Wow I could have a field day with this one. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> You are right (as usual) on both counts, the rear packs do have more leaves than the front and I am sure that the rear of your 4Runner is heavier than my pickup (or the 85 that Andy was asking about <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/bird.gif" alt="" /> ) even with my relocated gas tank.

It will be interesting to see how much flex is gained by removing my son's overload leaves from his stock-length rear springs. Near as we can tell, they are first-generation Alcans. The only downside in removing the overloads, is if he overloads. We have a short leaf we removed to take them from 4" to 3", we could just remove the overload and replace the short leaf and that might work out. He might pick up a BUNCH of flex even with the stock-length springs.

Oh, yeah, we used stock shackles too, to keep the lift down. This is also a consideration on flex.

Check out JT outfitters website for their pinnacle suspension. For $399 for a system with shocks, I think its a pretty good deal.

Hey Bill, what's the front shackle angle like? How does it ride on the street? I commute 60-70 miles a day so I wouldn't mind a well-riding rig for the street as well.

I would have to measure the shackle angle on my truck (I have given up guessing on measurements, after making so many bad guesses here <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />). I used Brian Ellinger's very good jig to locate the shackle hangers. Stock length springs.

The front Alcans ride surprisingly well on the street, in fact I'm very happy. The stock IFS rode very nice on nice roads, until you hit anything substantial, then your coffee launched as the bumpstops smacked. Crank the IFS, it loses that nice ride quality. The SAS rides a little pogo-like, nothing too bad, but I drive over a hole and ridge on a bridge on the way to work and barely feel it. I can watch other people catch their coffee mid-air <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />.

I have my toe-in set to about 0" and am now running the RS9012s on '4', a little stiff really, but its pretty non-reactive to pavement irregularities with these settings. The RS99012s (number?) would be nicer, with more adjustments in-between.

Its really a fun truck to drive around, power is my only complaint. I am driving my 2wd beater to work mostly though, because I hate the idea of racking on the miles just going to work.

Anyone fearing a SAS for street manners... I just don't know why. Pick good springs and shocks, and they are just fine.

Harry, ya know, after gandering Roger's frame drawing elsewhere on the board I think the frame width has at least as much to do with it as the number of leaves. Good observation.

More than the ride, I think that most people are afraid of SAS street manners because of the steering. Out of all of the solid axle swaps I have seen, I would say more than half of them had negative caster. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> That will keep you so busy you won't even be able to drink your coffee! Set up the geometry right though and use quality suspension components and you should have no problems on the streets.

Yep, with my axle forward I probably have MORE caster than stock. Stable, no funny tire wear, handles well,... I guess I should have the alignment checked but I have other things calling for that $40...

I will say that Brian Ellinger's spring hanger kit and Alcan springs are responsible, in my case, for the good steering.

Bill,

Have you found someplace here in town that will do your alignment for $40?

Travis

Haven't pursued it much, I just read that price (like $38 for a 2 wheel alignment) on a billboard or special somewhere. Burt will do it for $49.88 ( <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> ). That would be, uh, setting the toe...

Randy's Tire and Auto makes them look good, at $59.95. Sheesh. I'll use my tape measure and seat of the pants, thanks.