2011 access cab overhaul

5" chevy (63" )lift springs? How high is your lift? I think you have a lot of weight with a flatbed.. or is that not your truck? WOW.. and this is why I dont want to start my swap even though I have all the parts. I like my stance at 2" lift and and im worried that ill put on the chevy spings with the overload since i need the load campacity and will end up being 5-6" of lift

 

Yes, I used the 5" lift springs due to the weight of the bed and toolbox.

With the factory 63's you won't get as much lift.

 

Before you did your 5" lift springs did you try stock 63" springs to see lift size? I'm almost tempted to use my stock Toyota springs and do the shackle reversal which should give me a few inches more liftand maybe even more flex. What do you think?

 

That's certainly an easier and more reversible option.

With the Chevy springs you can sort of pick your lift height with the shallow length and angle... It's just a 1 time thing unless you don't mind grinding and welding a few times

 

Yep it also depends on what size shackles you want to run with the 63 swap. If you're concerned of too much rear lift you can always go with a 2.5-3" shackle. Whatever the game plan is, remember that a Chevy swap is putting you down the path of heavy modifications If you use your stock springs and shackle flip kit it is definitely less permanent.

 

Wow thanks man I was just gonna make my own but depending on price I may just pay and be lazy

I'm actually concerned I won't have enough lift.... I have my 33" and my heavy ass rear bumper... Especially with camping gear and a 35/37 mounted back there. Think a 5" standard shackle and a 4wd chevy spring (4-leaf) would be good? I think softer would be better but not if I'm riding on bump stops lol.

Also what are you guys doing for a trac bar? Just making one or buying one?

 

I was running the ATO trac bar that bolted to the rear diff, but took it off. It ended up shearing a stud out of the diff. It's also not long enough to get the proper shackle angle.

I'm about to build my own trac bar. Both brackets are weld on. If you're already cutting and welding to the frame, why not weld some more?

 

That was my concern... hmmm

Haha my thoughts exactly... You're cutouts look nicer though... I don't have a plasma cutter so pretty cuts are hard :/ see my CMC for instance hahaha

 

How can you tell between year or type of Chevy springs? I got mine off craigslist amd the guy said they were off 99 if I remember. They are 3 leaf total including the overload, what looks funny to me is that the overload is super strait compared to the arched two leaf pack and looks like it would hang on stuff

 

The CNC plasma cutter sure does make things easier.

The overload is typically flat. Just make sure you measure eye to eye to verify the length.

 

Exactly 63" right??? I dont recall, ive had mine sitting for about a year now

 

Just making sure you didn't accidentally buy 53" springs.

 

Is there such a thing? (53")??? I remember measuring them when I got them but it was a long time ago! It was right when I opened my TW accoumt and had no idea you can put anything bigger than a 33" on my taco.ive gotten myself in a lot of trouble since then ( a lot of projects) after seeing all the cool builds out there. Biggest one was clearing my firewall and body mount relocation which were both cheap but great upgrades . Is there a huge differemce between yhe 3 &4 pack springs? Any preference on ride or flex if you still want a truck you can tow normal with or load the bed here and there and not be worried of damaging your springs? I see most aftermarket Tacoma springs and not intended for heavy loads unles you get something like expedition type

 

I think im asking so many questions about 63" spring swap is cuz after a year or so of having them im trying to talk myself in finally doing it

 

Thanks Patrick, I knew this was in here somewhere... what is your measurement from the front bolt to the frameside bolt that holds the shackle? Do you have it? Thanks

 

That measurement is going to vary for every install. It's a bit of trial and error.

 

Which vary? Both mounting location or just the rear depending on spring and desired shackle angle?

Edit: im almost tempted not running my 3 leaf and looking for a pair of 4leaf to do the swap with

 

I'm currently unsure of going with 3 or 4 leaf as well...

 

you could just pick up a 4 leaf then test it out then remove leafs as you see fit

 

Yes, I wish I thought of that before I got excided bying these 3 leaf