So after adding a procomp AAL I have discovered that my springs are really just worn out. They are off of the overload spring, but not by much and I think the only real solution is a new spring pack. Considering I don't want to do that until I have the funds to do a real spring (OME perhaps) along with shocks and front end I need to find a temporary solution to my sag problem.

The rear is about a half inch below level, and I think I'd like to get it about half an inch to an inch above the front. What is the consensus about doing that? Should I use a block or shackle to extend it, or is there perhaps another solution that I haven't considered. The main objectves are, price, functionality (don't want to change any suspension geometry), and minimal effort. Thoughts?

I list some of the pros and cons of the various lift options on the web page below:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/Shackles.shtml#FAQ14

go for the shackle 1.5" or 2" lift at least you will get some use out of them <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />. never go with blocks it harder on your springs and provides no extra travle <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" />

You can also add a helper coil... around here thsi has become known as "zuk coilds", due to a user "zuk" explaining the possibilities.
Basically, you get a coil spring, and squeeze it in between the upper and lower bump stops on the leaf spring, where they meet the axle.
The amount of lift you get wil ldepend on teh springs chosen.
the cheapest (often free) route is to find somebody w/ some leftover stock TJ springs, from their upgrade... this is teh kind of thing you can get for a 6-pack and/or as handshake. Just cut it to the length you want, sqeeze it in there, and you're done.

I've thought a lot about the zuk coil upgrade, but I'm still hesitant. I don't wheel a whole lot, but something about having a part of my suspension not actually attached to the truck kind of bothers me, especially heading to moab next week. I could build some self capture mounts, but at that point I might as well just put on some chevy springs or something. I probobly won't mess with it untill after my trip, so perhaps I'll do the zuk method as a temporary fix after that.

Also as a side note, I may just bite the bullet and upgrade the springs anyway here soon. I'm leaning to the OME 2 in lift springs (was going to earlier but their backordered at the moment and wouldn't have had them in time). The rep I talked to said I would have to get long travel shocks as well, anyone put these on without new shocks? I just replaced mine about 10k miles ago so i'm wondering if I can get away with just a spring upgrade.

Check your current shock travel (compressed and extended lengths) vs. how much the existing springs let them move. If you have a few inches of extra extension travel, then they may work. If you are close to maxing the existing shocks out, then you may limit the travel of the new springs.

A 3" shackle which is what you need to get the 1.5" of lift will flatten out your main even morethan it already is. A 2" block will be the quickest way to get the lift you want, but as mentioned it will increase axle wrap. For about the same cost as the 2" blocks or the 3" shackles, you can rebuild the current spring pack in about 2-3hrs. Go to your local wrecking yard and grab a set of 53" Chevy springs, or any other fullsize springs that are the same width as the Toyota's, and 2 new spring center pins. This should cost you about $25, the pins run about $2-3, and springs about $20. Take the first leaf down from the Chevy main leaf and install it between the Toyota main and the second leaf. This should give you the amount of lift you need, the leaves just about flatten out w/about 260lbs. You may want to add a second Chevy, or replace a Toy spring with the one from the Chevy. The Chevy springs are thicker than the Toys, so adding a Chevy spring and replacing a Toy w/a Chevy will give you a 1/2" of lift just from the springs themselve. You might have to cut trim the end of the Chevy springs a little, I had to on the last set of springs I did, but not on some of the others I have done.

You should easilly be able to build 2" of lift above the leveling out of the Runner w/o stiffening the ride, just remember to use the longer springs.

A 3" Shackle will not give a 1.5" lift. The length the springs aft the sprint eye bolt is much longer than the front - 4", IIRC. You'll get <50% lift for the length of shackle.

Save the $$ and go OME or even consider Downey; they are very inexpensive.

You might not get exactly 1/2, but is common to say 50% lift for the extended length of the shackle. I have seen more than 1/2 and less then half, a lot has to do w/the condition of the springs.