springs as well as the shocks. I've been looking at the Rancho product line. Being that I've never bought leaf springs before, are there certain manufacturers I should avoid? I don't want any squeeky/sag problems six months down the road.

Here's what I've chosen so far with Rancho:

Front Springs (3" lift) - RS305 (right) RS305L (left) $85 each

Rear Springs (2" lift) - RS306 (note: Height will vary due to inconsistent factory height) $133 each

No bushings are supplied with these. Found ones for the front (RS964), but not the rear.

I've also considered the RS5115 (front) and RS5144 (rear) shocks which I can get for $44 each with a buy 3, get 1 free deal.

Rancho states that an adjustable torque rod s-link kit is required (RS1902) for another $106

I still need to find a part# for an adjustable drag link, but that should just about do it. Help here too please!

I'd like to get this right the first time since I'm already looking at a good $750 on this upgrade. I don't do any serious off roadin', so I think this might be a pretty good set-up. Opinions?

Before you go with the Rancho, check out Old Man Emu, leaf spring page

More expensive? Yes. Better product? Absolutely.

Shocks play a huge role in how these trucks ride. Don't scrimp.

By the way, congratulations on having the same truck for 22 years. That's right nifty.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I have to agree with Jeff. He is wise in this area.

If you don't want to spend the $$ on OME, then go with either Downey (which are cheap, but ride nice and will sag) or Skyjacker 3" (which are more expensive but still a nice off-the-shelf spring, though stiffer than downey).

downy is the worst spring that I have ever owned.
skyjackers are ok but with dual cases I bent the rears and the fronts sagged.
all pro has a good 3 inch lift spring but the rears are longer so you have to mount the front of the rear spring mount forward 6 inches. they look just like my alcans.
we have not ran them yet. I still need to make drive shafts for her truck.
been through about 2500.00 in cheap springs trying to save money.!!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />
napa also sells a 12 inch travel shock. for a 93 dodge w250 4x4. well it is 11.9678432577623 lol.



rear






sitting with the back end jacked up off the ground.




steering for the wife. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> 140.00$$$

How much for the shock? rear or front?

it would be a rear shock on the dodge and front on the toyota.
it has an eye on one end and post on the other.
I plan on using it on all 4 corners by redoing the rear mounts.
part number.

94259

30.00$

Thanks for the input guys! I've decided to go with Rancho springs front and rear and Bilstein shocks all around along with a Rancho adjustable torque rod, Skyjacker adjustable drag link and all the fresh hardware needed to do the upgrade. I won't start receiving any of the stuff till probably the first week in May. Final cost is $1134.30. That's the best I could do after searching the net and finding vendors who don't have hidden costs behind their advertised prices. Summit was a great help along with Truckmod.com and Shockwarehouse.com
Finally, I'll have my baby back together and on the road in time for camping Memorial Day weekend! I'll definitly post pix of the finished product when I'm done.

What about a chevy rear spring swap? I mean since you are pulling the springs anyway.