What do i use out of the front to build the hybrid leaf pack for my 88 Sammy. i just did a 3 link rear and extended the axle 9" this weekend and it caused my rear to be 2" higher than the front, just cant find springs soft enough. do i want to go with the 3" bone shackles and RUF missing link swap kit to level things out?
Thanks

I like to use the longest spring possible to keep the ride softer.  Currently I run two 2nd springs in my RUF packs.  We also re-arched my springs last time we had them apart, to give it a bit more lift.

How are you only running a two pack. when i took my overload leaf out when i had them on the rear the springs sagged out. the front will only be heavier. so you didnt add any leafs from the front springs to the rear pack.

I don't run a 2 pack, I run an extra #2 spring for a total of two.  I could have worded that better.

As for the overload leaf, I never had one in my SJ-410 in the rear.  Never had the rear end sag, but my rear springs might have been stronger then stock SJ-413.  I know in 88.5 they softened the spring packs up.  Currently I have stock rear springs up front with said #2 spring added. 

Cool thanks man. also if i end up doing the 3" bone shackles would i be able to use my OEM bushing that are brand new? i really dont want to buy a new bushing pack. i have noticed to different sets when buying OEM and after market. im guessing i will have to get the after market bushings.

It should be the same.  Are you going for shackesl 3" longer then stock?  That is going to throw your steering off a bit due to the extra angle.

What are you using for rear springs in your 3 link kit?

2000 Vitara springs i rated them at 125 lbs, cut a coil out so im probably about 150bs. still a little stiff, i think i need to find softer ones.

i used my spare front drive shaft as a rear drive shaft.pushed the axle back just over 9 inches, 92 inch wheel base. i sit a 2 inches higher in the rear, that is why im thinking of going w 3" extended shackles to level things out. Unless i should just leave it. Also do just putting the rear leafs in w stock shackle lift it any?

I would jump back to Geo Tracker rear springs, give those a try.  They are quite a bit lighter and will drop your rear end an inch or so.  We did a 4 link with GV rear springs on a Samurai and like you said they were to stiff.  The owner had problems climbing up hills in 2 wheel drive due to the rear end just not squatting at all.   We swapped over to some 2 door rear Tracker springs and it worked great.  Also dropped it an inch or so.

Stock rear 2 door Tracker springs should be rated around 155, 4 door springs at around 175.  Rear Vitara springs I believe are around 200, but the chart over at Low Range only lists GV.

You will get a bit of a lift with the add-a-leaf kit, can't tell you how much though as it varies per rig.  I would give it a try first before spending money on shackles.

I am building the hybrid pack today and trying to put this together. the only problem is that my fronts a post 88.5, meaning the second front leaf has a Shepperd's crook that wraps around the shackle eye. should i cut it very short so both front springs will be the bottom leaves on the hybrid or cut it so that that front leaf will become the third from the bottom the hybrid? also i have to sets of rear leafs, should i use those to make a 5 pack or having basically two pairs of leaves that are the same length in one pack bad?

I am building the hybrid pack today and trying to put this together. the only problem is that my fronts a post 88.5, meaning the second front leaf has a Shepperd's crook that wraps around the shackle eye. should i cut it very short so both front springs will be the bottom leaves on the hybrid or cut it so that that front leaf will become the third from the bottom the hybrid? also i have to sets of rear leafs, should i use those to make a 5 pack or having basically two pairs of leaves that are the same length in one pack bad?

All samurai front spring packs have the military wrap second leaf. 
For my RUF pack, I added the military wrap leaf to the rear pack (had to redrill the center bolt hole, IIRC) under the rear pack main leaf, then added the original second leaf from the rear pack as the 3rd leaf of the new RUF pack, then added the 2 shorter front pack leafs to the bottom.  So I ended up with a 5 leaf RUF pack.

i think i need to do this too, i removed my overload spring but now its a little soft.. i have two full sets of springs  and im looking to add in one more. is no2 spring the best option??? got any pics of how they sit

Here is a shot of mine with the extra #2 in the pack with an RUF conversion.  It's with an SJ-410, so the springs sit a bit more inboard but the weight should be close to the same.  I think my engine might be a bit heavier...

Chrome you are thinking of putting Rear springs up front? if so what is your steering set up and are you SPOA or SPUA?

ive done ruf and i still have it setup springunder to keep the c.o.g.  low search "kiwi bush truck" to have a nosey