Rear (Lowering Blocks):
* Lowering Blocks: These are readily available for your truck. They are placed between the axle and the leaf spring. Make sure to get blocks specifically designed for your truck's year and model. Improper blocks can lead to axle wrap, premature wear, and dangerous handling. Consider the height of the block carefully – too much lowering can severely impact ride quality and potentially damage components. Two-inch blocks are a relatively common choice, but you'll likely need to experiment to find the ideal drop for your desired look and handling.
* U-bolts: You'll need new, longer U-bolts to accommodate the added height of the blocks. Don't reuse the old ones!
* Installation: This usually involves jacking up the rear axle, removing the U-bolts, inserting the blocks, and securing everything with the new U-bolts. This is a relatively straightforward job but requires basic mechanical skills and tools.
Front (Lowering Options):
You have several options for lowering the front of your 1989 Toyota pickup by three inches, each with pros and cons:
* Spindles: These are replacement components that lower the strut mounting point. They're a popular choice as they provide a relatively significant drop while maintaining a relatively good ride quality. However, three inches might be pushing it with spindles alone; you might need to combine them with other methods (springs) to get the desired result and maintain proper geometry.
* Lowering Springs: These springs are shorter and softer than stock springs, resulting in a lower ride height. They generally offer a better ride than blocks but are more expensive. Three inches is quite a bit of drop, so you may need to carefully research which springs provide this amount of lowering for your specific truck. Too much drop can make your truck bottom out easily and negatively impact handling.
* Cutting coils: This is generally NOT recommended. Cutting coil springs dramatically alters their spring rate, potentially leading to very poor handling, a harsh ride, and dangerous situations. It's a cheap method, but the risks far outweigh the benefits.
* Combination approach: The most likely solution for achieving a three-inch drop in the front will be a combination approach. This might involve using spindles in conjunction with slightly shorter than stock lowering springs. This will help you maintain good handling.
Important Considerations:
* Alignment: After lowering your truck, you *absolutely must* get a wheel alignment. Changing the ride height alters the suspension geometry, and driving without a proper alignment will lead to uneven tire wear and potentially dangerous handling.
* Ride Quality: Lowering a truck significantly will usually affect ride quality. Be prepared for a firmer, bumpier ride.
* Bump Stops: You might need shorter bump stops to prevent the suspension from bottoming out.
* Professional Installation: If you're not comfortable working on your truck yourself, consider taking it to a qualified mechanic, especially for the front end lowering. Improper installation can lead to safety hazards.
Before you start: Research specific parts compatible with your 1989 Toyota pickup 2WD. Look for reputable suppliers of lowering kits and components. Measure your current ride height to determine precisely how much lowering you're aiming for. A three-inch drop is significant; be prepared for potential handling compromises.
