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KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2012 2:25 pm
by bronx89
Ok, anyone else out there with standard suspension other than a 2" spring lift on their KZN130? Mine STILL hasn't sagged at the back at all and I've got the front up as far as I can until the bolts start getting reaaaal tight (even snapping a bolt in the process) and it STILL sits way higher at the back.

I was told that 2" lift springs were fine for standard shocks and torsion bars, and that the front torsions bars could wind up more than enough for it to sit level.

Anyone else had this problem? Looks so damn ugly! I want it sitting nice and FLAT :twisted: :twisted:

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2012 2:56 pm
by tallsam66
What sort of lift springs do you have.Soime are designed to carry a larger load.If yours are the kind made for a larger load & your not carrying one ...it will stay real high.Will prob ride hard too

bronx89 wrote:Ok, anyone else out there with standard suspension other than a 2" spring lift on their KZN130? Mine STILL hasn't sagged at the back at all and I've got the front up as far as I can until the bolts start getting reaaaal tight (even snapping a bolt in the process) and it STILL sits way higher at the back.

I was told that 2" lift springs were fine for standard shocks and torsion bars, and that the front torsions bars could wind up more than enough for it to sit level.

Anyone else had this problem? Looks so damn ugly! I want it sitting nice and FLAT :twisted: :twisted:

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2012 6:19 pm
by bronx89
Yep rides pretty hard... as far as I know they are just Cobra 2" lift springs for a KZN/LN130 Surf.. part number: CTRR-103R

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2012 8:06 pm
by mayhem1982
i think you might be able to re-index i think they call it the torsion bar before you wind it up. i did it to my old teranno.

might be worth asking someone about

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2012 12:11 pm
by imsohi
is you front a arms sitting in the bot rubber stops? if so this will be the higest you can go without modification most of the time a 2 inch lift spring will sit level and have around 5-10mm gap between the arm and stop. also check bolts are not rusted you may need to run a die over them.

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2012 8:48 am
by bronx89
Just had a quick look (only one side) whilst trying to fix my A/T Oil Temp light issue and the side I looked at had about 2-3mm gap between the arm and bump stop. So why the heck is it not sitting level? Anyone else have Cobra springs? Contacted the company and the person who sold them to me but they're both useless and don't have any customer service once the product is OUT of their hands and the cash is IN their hands.

One bolt is a tad sad and a little rusty, other one is new as the old one snapped on me.

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2012 9:12 am
by tweake
bronx89 wrote:Yep rides pretty hard... as far as I know they are just Cobra 2" lift springs for a KZN/LN130 Surf.. part number: CTRR-103R


going by their website it looks like you have the extra height model springs. more than likely its 4".
for 2" lift you need CTRR-103 springs.

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2012 9:44 am
by bronx89
You're kidding me. Can you provide a link please, I looked high and low and their website and couldn't find anything.

EDIT: Ah have just found it, that bit of their site wasn't working before. I bought them off ADENS TYRES (.co.nz). Contacted him after install saying they are a lot higher than my mates with 2" lifts and gave him the part number and he assured me they were 2" lift springs. Will be contacting him again. Would advise others to steer clear of this clown if he doesn't give me the right springs.

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2012 6:23 am
by bronx89
Anyone able to tell me what inch lift the extra height spring are? 3 or 3.5"? Surely not 4"? No wonder my shocks are all maxed out and starting to make funny noises.

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2012 8:22 am
by kbushnz
I have used Adens Tyres for some tyres and found him pretty good...
Just explain the problem and see what happens...

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2012 9:22 am
by UBZ
kbushnz wrote:I have used Adens Tyres for some tyres and found him pretty good....


same experience for me , changed a set of tubes 3 times until we got the right ones

however Cobra springs are known to be very stiff and you have been running them in your truck for how long ?? so swapping them is unlikely .

couple of questions

how long have you had the springs ? offroaded / flexed them up?
did you measure the free length of the coils before installing And compare to factory ?
have you had the truck loaded up with 4 people / gear or a trailer to see if the spring settle ? ( the rear should sit higher unloaded )

I would say that your rear diff is also off centre to the drivers side if the lift is 3" or more .needing the panhard rod lengthened .

