85 Hilux Front Springs

bigandrew · Post by **bigandrew** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 9:29 am

Has anyone swapped the front springs for a set of rear springs to get the extra height?

My friend Matt, who some here know, is planning on doing this but was keen to find out before he started if there were more complications involved than thought? Will it effect his drive shaft or anything etc

Many Thanks

Andrew

SupraLux · Post by **SupraLux** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 11:45 pm

Matt? Never heard of him :lol:

Yes, it affects all kinds of stuff... drive shaft, torque rod, steering linkages, castor... come and see me before you start, there is much to be aware of, mostly easily fixed for beer and money

Steve

MATT4U · Post by **MATT4U** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 6:57 am

just so you know, its not me, its the other Matt

SupraLux · Post by **SupraLux** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 7:18 am

Which other Matt? There are several...

Well, not that it matters, there are still a number of obstacles to overcome, and they can still be fixed for beer and money regardless.

My Hilux has this mod done, with all relevant fixes etc so give me a shout and I can show you what needs doing

Steve

bigandrew · Post by **bigandrew** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 9:18 pm

hey thanks steve, ill bring em out to ya garage sometime so you can have a quick chat, if it was easy he was going to do it this week while he was off work

SupraLux · Post by **SupraLux** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 10:06 am

Its not "easy", but its not hard either. There are some things to be aware of, and some pre-engineering you can get done to make the job easier.

I might do a tech article on it for the benefit of those thinking of doing it.

It will most definitely need certification once complete, and steering may never again be quite as wonderful tight and fantastic as it was without going crossover so bear that in mind too.

Steve.

SupraSurf · Post by **SupraSurf** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 6:02 pm

Its a walk in the park...

A home brew hilux mod for bugga all $$$ and you have options to fix the steering, torque rod with out much addition to the cost.

You could search pirate4x4.com for a million posts on completed conversions, most with x-over or high steer but some still retain a slightly modified hilux steering system.

You can do the ball flip or IFS ball joint or arm flip to x-over and IFS box depends on your budget access to a welder etc...

bigandrew · Post by **bigandrew** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 9:21 pm

yep, welder is easy, hes an engineer by trade just i know that he wont want to spend more than his pocket money on it

SupraSurf · Post by **SupraSurf** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 9:19 am

I can arrange to show you a rears up front conversion if you are in CHCH. Steve may still have one in his old Lux but I think its in bits at the mo.

Drop me a line on 021344769 if you want a look

Mike

SupraLux · Post by **SupraLux** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 4:15 pm

Nah, all the front end is still in the truck, which is still in the shed... As theres no motor in it its all easy to see and check out.

The only real $$$ cost is having the steering arm threaded and the taper cut for the TRE into the J-arm...

grinding/welding=beers, which I can do, for the torque rod.

Oh, and you really need longer front shackles due to the spring length.

Steve