Hilux front leafs, wtf?

[Gribble]

Ok, heres the go.

I own a hilux (yeh i know, how origional ) thats got 2" springs and 2" chaos extended shackles.

The drivers side spring has sagged to the point where it is flat now. (its a 2" spring remember!!!) I only had it reset maybe 6 months ago. Ive since had the X-over steering mod performed. Thus getting rid of the pain in the rear locator rod and fore/aft steering. So now that i have a capable steering mod that wont break with extra travel I was wondering who here has performed the "rear springs onto the front diff trick"?

Couple of things I need to know is;

1. What springs to remove from the rear set to acheive a decent amount of travel? Not so much that i need to chop off my quarters. Just enough to top out a 35. Maybe not even that much. I will also be moving the top shock mount up around 50-75mm to capitalise on the extra travel. And because the shocks I purchased are a tad too long at the moment. but you get that.

2. How far is it going to move the axle forward from its original position? Im kinda hoping to move the steering rod forward a little so it doesn't bottom out on the front of the sump. Im aware this will have its down sides, like i will need a longer spline for the driveshaft.

3. How much lift (from a STANDARD height. ie; no lift) does this rear set up give you when placed into the front? Im not too keen on lifting it any higher. I just want springs that arent as rock solid as what i have.

All help will be apreciated.
---Gribble---

[Aza]

my custom springs (keep in mind i have never used them and they have not been tested) have 5 leafs in them, they are the length of a standard hilux rear and is designed to move my diff 3 inch forward. bubs also has normal hilux rears in front, he uses 6 leafs however he has to accomadate for the weight of a v8, his also moves his diff forward 3 inches (he also has dropped hangers and extended shackles, provides PLENTY of lift, his gives it about 7-8 inchs, however his arnt warn in and hasnt been driven on, i would say if u used 5 leafs instead of 6 and have a different set up as far as shackles and hangers goes u could get it down to 6 inchs. Tony (RUFF) use to use rears in the front of his, provides PLENTY of flex and would give u enough lift for ur 35's, also gives u a better approach angle . u may also like to pm Humphey on this board about this as he works at spring works in toowoomba, he is the one who made my custom set, he would be able to give u most ur answers

[My Lil Lux]

Use standard lux rear springs, 2 " ext shackles and drop the front hangers down 50 mm, gives a true 2" lift and will correct some of the castor issues with tailshafts, can also move the front hangers forward to give better wheel clearance, without any more lift, should give good wheel travel in the front also.

[Gribble]

Use standard lux rear springs, 2 " ext shackles and drop the front hangers down 50 mm, gives a true 2" lift and will correct some of the castor issues with tailshafts, can also move the front hangers forward to give better wheel clearance, without any more lift, should give good wheel travel in the front also.

Ive alerady got the shackles and dropped front hanger, both 2". It had to be dropped to accomodate the ifs steering box and arm, otherwise the spring would foul on the arm, and thats bad. When chaos did it they moved the eye forward around the 25mm mark.

Ive just got poverty brand springs in the front that are mega stiff, even though one is sagged. Just need to make some softer springs. I think 3 inches further forward is a tad much. I'll have to measure it up to see if the tyres wont hit the back of the bullbar. I might just re-drill the set about 1.5 to 2" back of the origional hole.

So if obtain a set of factory rear springs (off an LN106R, 91 model) and make it a 5 leaf set. This should give just on 2" of lift from a standard spring, so that with the shackles and dropped hangers get an overall height of 4"? Im not after extra height, just extra wheel travel.

Thanx guys.

PS. Its a 3l diesel with bullbar and soon to be a winch too. But i have no plans on performing any sort of engine conversion. Especially some boat anchor V8!

[eliteforce32]

gribble ihave done the same as u my friend and i did have something similar to az's set up with custom springs! i shagged to many custom springs so what i did was reweld the shakle plate under the chassis. and also thought if i get up shit creek the custom ones are going to be hard to get so i went parabolic, a little less harsh but more controled front end, all up id have ove 5 inchs of lift... and am aiming for 36's or 37 offroad, but i run 33 onroad, so its a skate borad at the moment.......hope this helps a bit...

[My Lil Lux]

Got some IFS rears in the shed if you don't want to push the axle further forward, could use them and redrill hole on spring perch, work in penrith so let us know I'll bring em up to work.

I'm running 35's without to many probs hitting the guards, with the axle in stock position with only 4" lift and 2" bodylift.

[Frenzal]

Especially some boat anchor V8!

[83 lux]

ok have rears on front
2 main leaves from rear and 3 front stock leaves with 2' extended shackels with 2' droped hangers so over all 2' lift
works well
3 1/2' axel forward
i now run 37 boggers with this set up
remember 2' lift to run 37's