Unbolt the top or bottom of one of the rear shocks and see how much down extension you have , I'm quesing you have virtually none as the factory shocks really should be changed for longer ones over 1" of lift . driving like this will wreck shocks and make the truck a pig on road

In the front , the factory shocks are fine lengthy wise as suspension travel is limited . Winding the torsion bars up past approx 30mm of lift means you have no downward suspension travel in the front.
making the truck dangerous on road ( front wheels lifting off ground in corners ) and perform worse offroad.

if your looking for lift to fit bigger tahs , a 1-2" body lift is a much better option . The 130 suspension performs much better in stock configuration offroad . because of more balanced up/down travel . If you want more SAS it .

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2012 9:56 am
by bronx89
Swapping them is not unlikely as after expressing my concern I was told numerous times they were the correct ones I purchased, until now. Apparently cobra sent me the wrong ones, not my problem, the dealer should rectify the issue in the form of a replacement or full refund and THEN seek compensation from the manufacturer/their supplier, whether the product has been used or not.

Yes truck has had a full load (of people) and has ben offroading. Springs havent settled. Yes ocmpared to standard springs before instaling, were about same length.

Funny you say that as i have just noticed the drivers side rear wheel sticks out more than the left, does lengthening the panhard rod fix this? Havent had a look but is it iust a case of moving the bracket?

All 4 shocks are virtually maxed out, front is wound up almost as high as it will go to match the wrong springs i got sold for the rear.

SAS? I am going to look at aftermarket shocks to allow for the springs and height it is at now I think as I have 33s on there now so the lift doesnt look so stupid and it sits a lot better now.

EDIT: would those be the only 2 things i would have to do to make this extra height lift be sweet? Lengthen the panhard rod to recenter axle and get after market extra length/travel shocks for the front and rear? Or is there more i would have to do as well?

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2012 10:57 am
by Smurf
A bracket to lower the top panhard mount is a better idea, rather than lengthen the rod as the closer to horizontal the rod is the better it will handle. Lowering the mounting bracket will re center your diff. I think Tomsoffroad has made a bracket for doing this.

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2012 2:55 pm
by bronx89
Smurf wrote:A bracket to lower the top panhard mount is a better idea, rather than lengthen the rod as the closer to horizontal the rod is the better it will handle. Lowering the mounting bracket will re center your diff. I think Tomsoffroad has made a bracket for doing this.


Awesome, yea I thought the closer to horizontal the better. Is Tomsoffroad a member of shop or website or? Also how do you know how much to lower it by? And do you do it straight down from the current one or slightly on an angle? Also do you know how much weight and force is put on the mounting points? Just so I know how strong the new bracket has to be.

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 9:54 am
by evolution02
Why don't you just get the right springs and wind your front back a bit. That way your front suspension will be able to work and you will be able to get it to sit even
I have the 2 inch lift cobra springs in my surf and have found them good.
Pretty sure the higher lift springs are only really for guys who have put solid axles in the front end

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 10:26 am
by jonossiksilvia
Yes the higher ones suit solid axle surfs. Yes correct way to do the panhard rod is a drop bracket. Tomsoffroad made my bracket with the drawing I supplied him. The factory bracket is thinner than my drop bracket.

My opinion is either get 2 inch springs like others have suggested and wind torsens back to give u some movement back in the front end as max out would be shit house. Or sas it if u got a spare 4k as this something a novice should not be doing.

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 2:14 pm
by bronx89
evolution02 wrote:Why don't you just get the right springs and wind your front back a bit. That way your front suspension will be able to work and you will be able to get it to sit even
I have the 2 inch lift cobra springs in my surf and have found them good.
Pretty sure the higher lift springs are only really for guys who have put solid axles in the front end


My 33s only JUST dont rub at the mo, they will if i drop it any further i think, otherwise yes i am pretty keen to get the springs i actually paid for.

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 5:15 pm
by Smurf
bronx89 wrote:
Smurf wrote:A bracket to lower the top panhard mount is a better idea, rather than lengthen the rod as the closer to horizontal the rod is the better it will handle. Lowering the mounting bracket will re center your diff. I think Tomsoffroad has made a bracket for doing this.


