NEWBIE Owner

Post by **SimplyPV** » Thu Sep 04, 2003 2:19 pm

hey people, i posted in the intro thread as well but i wanted to make a new thread for myself so people can be sure to see it. i'm in Oregon, USA an i'm lookin to do some farther mods to my 1990 rocky sx hard top. so far, everything is pretty much stock except for a few body addtions. i have my front torso bars maxed out in order to fit my 235-75-R15 mud kings on. rear end is stock. works great. no problems with rubbing except when i took some major (20 ft long) jumps an about killed my fenders when i landed on all 4s. i'm fixing to dump about a grand into bodywork, paint job, tune up, new exhaust (with stock headers sadly), custom built roof cage, and a custom built lighting bar. i'm also fixing to weld up my front diff. i'm looking into either getting a suspension lift or a body lift... i need some advice here. what should i do first, what should i get? i cant afford something outragous so i will deal with some of the disavantages. i was thinkin about goin for some rancho 5,000. any advice? pls let me know, thanks!

pv

oh before i forget. i'm movin to phoenix, az in febuary so peeps that live down there, pls let me know!

Post by ***BESTY*** » Thu Sep 04, 2003 5:11 pm

Simply PV......what do you want to achieve with your Rocky ??
I assume you want bigger tyres to what you already have or are you just sick of them rubbing when you jump it 20' ??

A body lift would be the easiest and cheapest modification (if you can do it yourself) or get some longer rear shackles made up....you can't lift the front any higher and by winding the torsion bars all the way up, you loose out on wheel travel.

So, do a body lift, wind down the torsion bars to level the car out and make some slightly 2-3" longer shackles for the rear. Spend your money on the Power Modifications.......Ram Pod........airflow.......EXTRACTORS !!.....and get your injectors cleaned out !

As for shocks, David (Murcod) reckons you can't go wrong with some quality Bilsteins or Koni's. Unfortunately the Rancho ones available for the Rocky, were originally designed for the 'much heavier' F Trucks and even on the softest setting of the Rancho, the ride is very 'firm' .... read hard !

BTW - Lincoln Locking the front will be awesome !! You'll love it !!

Post by **SimplyPV** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 11:57 am

well.. honestly? i want to gain about 4-5 inches of lift... if i cant do anything with my front end. then i will go with the ranchos. i cant afford the other brands right now. i also dont mind the firm ride... it already is firm as it is, i'm used to it. it might reduce my chances of the tires crashin into my tire walls like it did the first time. had to rip out all the plastic guards. i also want a bit more axle play for crawling over things an what not. hmm... btw, how much would extractors run for? would it be cheaper to jus weld up the stock manifold an increase the di. of the pipe to 2"? an what exactly does extractors do? i plan on increasing my shackle length roughly another 4 inches or so to comspisate for the torsion bars in the front (gonna leave em where they r) i wouldnt mind more tire room for when i can afford bigger tires. ok body lift it is. i've read the part # an the year/make/model that i need to get for the body dkit, but it doesnt say WHERE i can get it at. can i order it online or do i need to go to a 4x4 shop? same thing with the ranchos... btw, what is a ram pod? i'm also hoping to fit on a k an n free flow filter soon as well. so thats taken care of. thanks for ur help.

pv

Post by **SimplyPV** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 12:54 pm

btw, how do i know which series rancho 5,000/9000 do i go buy? an a body kit as well.. i need to know fast cuz my truck is fixin to go into the shop soon to get ALOT of mods done, an i'm hopin to squeeze in ALL the lift mods that i can. also for the body kit.. where the hell do i get this as well?! :?:

Website · Post by **murcod** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 2:31 pm

I don't mean to be rude, but all of that stuff you've written above is very hard to understand.

As for the shocks, read this: http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modul ... 2&start=20

Extractors are available from MRT, Genie, Lukey and Hotbits. I've got a set of Hotbits headers on order at the moment- they won on price by a big margin ($175 for mandrel bent vs $300 for Genie and MRT mandrel bent items!)

The lukey headers aren't mandrel bent. Look here for more info: http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modul ... php?t=2064

Post by **SimplyPV** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 2:34 pm

ok that doesnt help much... how about the specs for the shock size an WHERE i can get em.. as well as the body lift kit...

Website · Post by **murcod** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 2:39 pm

http://www.gorancho.com/gorancho_main.htm

The world is at your finger tips......

Being that you're in the USA I wouldn't have a clue where you can buy them!!! The above web site should hold the answer......

Post by **SimplyPV** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 2:42 pm

ok like that helps.... ive looked there already.. i havent a clue what size i need. i was hopin someone would tell me.. i'm pretty clueless about all this... so forgive me

Website · Post by **murcod** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 2:50 pm

You need to work out how much suspension lift over standard height you are going to have. Then ring the Rancho stockist nearest to you and tell them how much higher your Rocky will be- they should be able to give you a part number of a suitable shock.

Just remember what you end with could give you the hardest ride in the world, as they will just give you the part number of a shock that will bolt in- it won't be valved internally to suit your Rocky's weight and spring rate.

