Outer Limits 4x4 Board

So finally getting the hilux ive been dreaming bout for years nown (84 extra cab hilux) and doing some research. had huge plans for gq/80 series diffs, coils all round, v8 engine conversion. blah blah blah

unfortunately my dreams are larger than my pocket as i started an apprenticeship this year. so going to follow the old saying "dont fix it if it aint broke". so figure im going to drive it and modify as i need to not as i want to if i had money to throw around cos lets face it, want to be wheeling not stuck in a shed for the next 2 years. my overall outcome is something reliable, economic and capable for the next couple years.

my mate has the same 84 ute with 4y so i already know some of the weak points of the model.

So now im trying to build the best truck i can on the cheap. My plans at the moment are to drop a 2l turbo motor in when i can for reliability and economy (apprentice wages after all), ill retain the thirsy 4Y for now, i want to coil the rear with simple 3 link setup for now and leaving the front leaf. i already have some 40mm over height 4runnier springs i picked up for loose change on EBAY. and they ill be putting extended shackles on the front.

i've searched the forum for any info on reversing the shackles to the rear of the leaf pack but have found nothing, so if anyone can give me some info of the pros and cons of that, that'd be sweet. i see it done a fair bit but do not know what the advantage of doing this is.

any info would be appreciated, and at the moment im after any input and ideas, so if anyone who has been through the rtrials and tribulations can give me some input and help me avoid learning from expensive mistakes that would be awesome

cheers all

Not quite sure what you have been looking at but the hilux's already have the shackles on the rear?

Or do you mean move the shackles to the front? (bad idea)

Mate, honestly the 2.4's are fairly guttless and have a issue with cracking the heads (2.4 TD - 2Lte)

You would be better off with a 2.8 and using a 2lte turbo kit (off the 2.4 factory turbo diesel) and putting the whole lot in...

But they are still thirsty and fairly slow... Everyones opinion will be different on this but.

Do a bit of a search as the bible has heaps of info on different suspension mods and things to do and look out for and check the members build threads..., but no matter what you do you will always spend more money then you are expecting...

My tip...buy parts 2nd hand if you can, they all get dirty and rusty but you can save alot of money or sell the truck and save a little more and buy one already kitted out with all the good stuff.

I have heard the expression of 'take your budget and times it by 3, thats closer to what you will spend'...i did slowly over the years(well maybe x6 )

Brad

Ya, you need to read more. Not sure about the hilux bible these days, but do a search and read a few members threads.

I wouldn't go a 2/3L unless you really want a diesel. A 3RZ would be easier, cheaper, more powerful, especially coming from a 4Y.