YotaTech Forum Members Offer Suspension Advice on ’82 Pickup
A proper suspension setup is key to getting the most out of a vintage truck, and thankfully our forum members provide great feedback.
Buying a used vehicle is an inherently risky endeavor. The seller may have disclosed everything they know about the car or truck in question, but that doesn’t mean the new vehicle will be problem free. And there’s always the chance that less important information fails to transfer to the new owner. This is especially true with very old vehicles.
Fortunately, that type of situation is exactly why our forum exists. The free exchange of information is a vitally important aspect of a democratic society. For vintage car owners it’s even more of a necessity. Member “sent112” recently purchased a very attractive looking ’82 pickup and is looking for advice about his suspension. A proper suspension setup is key to getting the most out of a vintage truck or SUV. Thankfully, his fellow members offered some excellent replies and demonstrated what makes the community shine.
sent112 started the thread by talking about his newly acquired ’82 pickup:
Recently picked up this ’82 with the intention of restoring it. I had one over 30 years ago and have kicked myself everyday since for getting rid of it. Anyway it had the stock skinny pizza cutter wheels on it when I got it but a buddy gave me these wheels and tires from his ’82 Chevy pickup. The tires are 31’s and it looks like there is still quite a bit of clearance.
Has this truck been lifted and what can I look for to give me the answer?
“81 4X4” then responded with an uncontested answer:
I would have to say yes. It’s not much, maybe just an add a leaf kit, or some aftermarket springs. I would guess no more than 1 to 2 inches, or 3 inches at most.
Outlining exactly what you want to do with your truck is almost just as important as installing the modifications. Forum members can offer guidance but sometimes they need information about the vehicle in question. That’s why “swampedout” replied wanting to know a bit more about the truck:
What shape are the leaf springs? U shaped or w shaped?
Any writing on the leaf springs we could determine who makes them.
I think most people with first gens describe them like riding a wagon but there are things you can do to improve your comfort.
What shocks did you put on?
sent112 replied with a brief outline about what he’s already done to the truck and what he wants to do in the future:
Back springs are “U” shaped and the front ones are about flat. I just bought some cheap KYB’s for now as the one that were on there were totally gone. So these are know for the rough ride? My ultimate goal is to put 33″s on it with a 3″ suspension lift like I had on my old one. What do you guys recommend for a suspension lift and are there any out there that provide a little softer ride? I been out of the game for a long time…
Truck enthusiasts perpetually debate about what constitutes a proper truck ride. Ultimately, it comes down to what the owner wants out of their experience. The response posted by swampedout demonstrates this:
The game is strong! Theres a lot of options out there.
I got an 1980 im building. I put kybs on it like you.
But i have a set of old man emu springs waiting to swap in. They have good reviews for mild driving and offroading.
I dont care about extreme flex like a lot of people who rock crawl.
I looked at other brand springs but saw very mixed reviews and id rather spend a little more if it keeps my ass on the seat and head off the ceiling.
If you want to fabricate and move your axles around theres a loooot of options. Ruf- rears up front, often with chevy springs in back. People do f150 springs in back. A little searching will give you plenty of info.What is the goal of this vehicle? Daily driver? Crawler?
The last part of that reply is key. Suspension setups designed to perform a task other than what the owner intended will often result in the individual feeling unsatisfied. And it seems like sent112 wants to make sure he doesn’t make that mistake. Fortunately, members like “Punjab” are detailing their own setups, which can only help get sent112 to where he wants to be in regards to his pickup:
Mine is relatively smooth with 63″ chevy springs in the back and ProComp springs in the front. ProComp struts all around. High steer is a must with a lift. I’ve got around 4″ of lift and 35×12.50 tires.
These rear ends are so light compared to the spring rates that are available that unless you’re driving around with a refrigerator in the bed there isn’t much to compress the suspension and get it soaking up bumps.
I don’t have much beef with solid front axle vehicles. We also have a Jeep JK Rubicon that gets daily driven and when everything is tight it rides extremely smooth. I’m sure coil springs and factory 4-link front and rear help with that, but I don’t attribute any harshness specifically to having a Dana 44 up front.
Maybe if I drove something with IFS I’d think differently!
There’s already been some great advice thrown around in the thread, but it could really use some additional insight. That’s where you come in. If you’ve got some ideas for sent112’s pickup, sign up and join the community in helping him out.
Photos: YotaTech Forums; Toyota