I have an 85 4Runner with 31 inch tires and am looking to make modifications to be more Trail ready. With no lift and 31's + the Ausie front and back lockers I still get hung on steep obstacles. Lockers are awesome and with the straight axel I’m happy with mobility, just have clearance issues. I’ve installed an aftermarket header due to the numerous leaks especially where the two into one before the dump into the exhaust pipe. I bought the Downey Cantilever set up but am now wondering if I should have just invested the $ into the long travel lift kit? Any suggestions for lower budget options to get flexy and higher clearance + more wheel travel with the intentions of wheeling 33’s no larger then 35’s? Any help and suggestions welcome.

Thanks,
LowHungOne……..

 

Get a Budbuilt crossmember to replace the factory crossmember, you will gain about 2-1/2 to 3'' of clearance with it, otherwise you will need to lift it to gain more ground clearance.

 

here's another option to gain some clearance: http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...ft/index.shtml

 

+1 with the Budbuilt stuff. It's very good.

What exactly are you hanging up on anyways? The stock trans crossmember was a rock magnet on my truck. BudBuilt will gain you clearance, plus the skid plate design will let you slide over stuff instead of hanging on it.

The only way to get clearance under your axles is with bigger tires. 33" tires will give you one more inch. 33x10.5 are an easy fit with no lift.

Moving the front axle forwards 1.4" is also simple, and will gain you some approach angle and more firewall tire clearance.

 

i would do this
-put some pro comp lift springs in the front ($135 for the pair)
-pickup up some chevy 63" rear leafs ($25-$50)
-get some hangers, shackles, and bushings ($50-$200)
-remove the rear hangers and weld new ones on (or have them welded) and install all of your stuff.
this will clear 35's or 33's if you would like and will be pretty damn flexy. i'm starting in on this lift for my truck tomorrow.

if your not looking to chop it up and lift it, i would just work on clearing up the underbelly and move the front axle forward. also consider a bed bob, i just finished mine 20 mins ago the clearance you gain helps you so much you wouldnt believe it