Post by **ShinyDiscoBalls** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 2:51 pm

Ok for the body lift blocks contact Liam at Big Balls Offroad info@bigballsoffroad.com

They cost $199.00 with bolts and washers.

The K & N filter will set you back $185.00 and any Auto 1 store can order it in for you. I got mine yesterday.

A ram pod is a thingy that replaces the air filter box and gives more power. They cost $380.00 from MRT Rally in Ryde Sydney but I found out that they are actually only legal for off road use in NSW. If your busted with one they slap a $500.00 fine on you and defect the car.

The K & N filter should give you about 80% of the extra power you would get from the ram pod minus the risk of defect and fine.

Complete extractor & 2" exhaust system also from MRT Rally will cost $695.00. Worth it!

No idea on shock as haven't touched mine yet.

Good luck.

Post by **ShinyDiscoBalls** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 2:56 pm

Sorry didn't realise you were in the states... all prices are in AUD. For MRT distributors In the USA see their site www.mrtrally.com.au

Later

Post by **SimplyPV** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 3:21 pm

ok.... so i should look at hotbits? anyone got a website i can go look at for them? pls let me know. thanks. as for the k an n filter... runnin $185.. thats a lil steep!... thas jus for the filter?! wtf.. that cant be right.. someone pls explain this to me.

Post by **ShinyDiscoBalls** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 3:29 pm

Thats australian dollars dude.

Post by **ShinyDiscoBalls** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 3:32 pm

www.mrtrally.com.au

Post by ***BESTY*** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 4:36 pm

SimplyPV wrote:ok like that helps.... ive looked there already.. i havent a clue what size i need. i was hopin someone would tell me.. i'm pretty clueless about all this... so forgive me

Shocker length.

If you can, measure the sitting height of the vehicle (once the body lift and suspension lift have been done) without shockers attached. Then 'articulate' your vehicle by either getting your hands on a forklift and lifting one wheel at the front.....or jacking the body up as high as possible to lift a wheel....measure the distance across the original mounting points when the rear wheel just lifts off the ground. This will be the maximum amount of travel you will get from your rear wheels. Do the same with the front....ie. Jack or lift the rear and measure the maximum amount of travel you can get from the front.

Use a piece of string or something tied to the top mount and pull it tight to the bottom mount....mark it....take it out and measure it !!

Once you have all the results, you will then have an idea on how long you need the shocker to be. Make sure you get a shocker which length is slightly greater than the maximum distance.

Half way there

Now you need to measure the minimum distance the shocker needs to be. When the wheel is 'squashed' up inside the wheel well, measure the minimum distance !!

The get a shock that will be XX inches when collapsed and YY inches when its fully extended.

Doing this will guarantee you that you won't destroy your new 'expensive' shocks and also allow for maximum wheel travel !!

I understand you would like an 'off-the-shelf' part number for this....but this is much better than getting a part off-the-shelf....you will have an exact length you want....you may also be able to get shocks that are better valved than Ranchos for the lighter Rocky !
Enjoy playing......doing this will help you get a better picture of how your vehicle will react in certain situations and what its capable of !!

Post by **Ferwoaza** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 4:43 pm

Rampod is illegal? WTF? Hmm...better not show any cops under my hood

Don't know why they'd be illegal tho...it's just a filter?!

Website · Post by **murcod** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 5:33 pm

Ferwoaza wrote:Rampod is illegal? WTF? Hmm...better not show any cops under my hood

Don't know why they'd be illegal tho...it's just a filter?!

Yeah, they're illegal in all states AFAIK. Don't worry that's usually the least of your worries if they start going over your vehicle (and the easiest to fix).

I've got a K&N pod on my V6 Mondeo- sounds awesome when floored. :twisted:

http://www.users.tpg.com.au/murcod/101-0112_MVI.AVI

One day the Feroza will have one too for on road driving.

Post by ***BESTY*** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 5:33 pm

SimplyPV wrote:well.. honestly? i want to gain about 4-5 inches of lift...

WHY ?

if i cant do anything with my front end.

Have you looked into SKYJACKER Suspension in the US (Not sure of their website, but have Kits for IFS vehicles)

then i will go with the ranchos. i cant afford the other brands right now.

Save for the better brand....you'll only end up regretting putting poorer quality stuff on your vehicle

i also dont mind the firm ride... it already is firm as it is, i'm used to it. it might reduce my chances of the tires crashin into my tire walls like it did the first time. had to rip out all the plastic guards.

So, I take it that you haven't learnt that it ISN'T a plane....not designed to FLY

i also want a bit more axle play for crawling over things an what not.

