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85 Hilux Front Springs
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 9:29 am
by bigandrew
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
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 11:45 pm
by SupraLux
Matt? Never heard of him
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
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 6:57 am
by MATT4U
just so you know, its not me, its the other Matt
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 7:18 am
by SupraLux
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
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 9:18 pm
by bigandrew
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
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 10:06 am
by SupraLux
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.
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 6:02 pm
by SupraSurf
Its a walk in the park...
A home brew hilux mod for bugga all $$$ and you have options to fix the steering, torque rod with out much addition to the cost.
You could search pirate4x4.com for a million posts on completed conversions, most with x-over or high steer but some still retain a slightly modified hilux steering system.
You can do the ball flip or IFS ball joint or arm flip to x-over and IFS box depends on your budget access to a welder etc...
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 9:21 pm
by bigandrew
yep, welder is easy, hes an engineer by trade just i know that he wont want to spend more than his pocket money on it
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 9:19 am
by SupraSurf
I can arrange to show you a rears up front conversion if you are in CHCH. Steve may still have one in his old Lux but I think its in bits at the mo.
Drop me a line on 021344769 if you want a look
Mike
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 4:15 pm
by SupraLux
Nah, all the front end is still in the truck, which is still in the shed... As theres no motor in it its all easy to see and check out.
The only real $$$ 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