New Leaf springs and shocks.

New2this · Post by **New2this** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 5:35 pm

I need to replace my flattened out leaf springs on my 89 hiulx.
While I'm at it I think I'll take replace the shocks too, seeing as how they've got 250,000k and 18 years under their belt

If I buy a set would I be best to have the work done or give it a whack myself. I'm reasonably mechanically inclined but I have a problem with taking big hammers to things when they don't go right. Is it likely to be an annoying job to get the old springs and shocks off? AND of course are they a bitch to line up again?

I've got a mate that rekons I should get a set of the maxitrak? Leaf springs with a 50mm lift as thats what he has but his truck, although his rides like shyte. This could be because of his aussie driving style or his shocks (rancho 5000), I'm not sure. I read somewhere that there a bit stiff for the lux's?

Also, can anyone give me a ball park figure of what it would cost for set of 4 springs, greasable shackles/pins,shocks and to have it done by somebody else?

Sorry if my questions seem a little stupid I just want to get up with the play a bit before I start going mechanics.

Cheers,
Ryan

New2this · Post by **New2this** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 5:41 pm

Sorry but also meant to ask, is there anything I need to be aware of ie, do I need to mod anything else like brake lines etc, do they make different springs for use with or without winch anything like that.

Cheers.

rangimotors · Post by **rangimotors** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 5:46 pm

http://www.4wdstuff.co.nz/index2.html

H2OLOVA · Post by **H2OLOVA** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 6:30 pm

Its a pretty straight forward job to remove the old springs and fit new ones. If you're in Ch Ch i could help (for a fee) To help pay for mods to my truck :wink:

PM me if your keen.

4wdnuts · Post by **4wdnuts** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 6:32 pm

get in contact with steve at the website that rangi motors has given you. shocks are a piece of cake to replace and anyone could do it on a lux.

as for the springs they are a little harder to do but still easy if you have a mate willing to help and a few beers to encourage them with :lol:

i put the 50mm maxitrac springs and shocks in the front of my hilux. the only thing ive found is the brake line goes tight at full flex, and you will need a square topped ubolt for the leaf pack as the steering rod will hit it.

New2this · Post by **New2this** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 7:45 pm

I'm in Whangamata and most of my mates around here are easy to get on board for a home brew or ten so might give it a bash with them. Only thing I'm worried about is getting half-way there and then having to stop to them sobber up.
I've had a good look over that guys site and I'll flick him an email, I just wanted to ask my dumb questions on here before going to him like a complete idiot. He can find that out for himself later :lol:

Cheers guys

p.s. thanks for the offer h20lova

Smurf · Post by **Smurf** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 7:58 pm

New2this wrote:I've had a good look over that guys site and I'll flick him an email, I just wanted to ask my dumb questions on here before going to him like a complete idiot. He can find that out for himself later

Cheers guys

p.s. thanks for the offer h20lova

Steve?? oh Steve!!! where did he go??

New2this, "That" guy tends to lurk on here too, goes by the name of Supralux...

4wdnuts · Post by **4wdnuts** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 8:22 pm

Smurf wrote:
New2this wrote:I've had a good look over that guys site and I'll flick him an email, I just wanted to ask my dumb questions on here before going to him like a complete idiot. He can find that out for himself later

Cheers guys

p.s. thanks for the offer h20lova

Steve?? oh Steve!!! where did he go??

New2this, "That" guy tends to lurk on here too, goes by the name of Supralux...

yeah i was about to say that. i thought steve might have chipped in here already

New2this · Post by **New2this** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 8:58 pm

I knew I'd seen pics of that MU somewhere before. I guess that blows my little educate myself first plan. I guess he's probably the same guy on trade me too....

SupraLux · Post by **SupraLux** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 8:59 pm

Sometimes its just more fun to sit back and read :lol:

A few things:

1. Rancho 5000's are harsh on light trucks like Hiluxes and Surfs.
2. EDIT: The following comment is no longer true, they have changed them and they now ride very nicely with nothing in the back... (Maxitrac rear springs are hard-riding if you have nothing in the back... I recommend if you put them in that you take one or two leafs out if there is never a load in the back... it helps the ride and the flex... of course its not so good for the warranty
3. the fronts are great, but 6/10 times you need a flat-top u-bolt to clear the steering and if you've still got factory shocks or shocks the same length as factory (which might be the case) then you will need longer shocks or they won't allow the springs to sag out.
4. The Maxitrac front shocks are nice and long and allow the springs to work.
5. An alternative to the rear springs is extended shackles on you existing ones... keeps the ride 'comfort' (a relative term in a Hilux

) while giving about an inch of lift... you can use lift blocks and long u-bolts to give you a little more if required - although if you do both of those things then you may as well buy rear springs as well.
6. Do your bushes while you're doing your springs... rubber flexes better but urethane lasts longer... your choice which way to go

Hope that helps some...

Steve

PS: Yep, I'm "that guy" on trade me too

New2this · Post by **New2this** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 10:19 pm

Thats a big help thanks Steve

SupraLux wrote:ride 'comfort' (a relative term in a Hilux )

I REKON, but I'm sure getting the front off the bump stops will help too :oops:

Are the flat top U bolts easy to come by or can you just make them?

I've still got factory shocks (and everything for that matter) so a set all round will be the go too I think.

allovermud · Post by **allovermud** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 8:37 am

what about efs springs?just wondering how they are cus i mite be putn sum in my pajero?are they worth while or not?
cheers

SupraLux · Post by **SupraLux** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 11:51 am

I can supply the flat-top u-bolts... normally do em free if they are needed with a spring set... otherwise about $15...

Paj springs - can do those too

How much are you paying for the EFS ones if you don't mind me asking?

Cheers

Steve

allovermud · Post by **allovermud** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 3:36 pm

ummm 270 for efs springs..are there any other brands that would be better to get?mainly to give me some lift :lol:

SupraLux · Post by **SupraLux** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 5:05 pm

If thats coils then I can do you MaxiTracs for about $235 - if its leafs buy 'em - cos its waaay cheap...

Steve

allovermud · Post by **allovermud** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 7:50 pm

sorry mate im not that mechanically minded :oops:

umm i think there coil ones?like big springs at the back?if that is coil?if i did buy the ones of you how much would it cost to install?
cheers

4wdnuts · Post by **4wdnuts** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 7:55 pm

sorry mate im not that mechanically minded umm i think there coil ones?like big springs at the back?if that is coil?if i did buy the ones of you how much would it cost to install?
cheers

if you snap a pen in half and pull the spring out, do they look like that

allovermud · Post by **allovermud** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:15 pm

ahaha yes they look like that

gud analogy
cheers