My insurance might be coming through in a little bit and in turn I will probably be having one of the guys I wheel with build me a rear bumper. So that got me thinking!
My springs have seen better days, and the AAL is hardly cutting it out on the trail. And with the potential added weight I don't think they will hold up very well after a few more trips. So I've been looking into Alcan springs for down the road, but I have also been reading up on 63" Chevy springs.
I can find all the information in the world for doing this swap...for every Toyota except a Tundra
Mike (dyogim) I know you have them on your truck, but I've been trying to figure out if it would be possible to utilize the OEM rear spring mount....the inverted shackle and then have a new front mount made. The more I think about it I think it may not work as it will probably place the axle way to far forward.....but it's worth a shot asking.
So does anybody know the length of the stock springs? Any idea if this may or may not work?
What can I say.......I'm a cheap b@stard
__________________ David~2001 Toyota Tundra 4X4 TRD SR5~SSautochrome headers~Single 2.5" exhaust w/ Flowmaster 50 series delta flow muffler~K&N FIPK intake system w/True-flow filter~ASP underdrive pulley~Hellwig Anti-Sway Bar(removed)~Powertrax No-slip~Bilstein 5100 front and rear w/ Deaver 10 pack~Diff breather mod~255/85 BFG M/T on Wheelers Black Steelies Type B~Custom Rocksliders~Skid Row front skid plate~Custom Transfer case skid plate
Look on SocalTundras. Seems people are always selling those for some reason. Some just don't like them . I've had mine on for 3 years now and they're still fine and I drive my truck hard. If you need to haul stuff get BajaFand's (member there) strikepad kit later (it raises it 1.75" higher) that utilizes all of the available uptravel needed for maximum articulation in the rear suspension and you'll be using all of the shocks' travel. Then just get the Daystar Poly bumpstops in the proper length 2.5, 3", or 4" and bolt it onto the strikepad. Then you can get the Timbren aeon rubber springs and put them in if you ever need to Haul anything or tow by just bolting them onto the strikepad.
This would be an ideal setup for offroading. But just getting the Deaver 10, 11, or 12 pack springs would be fine and a good start.
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03' Access Cab Toyota Tundra V-8 4.7L, 4x4
305/70/16 BFG Muds on 4" B/S Wheelers' Offroad Steel Rims
Donahoe Racing Coilovers (cranked 2.5")
Total Chaos Upper Control Arms and Rack Bushings.
ORS upper mount shock hoop kit / FOX Racing 2.0" Reservoir 11" travel shocks w/ Deaver G57 10 pack rear springs
ARB Sahara Bumper with Fog Light Kit and KC SlimLites in Front
Thats because the chevy 63's are a hybrid pack mixed between the toyota stock and chevy springs, and they dont really work. People have done it and is only meant for 84-95.5 pickups and 95.5-04 tacomas. Tundras have a different spring and setup and these wont work and tundra leafs are already 63 or so inches long.
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Go to JSIMotorSports.com for billet window hinges. NOW IN STOCK AND READY TO SHIP
Thats because the chevy 63's are a hybrid pack mixed between the toyota stock and chevy springs, and they dont really work. People have done it and is only meant for 84-95.5 pickups and 95.5-04 tacomas. Tundras have a different spring and setup and these wont work and tundra leafs are already 63 or so inches long.
Alright that works. I figured it was a long shot, but I had no idea and could only find limited information for a Tundra swap....now I know why. Thanks
And James I'll look into that strike pad. By your post I assume you are still running your stock springs?
__________________ David~2001 Toyota Tundra 4X4 TRD SR5~SSautochrome headers~Single 2.5" exhaust w/ Flowmaster 50 series delta flow muffler~K&N FIPK intake system w/True-flow filter~ASP underdrive pulley~Hellwig Anti-Sway Bar(removed)~Powertrax No-slip~Bilstein 5100 front and rear w/ Deaver 10 pack~Diff breather mod~255/85 BFG M/T on Wheelers Black Steelies Type B~Custom Rocksliders~Skid Row front skid plate~Custom Transfer case skid plate
The Deavers will not come close to the load capacity of the Chevy springs though, so don't get them if your thinking your going to be carrying weight. Hauling things isnt too bad, but the springs are going to de-arch if you wheel with weight. Mine ended up settling lower than stock after I took a trip with a dirtbike in the back
There is a guy on socaltundras selling an almost new set for like $300
The Deavers will not come close to the load capacity of the Chevy springs though, so don't get them if your thinking your going to be carrying weight. Hauling things isnt too bad, but the springs are going to de-arch if you wheel with weight. Mine ended up settling lower than stock after I took a trip with a dirtbike in the back
There is a guy on socaltundras selling an almost new set for like $300
Yeah I saw those, but I don't think Deavers will be on my truck anytime soon. For the kind of wheeling I do I need something that will be able to support weight and not sag dramatically. Where I go I need to carry all of my tools, my spare tire and spare parts, cooler, etc all day long while on the trail.
