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.