leaf spring replacement,2wd to 4wd??

hello folks, I just purchased a used 95 tacoma with poor suspension, I bought some jc whitney leaf springs (jrs spring company) but after reading about the poor original leafs I decided to buy the 4wd leafs,these have 4 leafs while the 2wd have 3, I realize I will need longer u bolts, can anyone shine some light on my situation? will I need 4wd model shocks? will 4wd shocks fit? will my truck bed be raised too high? should I stick with the correct style spring? please let me know thanks

 

hi - i am looking to upgrade the suspension on my '04 2WD tacoma... was wondering if you made any progress since this post. thx.

 

First off, we need to know if your trucks are 5 lug or 6 lug.

 

Sorry - here's more detail on mine:
2004, 2.4L, 2WD, Standard, 5 Lug.
What I want to accomplish: I occasionally will haul some heavy stuff in the box - not often, but enough that i'd rather not have to worry about it. for example, i just moved a yard of top soil, probably about 1/2 ton. i figure that was pushing it a bit - i put extra air in the tires, etc, and drove real slow. engine didn't even miss a beat, could of hauled more, but the rear end sagged pretty good. i figure no matter what mods are made that wil happen under the circumstances, just looking to mediate the impact a bit. thanks for the input.

 

your best bet may be a set of timbren air cushions deals. they will be a bit cheaper then changing your leafs and wont hurt your unloaded ride.

 

is this what you mean?
http://www.anythingtruck.com/susp_timbren.html
looks like a good solution...

 

well, the job was done,and the truck sits a marginal amount higher,half inch? total rookie move,I didnt even realize that 2wd is sprung under and 4wd is sprung over! oh well,just switch out the center bolt end for end, hey the original bushing bolt is too big for my new rear bushing! oh well had to drill out the metal sleeve with a 3/4 drill bit,looking back this project was too time consuming for what it was worth,,maybe should have ordered more expensive stock 2wd springs,or custom springs,the handling is greatly improved especially with new shocks,but Im not impressed with the load bearing these springs have,I can still bottom out on the stops when going over speed bumps..

 

yup thats the ticket! i will surely be getting a set for my taco.