Lifting the GU Shorty.....

[Summit033]

Just got a set of EFS springs and shocks for the GU Shorty and am going to fit them up next weekend. First time I have done this so was just wondering if there was any technique to doing it.... Any tips or tricks, or problems to watch out for... Do the back first or the front, or it doesn't matter....

Have gearbox spacers to go in as well as caster correction bushes. Apparently I can take one front arm off at a time as long as the diff is supported or prevented from rolling, press the old ones out and the new in, then repeat on the other side.

Any pointers greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

[SV1K]

Just got a set of EFS springs and shocks for the GU Shorty and am going to fit them up next weekend. First time I have done this so was just wondering if there was any technique to doing it.... Any tips or tricks, or problems to watch out for... Do the back first or the front, or it doesn't matter....

Have gearbox spacers to go in as well as caster correction bushes. Apparently I can take one front arm off at a time as long as the diff is supported or prevented from rolling, press the old ones out and the new in, then repeat on the other side.

Any pointers greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

Either front or back first, watch out on the back for the break hose's though it tends to get tight, best to remove the clip that holds it to the chassis. Caster correction bushes you say.. don't waste your time, replaced Nizsafari's old bushes with caster correction ones, and yesterday we replaced them with new ones again, the caster correction ones were only in there for about 3-4 weeks. Sure drives better on the road but there is no articulation and if you don't get them set right, you won't be getting the original bolts back through.... trust me I know!

Best way to replace the rear springs is to just remove the shocks then jack it up from the bumper leaving the wheels on the ground. from is kind of the same, just do one side at a time on the front.

This is my own experience though....

[Summit033]

.... and if you don't get them set right, you won't be getting the original bolts back through.... trust me I know!

Had an idea with the caster bushes. Template comes with them stating the distance between the holes to be say 140mm (can't remember the exact measurement off of the top of my head). Was going to mark and drill a piece of flat steel to this measurement, then sit the bushes in place as per the markings from the template, then sit the drilled bar on top with the bolts sitting through to check and adjust the distance between them, then press. Will hopefully help get them right and make the refit back on to the truck easier..... in theory.....

[darinz]

How high are you lifting it? Why the need for castor correction and gearbox packer?
Most SWB will handle a 50mm without the gearbox packer and all it does is put more stress on you engine mounts. I'd only put the packer in if you get vibration from the drive shaft that doesn't go away after a week of driving.
Castor bushes are a complete waste of time in my book! They are restrictive and will wear out quick if you do any amount of off road driving. For a road car then they are great but for offroad factory rubber is the only ting that will last any time!

[DaveM]

Have to agree with the castor bushes, but again, depends on how high you go.
My bushes with a 2" lift lasted about 5mths, so put rubbers back in, and it was fine. The 3" lift on the GU wandered too much for my liking, so I run 4" drop boxes instead.

In the GQ, I had to run 6mm spacers for the 2" and 12mm for the 3", but went back to 5mm and longer lower trailing arms.
Also, don't forget to remount the brake bias valve, suprising how much difference it can make

[gary_in_nz]

just i found when i did my gq the front was a bugger and ended up getting some coil spring condenser clamp thingys from repco to give me a hand to get them in. duno about the gu's but *may* be similar although a 50mm lift should be all good.

[Summit033]

Have to agree with the Castor bushes, but again, depends on how high you go.

Putting LWB 50mm in based on a recommendation from EFS in Aussie, so predicting about a 65-70mm lift before sagging and a front bar going on.

The 3" lift on the GU wandered too much for my liking, so I run 4" drop boxes instead.

Where did you get the drop boxes from Dave, and how much were they as the castor bushes aren't exactly cheap, and if they are going to wear out teh drop boxes may be the better / cheaper option in the long run......

In the GQ, I had to run 6mm spacers for the 2" and 12mm for the 3", but went back to 5mm and longer lower trailing arms.

Have you put any spacers in the GU?

Also, don't forget to remount the brake bias valve, surprising how much difference it can make

Yes, had been warned about this one. How did you remount yours? Make up an extra bracket?


Cheers