Leaf springs swap to top of axle ?

I have a 12 5 lug I noticed the leaf springs are under the axle , as of the 6 lug has the leaf springs on top of the axle , if I swap them to the top would I be stock rear height of the pre runner ?

 

If you did an add a leaf you would be around stock 6 lug height (in the rear) and not have to weld and do a bunch of other things to make it work.

 

But with putting it over the axle it ends up looking like the pre runner right ? Were the leaf springs are not noticeable ?

 

Yeah if you put the springs on top you'll be a spring over which is what other tacomas are but you would have to weld and fab a bunch of stuff. Are you thinking to do a swap because of looks or lift?

 

Well honestly both , because I seen the fat bobs lift , and it's cool and all but I don't like seeing the leaf springs in the bottom , I wanna lift it the size of the prerunner front and back , than add a leveling kit to the front , I took a look and it's not much welding to do, something I would like to do really soon what do you think ?

 

I basically want that set up

 

I'm going to figure out a way to get those fender flares to fit also

 

Its possible with welding... check out ruff stuff specialists. I know for a fact you'll need a new lower mount for you shocks (which will have to be longer), new spring perches, and Im pretty sure longer brake lines as well. The fenders are easy enough to do. With spring under we actually have more up travel and a lower risk of wheel hop. Honestly for lift an aal is wayyyy easier but I've taken the longer road on other parts of my truck lol.

 

Can I fit the fender flares , or would I have to buy the fenders with the holes ?

 

You could swap out fenders to ones of a 6 lug with flares (find someone wholl trade to cut down on cost) or go aftermarket that requires drilling

 

If you decide to go spring over please take lots of photos

 

If your looking to get enough lift to be as tall as a prerunner and avoid all the trouble. Like everyone says add is your best bet. If your not ready to do a drop bracket or some sort of lift tall enough for the front you'll regret it after welding on perches and shock mounts for the axle. You'll hate yourself.

I've already attempted said project while installing my e locker axle into my little 5 lugger. It came with perches on top already and I was given all the u bolts and u bolt plates, the whole 9 yards.

Our leafs have 3" more arch than the 6 lug tacos. That'll net at least 2 or so inches already over them, plus you have to add the size of the axle (3.25") to it. That's how much of a lift difference you'll achieve once flipping your leaf to on top.

That's just the lift alone. Yes on longer brake lines for sure, no, your driveline is no longer long enough, and yes on new shocks.

And yes like I said, I already attempted. My 5 lugger is chopped up, bobbed, plated, and the shackles flipped around, facing down. I did all my own welding and have 10+ years of welding.

 

Our 5 lugs were purpose built, and do an excellent job of fulfilling those purposes. But its not a matter of tossing on some other parts and 'poof' I have a pre runner.

Notice the front bumper cover is different too. Sculpted to mate to the front flares.

Sounds like you might be better off just buying a prerunner if that's the look you want.

 

OP -- you're making such a simple thing extremely complicated. Just buy a lift kit and some bigger tires, and you'll achieve the lift and look of a prerunner.

 

Got any pics of your truck Bro? I would love to see the build

 

The front one is my 5 lugger. The other two are my younger brothers' tacos. Both 4x4. They pull me out if I get stuck.

 

Digging the cage Bro. What size tires are those? Also what are you running for suspension?

 

Thank you. Custom built. I'm running 33s with 4.56 gears. Surprisingly, it's all original suspension. Just tweaked.

 

Nice, we're running the same size tires and gearing. I love the 4.56s, but I know you still gotta be struggling sometimes with that amount of weight added? Unless the weight of the truck bed removal evened out with the cage added?

 

Shackle flip with 2 AAL, 2.75 spacer in front and I think I am pretty close to stock prerunner height. 31s with 4.10 gears. shackle flip gives at least another inch and softens the ride much. With the gears it rides as if I still had the tiny stock tires on it on the hwy. Its not down shifting as much as before the gears. Also getting about 18 mpg if anyone cares about that.