Just exactly what are the length differences between a 97 and 98+ Taco? All behind the axle, in front, split more or less evenly? Anyone ever weld on a new set of hangers to adapt later springs? Worth the effort?

Additional info: per my parts guy, the driveshafts are the very same part number. This leads us to believe the additional length is entirely behind the axle. Toyota makes a decent (and cheap) shackle hanger, which with a little Sawzall action should weld nicely behind the stocker. It does seem worth it since the 98+ aftermarket springs are everywhere in lots of configurations while the 97 springs aren't.

Would anyone with a 98+ mind measuring from spring hanger to shackle hanger, center to center, to help me out on evaluating this job?

Thanks in advance!

Bill, do you want the measurement with the vehicle on the ground? If so, I can do it for you when the rain stops.

Sorry I can't help with where the additional length comes in.

Um, didn't you say "no mods" or something like that? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

The rear spring mounts on my 2001 4WD Tacoma measure ~53 1/8" from front bolt mount to shackle hanger, c-to-c.

If you are just looking for a couple inch lift, I note several folks carry lift springs for pre and post 98 Tacomas, wheelersoffroad.com is one. However, they cost like real lift springs do.

On the kids 95 Tacoma, we replaced the real stiff add-a-leaf he had with one of the rear leaves from a 1990 4WD pickup, added about 1.5" of lift to match the Tundra spring lift up front and the ride and flex seem improved over the add-a-leaf.

Greg

Thanks- I'll measure mine and post it for posterity when the iceman leaveth. Leaf mix n match, hmmm, there's a thought, though I want to get away from the broken spring thing I hear about on the pre 98s. Is it the main spring that breaks?

Joe, you know what they say about the kind of intentions that form the pavement of certain roads to certain balmy places...

Riding on the overloads does change one's perspective... besides, I really like the thing and I'd hate to not be able to wheel it just a LITTLE bit... uh-oh. Slippery slope.

I did some measuring last night and thought I would post the results for posterity. Or maybe for me in case I lose my piece of paper. Measurements approximate, in inches.

Subject vehicle: 1997 Tacoma XtraCab, 2.7, auto
Rear spring hanger-to-hanger length: 49 3/8
Rear spring main leaf length, on center: 51 1/4
Beeline front hanger to bumpstop mid (intersecting axle center): 22 3/4 (not a real accurate measure)
Front spring hanger to front edge of front U bolt: 20 1/2


Subject vehicle: 2002 Tacoma XtraCab, 3.4, 5 speed
Rear spring hanger-to-hanger length: 52 3/4
Rear spring main leaf length, on center: 55 3/8
Beeline front hanger to bumpstop mid (intersecting axle center): 23 3/4 (not a real accurate measure)
Front spring hanger to front edge of front U bolt: 21 3/4

Toyota lengthened the springs both in front of and behind the axle, meaning both hangers require modding for a newer spring retrofit. This complicates the mod, but it remains worth it IMHO to utilize the longer springs of newer trucks. Longer springs = more flex and better ride to boot, all things being equal.

I noted both trucks from the factory put the rear wheel approximately 1/2" back from wheel well center. Since the axle moves back under compression (when lifted and with longer shackles, maybe not with stock nearly flat springs and short 3 3/8" OC shackles), this would be an area to pick up some clearance.

I had a vendor tell me that OME rear springs, '17', would fit with a leaf removed. I did some research and found these springs are for the rear of a 79-85 minitruck, and got a little excited because these are plentiful and cheap and have more arch stock - equalling lift. However, I'm not sure this would work, as I measured the original hangers on my 87 4Runner which were [/b]45 3/8[/b], rather short if you ask me (4" shorter than 97 stockers). +5 rear springs (equivalent to Mazda springs, which used to be the cadillac mod for 1st gens) measure 25 1/4" from hanger to bumpstop mid, so these won't 'bolt up' either.

Mo' info, from the MAN himself via email. Posted for posterity:

I know im late <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> but just in case you have decided yet... I bought a set of BDS 3/4 ton chevy rear leafs(not sure what year), a couple of new factory brackets, and a case of <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />. I got about 4" of lift and the ride isn't near as bad as some of the other lifted tacos i've been in. Just don't forget to take out the 3 shortest leafs and of coarse the overloads. All in all i think i only had about $350 in the rear and it looks great with the adjustable coil overs in the front. Keep in mind I lifted my truck nearly 4 years ago, at the time this was the only way to get the <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" /> up off the ground without add-a-leafs or blocks.......blocks---> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" />.