Crawling.....Hmmmmm......No Gearing....No Lockers......More axle play does not come with hard suspension set-ups. You will need something that has 'give' OR 'flex' in your set-up

hmm... btw, how much would extractors run for? would it be cheaper to jus weld up the stock manifold an increase the di. of the pipe to 2"? an what exactly does extractors do?
i plan on increasing my shackle length roughly another 4 inches or so to comspisate for the torsion bars in the front (gonna leave em where they r)

Altering you shackles will dramatically change the vehicles on-road handling....it will drive completely different, speed will become more 'scarey.....also if you are silly enough to jump it another 20'.......you will now have a much higher centre of gravity and the likelyhood of you rolling it over is increased !!

i wouldnt mind more tire room for when i can afford bigger tires.

ok body lift it is. i've read the part # an the year/make/model that i need to get for the body dkit, but it doesnt say WHERE i can get it at. can i order it online or do i need to go to a 4x4 shop? same thing with the ranchos... btw, what is a ram pod? i'm also hoping to fit on a k an n free flow filter soon as well. so thats taken care of. thanks for ur help.

pv

Post by **rocknferoza** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 5:44 pm

$185 for a K & N airfilter is expensive :shock:

I asked howe much one was from autobarn and it was alot more then what I payed for my group N unifilter airfilter.

I bought my unifilter from MRT a few years ago and it cost me $60-$70 from memory.

The group N unifilter replaces the standard airfilter and it's totaly reusable

just clean it when it gets dirty and put it back in :finger:

Post by **Toyhatsu** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 9:03 pm

PV,

I have the part #'s for two inch longer Ranchos front and rear, a K&N, etc. I'll have to wait till I get home from work to look them up though.

Post by **Toyhatsu** » Sat Sep 06, 2003 8:27 am

Rancho's

Front: 5136 2" lift
Rear: 5135 2" lift

K&N filter:

The part number is R-1380. The price was $36.20. This is a cone
shaped filter.

Gabriel HighJacker rear shocks:

39105 These work great for a two inch suspension lift.

Performance Accessories body lift:

5082
86-89 Toyota 4Runner

Upper fan belt
NAPA 050385 (Gates Rubber Co.)

I have some more cross referenced part #'s somewhere. If I find them I'll post `em.

Post by **SimplyPV** » Sat Sep 06, 2003 1:58 pm

wow.. lots of info here this is great, sadly though, the part numbers for shocks r going to be useless.. i will have to measure em. sometime on the 15-19th, my buddy is gonna be lookin at the front end to see how he can lift it even more. i'm hoping for 2 more inches but we'll see what happens. same with the rear, but the rear is a piece of cake. it will also be slightly higher then the front end jus to give it a little angle. but the part # for the cone... omg that is so great. i was shoppin around today an NOONE could help me... god, people r so close minded.... "nope.. not in our book.. sorry cant hep u" :bad-words:

i get that alot. so do i take that part # for the ait filter an go into any store or do i need to order it online or what? lemmie know. thanks!!

Website · Post by **murcod** » Sat Sep 06, 2003 2:54 pm

The K&N listed is a universal fit air filter. Any K&N stockist will be able to order it in for you. There is also a K&N direct replacement for the stock filter too- I can dig up the part number if you want it (Leon has got one fitted to his Feroza- do a search on this forum and you should find something on it!)

Post by **SimplyPV** » Sat Sep 06, 2003 2:56 pm

nah, i'm gonna tear that stupid stock air filter/case out.. what a pain in the azz it is!! :bad-words:

all i want is the k an n filter with a way to clamp it down to a hose that i'll be making.. but everywhere i go.. they have JUS the filter on stock.. not the clamps or the hardware... very frustrating

Post by **Toyhatsu** » Sat Sep 06, 2003 9:12 pm

PV,

For the K&N replacement all you need is what you already have if your truck has the "black box" sitting on top of your engine. Rip out all of the intake box stuff except for the rubber flex coupling attached to the "Black box"and the rigid plastic tubing attached to that. Jam the K&N on the end of the rigid piece and clamp with the hose clamp provided with the filter. Make a simple bracket and bolt that to the body...there is already a tapped hole there to bolt it to...instant ram pod. I'll take a picture of the set up when I get home from work...yep, working on Saturday.

Take care,

Post by **Toyhatsu** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 4:01 am

...sometime later after work...here is the K&N filter and how I hooked it up. The solid plastic tubing conveniently has a little flange on it that is bolted to the homemade bracket to a 10mm bolt hole (already there) next to the radiator. I put one of the rubber mounting bushings from the original canister filter under the bracket. It has held up for almost five years now...looks like the filter could use cleaning and oiling :-)

Post by **Le0n** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 7:08 am

Hi David, I run the standard intake setup and can't see any reason to change except it's a pain in the arse to work on.

My reason for not changing over to a Rampod is a while ago I was working on Roza and had to drive to Gladesville. I drove there with just the black box fitted and didn't notice any increase in power.

The standard setup is fine with me and a bit safer in water at river crossings etc.

Post by **Andy** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 7:40 am

G-day Kent , umm , were is your radiator fan ??? , is the wire running along the top of the radiator for a thermo ???

Post by **Toyhatsu** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 9:34 am

G'Day Andy,

I ended up with Mike H.'s electric fan and mounted it in front of the radiator. Yes, the copper wire is for the thermo switch. I added "NO" to the wording on the rigid plastic tube the K&N is attached to...Caution NO Fan.

Post by **SimplyPV** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 6:12 pm

hmmm... i have no "black" box, nor am i interested in it. i figured i'd use the intake hose thats running accriss the top of my radiatior an fit the filter at the end of that. voilaw.... rampod! i'm set. lol.

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