Plus, I do a lot of work with my truck, towing trailers full of toys, firewood, and towing the boat. So I can't really afford to have all but no load capacity.
From what I'm gathering, trying to put Chevy springs on my Tundra is pretty much a waste of time and probably won't do much as my stock springs are already ~63". So I think I may just look into Alcan springs when the time comes.
I just figured I would look into the Chevy springs first, and now I basically have my answer. Thanks guys
__________________ David~2001 Toyota Tundra 4X4 TRD SR5~SSautochrome headers~Single 2.5" exhaust w/ Flowmaster 50 series delta flow muffler~K&N FIPK intake system w/True-flow filter~ASP underdrive pulley~Hellwig Anti-Sway Bar(removed)~Powertrax No-slip~Bilstein 5100 front and rear w/ Deaver 10 pack~Diff breather mod~255/85 BFG M/T on Wheelers Black Steelies Type B~Custom Rocksliders~Skid Row front skid plate~Custom Transfer case skid plate
Alright that works. I figured it was a long shot, but I had no idea and could only find limited information for a Tundra swap....now I know why. Thanks
And James I'll look into that strike pad. By your post I assume you are still running your stock springs?
No I hated those stock springs, they bucked my truck all over our I-5 freeway. They are a Piece of you know what. I immediately got the deaver 10 pack after they got worse and worse after only 30K miles. I've had the Deavers on for 50K and they are no different that the day I got them. Still perfect. Definately check out BajaFand's strikepad design.
I am tundra03 on the site there and I have other links in post #11 for a rear shock setup using either a 12" or 14" shock depending on the compressed length of the shock for under the bed use that is made up by ORS. Look the thread over. Good read.
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03' Access Cab Toyota Tundra V-8 4.7L, 4x4
305/70/16 BFG Muds on 4" B/S Wheelers' Offroad Steel Rims
Donahoe Racing Coilovers (cranked 2.5")
Total Chaos Upper Control Arms and Rack Bushings.
ORS upper mount shock hoop kit / FOX Racing 2.0" Reservoir 11" travel shocks w/ Deaver G57 10 pack rear springs
ARB Sahara Bumper with Fog Light Kit and KC SlimLites in Front
I originally ran custom Deaver 11-pack rear leafs, but they couldn't handle all the twisting that I put on them in the rocks - I changed over to Alcan's about 3 yrs ago and they have held up good for some hard wheeling, my front Alcans have also held up good for about 6 yrs..........
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2001 TRD 4x4 with a lift kit & a bone stock 2008 TRD 4x4
I love the 63" chevys. Also, the chevy springs are longer than the tundra springs and have different dimensions as far as the center pin goes. When I swapped mine out, I had them side by side but, I did not take a pic. If you use the front of the rear spring mount, you'll need to fabricate a rear spring mount But, this will push your axle back about an inch or two. Both spring mounts for the rear are custom. The spring pack I have is from a 4x4 chevy with an AAL. It still flexes pretty nice on the trail and the extra load capacity is a plus.
I had a 3500W generator, two big coolers full of food and beverages, 3 folding table (6ft), camping gear, 3 occupants, and my tool box with my tools and off road equipment. With the tundra springs, my @$$ would've been saggin', with the chevys the rear looked like it dropped maybe an inch or so.
Unloaded, the rear is a bit bouncier but, it doesn't bother me. The cost of the springs w/AAL, front rear spring mount and laber was bout $175. The furthermost rear spring mount and shackle was done part of the SAS. But, I would think another $50 would estimate the additional cost.
The Alcans I'm running now were built with +2.5" arch and additional capacity (ie more arch) and they're only 60.5".
To get the benefit from a longer spring you have to move the front hanger forward, or accept a huge amount of wheelbase change when the suspension cycles. Think of it like a link suspension with short links...to improve travel, you're better off making the links longer vs increasing the arc your short links travel.
No I hated those stock springs, they bucked my truck all over our I-5 freeway. They are a Piece of you know what. I immediately got the deaver 10 pack after they got worse and worse after only 30K miles. I've had the Deavers on for 50K and they are no different that the day I got them. Still perfect. Definately check out BajaFand's strikepad design.
I am tundra03 on the site there and I have other links in post #11 for a rear shock setup using either a 12" or 14" shock depending on the compressed length of the shock for under the bed use that is made up by ORS. Look the thread over. Good read.
Oh he already has a PM from me regarding those strike pads, and I have seen the ORS long travel shock set up. I really like it! But, I still need the springs....
I don't think Deaver will really work for me because I just carry too much weight on the trails and while the trails I fun are a bit tamer that what Johnathon runs, they get twisted and flexed a lot. And since I tow fairly often, I really don't want to compromise that.