Awesome, yea I thought the closer to horizontal the better. Is Tomsoffroad a member of shop or website or? Also how do you know how much to lower it by? And do you do it straight down from the current one or slightly on an angle? Also do you know how much weight and force is put on the mounting points? Just so I know how strong the new bracket has to be.


Tomsoffroad and Customs
http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/ ... 67&t=27391

If you have 4inch lift you want to drop your mount 4 inches also, if 2 inches, drop your mount 2inches. And you want it dropped straight down to match the factory location

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 5:42 pm
by Smurf

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 6:08 pm
by tweake
the surf site diagram is a 4" bracket which is whats shown in the photo.
can't make a 2" bracket, smallest is a 3".

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 7:08 pm
by evolution02
bronx89 wrote:
evolution02 wrote:Why don't you just get the right springs and wind your front back a bit. That way your front suspension will be able to work and you will be able to get it to sit even
I have the 2 inch lift cobra springs in my surf and have found them good.
Pretty sure the higher lift springs are only really for guys who have put solid axles in the front end


My 33s only JUST dont rub at the mo, they will if i drop it any further i think, otherwise yes i am pretty keen to get the springs i actually paid for.


Put in a 2inch body lift with 2 inch springs and be all good.
I'm saying this mainly due to the fact your front suspension must be maxed out and on the extension bump stops to get it to try and match the rear

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 7:29 pm
by bronx89
Yea front is about 5mm from the stops. Thinking about 3 or 4" panhard drop bracket, 2" ball joint spacers (and wind front 2" down), and new long travel shocks.. That'd work wouldnt it?

Oh and the things is i dont know what my lift is, because i paid for 2" springs but got the extra height ones, cobras website doesnt say the lift amount, does anyone know?

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2012 11:46 am
by evolution02
The ones you should have got CTRR-103. Which should raise around 40-50mm
The ones you have are the extra high lift option CTRR-103R
Or you could continue with the springs you have and do ball joint spacers and front diff drop. I would be interested to see how you get on this way with ride and certification etc

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2012 8:13 am
by bronx89
evolution02 wrote:The ones you should have got CTRR-103. Which should raise around 40-50mm
The ones you have are the extra high lift option CTRR-103R
Or you could continue with the springs you have and do ball joint spacers and front diff drop. I would be interested to see how you get on this way with ride and certification etc



Yea do you know what the 103R lift height IS though? Cheers.

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2012 8:08 pm
by evolution02
Would think around 3-4inches.
You have them how much did they raise it by?

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2012 5:10 am
by bronx89
Wouldn't have a clue the tyres and wheels went on at the same time

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 6:43 am
by mayhem1982
i would be putting the 2 inch lift in. i have a 2 inch lift and 2 inch body lift and 33s and have no rub issues with tires. my old surf had the bigger springs like you do in the back and everything was maxed out, it ate cv's and was useless off road.

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 11:00 pm
by bronx89
mayhem1982 wrote:i would be putting the 2 inch lift in. i have a 2 inch lift and 2 inch body lift and 33s and have no rub issues with tires. my old surf had the bigger springs like you do in the back and everything was maxed out, it ate cv's and was useless off road.


You know the part num for your old springs and what inch lift they were? Yea not really wanting to swap springs plus a body lift...would rather leave as is and get longer shocks and a panhard rod drop bracket. Just really wanting to know what inch lift springs i have but no one incl Cobra (useless w*nkers) is able to tell me what i have even with me giving them the part number

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 7:58 am
by mayhem1982
they were the same springs as you have, i measured before and after and from memory they raised my old truck by 3.5 inches which settled down to just over 3 inches which is too much for the torsions to pick up

Re: KZN130 Toyota Hilux Surf 2" lift springs question

Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 8:07 am
by tallsam66
evolution02 wrote:Why don't you just get the right springs and wind your front back a bit. That way your front suspension will be able to work and you will be able to get it to sit even
I have the 2 inch lift cobra springs in my surf and have found them good.
Pretty sure the higher lift springs are only really for guys who have put solid axles in the front end


Got to agree ..this take em back & get the correct springs...by far the easiest option.