I own a stock 1985 Toyota HiLux long bed pickup. I'm planning to upgrade the suspension and would like some suggestions. I'm not planning to make a rock climber but would like to raise it three to four inches and add a locker in the rear. I live in Northern CA so it will see its' share of rocky ridge roads and mountain trails. I don't want to sacrifice too much street drive-ability. I don't want the spring/shock combo to be so stiff that it can't be driven comfortably on the street or freeway. In the future I'll be towing it behind my Motorhome then use it as a daily driver when at camp.
I thought of ARB EMU springs but they are only two inch lift. They seem a good choice for drive-ability and ride. As you can tell I am really interested in a suspension that wont be a gut buster but is still robust enough for back roads and trails.
Any input is appreciated, Thanks

Well, for something easy I would get the 3" Downey springs, front and rear. Their rear springs will sag over time, but they lasted over 10 years on my 4Runner, and were still on my 82 truck 14 years till I sold it. One thing to keep in mind is if you go over 3" you will need to convert to cross-over steering, otherwise you put too much strain on the steering arms and the draglink.

Pappy, thank you for the reply. I had forgotton about Downey. I realy don't want to go more than three inches on this truck anyway, maybe the next project.
Do you have any advice on tire size? I was thinking of 10.50 since this will be used as an on and off road vehicle, not to mention the limited power of the 22R. I'll also be trailering the 14 ft aluminum fishing boat from time to time.

hey good luck with the lift. for tires you can fit 325/60 r15 on stock. that figures to 31x12.50. I ran 10.50s, those and now 35x12.50 mtrs. finally with the mtrs i lost 1mpg. I really liked the wide tires. i have three i'd practically give you if you want. i live in utah

Leorn, Thanks for the offer but I do have some slightly used 32 12.50's that I might try. I just thought it would a bit much for the motor with stock gearing. I guess it depends what I do with the motor, it's just carburated. I may have to hunt the junkyard for fuel injection.