Hi all, Im new to your site , but me and mud go way back. Ive got an '89 double cab hilux with a 283 chev and the R154 gearbox (after breaking the layshaft in 4 standard 4 cyl gearboxes).................. I recently fitted some 36" x 14.5" tires which rubbed alot (surprise surprise) So I bought a 50mm lift kit to go between the leaf springs and the diffs. Unfortunately now the pittman arm is jammed hard up against the drivers leafspring.I heard that I can buy an aftermarket one to sort this issue, but after researching I only found one for 600$. But since the wheels , tires ,spacers and lift kit the ol' pockets feeling a bit bruised.Any advice on a different option would be greatly appreciated . Cheers , Scott.
A body lift and some longer shackles would fix your issues, rather than the spacers you have fitted between the springs and diffs. Simpler and a lot les stress on your leaf springs. Cross over steering would also remedy your steering issue. If you are after more flex it really is the way to go. But I would really look at the effects of diff wrap, it will kill your springs, especially the front ones, It will also put more strain on your steering.
Thanks for your knowledge. I talked to the guys at TRAXION ( aftermarket 4wd parts shop )about raising it with springs and shackles, but because I load the tray to the hilt with fire wood etc, they advised me that the springs would be softer so it might not be a good idea. So I decided to go with the blocks under the springs...... My front leafsprings could do with replacing and I wondered if my spare set of rear leafsprings would fit in the front to compensate for the extra weight of the engine ( because the rear is made to carry lots of weight or none at all ). Might have a measure up to see if they're interchangable.
Your rear springs are longer. It is common to use them in the front as it moves the diff forward about 50mm? But it also means you need to modify the steering as the draglink is too long after fitting the rear springs. Or change the steering to a cross over system. ($$$)
For load carrying you would be better off with a new set of heavy duty lifted springs. It would eliminate the steering issue you currently have, improve your load carrying, and give you the 50mm lift you require to fit your tyres. Still not a fan of the spacers you have fitted. though.
Hey chevlux. Sounds like a mean truck, is yours the 65/67 or 106/7 shape? 36"s! Yup that'd definately be a squeeze, my 31"s just touch the front inner guards if you happen to be near full lock at full flex. Moving the front axle forwards will definately help. 35mm is good and can be done without too much hassle (drill the locating holes on the axles seats further forward), much more than that would require an extra locator plate be made up, except you still need to shorten the draglink and torque rod, and space the driveshaft to match. Or as you mentioned used the rear spring in front. A bit of an idea don't know how well this would work, but rather than using lift blocks, why not get try using the 2 thick overload leaves from you spare rear set bolted on to your fronts instead of blocks, this would help reduce the axle wrap at least. You can always play around mixing and matching leaves to try find a good height and ride.
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Newly brought currently bog standard Discovery V8i with a drinking problem
2inch body lift be way better than your "lift" blocks and longer u bolts - I wld not recomend them to anyone. Any idea how old your suspension is, if its had a hard life/old it may/will be fkd so you might be better off with 2-3 inch lift new and as mentioned HD springs in the rear for your firewood
So I bought a 50mm lift kit to go between the leaf springs and the diffs. Unfortunately now the pittman arm is jammed hard up against the drivers leafspring.I heard that I can buy an aftermarket one to sort this issue, but after researching I only found one for 600$. But since the wheels , tires ,spacers and lift kit the ol' pockets feeling a bit bruised.Any advice on a different option would be greatly appreciated .