One of the guys I wheel with has Chevy springs on his 85 truck, so if I ask nicely maybe he would be able to fab the mounts for me. But with the inverted rear spring mount I see this as causing a slight problem.
So Sean, are you saying that if I move the front hanger forward I may be able to retain the rear mount? This may be hard to determine unless I actually pick up a set of springs to see where the center pin will land. There are two good yards new me so maybe I will spend a few bucks and pick up a set of 4X4 springs. If it doesn't work out I can always sell them on TTORA.
Please forgive my ignorance on this stuff guys, I am still quite a greenhorn when it comes to this stuff. So, I'm sorry if any of this is repetitive......I'm still learning
__________________ David~2001 Toyota Tundra 4X4 TRD SR5~SSautochrome headers~Single 2.5" exhaust w/ Flowmaster 50 series delta flow muffler~K&N FIPK intake system w/True-flow filter~ASP underdrive pulley~Hellwig Anti-Sway Bar(removed)~Powertrax No-slip~Bilstein 5100 front and rear w/ Deaver 10 pack~Diff breather mod~255/85 BFG M/T on Wheelers Black Steelies Type B~Custom Rocksliders~Skid Row front skid plate~Custom Transfer case skid plate
Please forgive my ignorance on this stuff guys, I am still quite a greenhorn when it comes to this stuff. So, I'm sorry if any of this is repetitive......I'm still learning
Don't be sorry, this isn't one of those questions/mods that has been asked hundreds of times. We're here to help each other out...
I'll take some measurements on my 63" chevys to help you estimate what/where/how you will set-up the mounts (if this is the route you take). Of course overall lenght I-2-I is 63". I'll get the measurements from each "I" to center pin.
Don't be sorry, this isn't one of those questions/mods that has been asked hundreds of times. We're here to help each other out...
I'll take some measurements on my 63" chevys to help you estimate what/where/how you will set-up the mounts (if this is the route you take). Of course overall lenght I-2-I is 63". I'll get the measurements from each "I" to center pin.
Thank you Mike. If I think this has potential for working I will talk to Jordan to see if he could fab something up for me. These stock springs just aren't cutting it anymore...even with your old AAL
If all of this is in vain I will just save up for some Alcans. Or, I could just always get longer Alcans if I can get the Chevy spings to fit but they don't work out well
__________________ David~2001 Toyota Tundra 4X4 TRD SR5~SSautochrome headers~Single 2.5" exhaust w/ Flowmaster 50 series delta flow muffler~K&N FIPK intake system w/True-flow filter~ASP underdrive pulley~Hellwig Anti-Sway Bar(removed)~Powertrax No-slip~Bilstein 5100 front and rear w/ Deaver 10 pack~Diff breather mod~255/85 BFG M/T on Wheelers Black Steelies Type B~Custom Rocksliders~Skid Row front skid plate~Custom Transfer case skid plate
If you have two springs, at rest they measure the same distance directly eye to eye, the one with a deeper arch needs a longer shackle and will change your wheelbase more when it compresses, but it might still work with the right shackle. If one of the springs measures farther directly eye to eye when it's relaxed, you get to move at least one perch.
So I dunno if the Chevys will work easily or not...gotta measure eye to eye and to the pin.
If you have two springs, at rest they measure the same distance directly eye to eye, the one with a deeper arch needs a longer shackle and will change your wheelbase more when it compresses, but it might still work with the right shackle. If one of the springs measures farther directly eye to eye when it's relaxed, you get to move at least one perch.
So I dunno if the Chevys will work easily or not...gotta measure eye to eye and to the pin.
Ok. I'll talk it over with the guy I know and see if he thinks it may work.
He built this truck and he put Chevy's on it so he may have an idea of whether or not this will work.
Thanks again for your help guys. I'll let you know of any progress....
__________________ David~2001 Toyota Tundra 4X4 TRD SR5~SSautochrome headers~Single 2.5" exhaust w/ Flowmaster 50 series delta flow muffler~K&N FIPK intake system w/True-flow filter~ASP underdrive pulley~Hellwig Anti-Sway Bar(removed)~Powertrax No-slip~Bilstein 5100 front and rear w/ Deaver 10 pack~Diff breather mod~255/85 BFG M/T on Wheelers Black Steelies Type B~Custom Rocksliders~Skid Row front skid plate~Custom Transfer case skid plate
Chevy Spings on a Tundra...
David~2001 Toyota Tundra 4X4 TRD SR5~SSautochrome headers~Single 2.5" exhaust w/ Flowmaster 50 series delta flow muffler~K&N FIPK intake system w/True-flow filter~ASP underdrive pulley~Hellwig Anti-Sway Bar(removed)~Powertrax No-slip~Bilstein 5100 front and rear w/ Deaver 10 pack~Diff breather mod~255/85 BFG M/T on Wheelers Black Steelies Type B~Custom Rocksliders~Skid Row front skid plate~Custom Transfer case skid plate
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