Build 1995 80 series build- a rolling black hole where money disappears

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reklund5 said:
Dobinsons C97-147VT
Supposed to be a 2" rear heavy variable rate. Initially it was more like a 4" lift, but after adding the rear bumper, winch, drawers, etc.... I've had to add a 30mm rear spring spacer and she's still low in the rear.
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I also have a big of sag with C97-147VT compared to the front. I was deciding between the C59-185 and C59-153 as I didn't want to add too much height.

I ended up getting C59-185 but I only gained maybe 0.25" to 0.5" of height. I think I should have gone with the -153 springs.
 
NeverFinis said:
I also have a big of sag with C97-147VT compared to the front. I was deciding between the C59-185 and C59-153 as I didn't want to add too much height.

I ended up getting C59-185 but I only gained maybe 0.25" to 0.5" of height. I think I should have gone with the -153 springs.
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Right now I'm debating between the C97-145VT (+1" over what I have currently) or the C97-485VT (+2" over what I have). Waiting on some feedback from the guys at Dobinsons before I make a move.
 
250below10 said:
I just finish installing my rear bumper and now Im shopping for springs
I was almost set on the C97-147VT, but looks like that isnt working for you. So the springs did not hold the advertised 2.5 lifts with all your stuff?
What springs in the front?

Great build btw!
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The rear springs are close for sure. I have load ARB cargo drawers, the rear bumper, and a rear mounted winch which all is pretty heavy. I prefer my vehicles to sit a touch higher in the rear in "everyday" trim, so that when they're loaded to go camping/wheeling/etc they sit level rather than extra low. YMMV.j

Front springs are Dobinsons C97-144VT which is advertised as a 3.5" lift. So far, they seem to be pretty damn good.

Thanks for your kind words. This build has been a fun one! Just need to get out and use it more.
 
reklund5 said:
Don't listen to me unless you *hate* $100 bills.

37s means a regear, a turbo, an intercooler, bumpstops, fender flare clearancing, and...and...and...😂
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Man
When I was shopping for 315s (I was on 285s before) I saw a REALLY good deal for a set of 5 37s, and for once I took the “responsible” route and kept looking for 315s.
I still feel like I lost money by not buying it 😂😂

Im planning some repower, just cant quite decide if I want to go 1FZ-FTE or 1HD-FTE route
 
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A fun little project I've been tinkering with...

Several of my local friends with 80s have had trouble with the usual "click" rather than engine cranking when they turn the key. We've tried new starters, new contacts, new batteries, new IG switches, and all the things. Turns out at least 2 of the vehicles were experiencing significant voltage drop to the starter solenoid trigger wire, especially on a cold morning. Some down as low as 9VDC, which isn't enough oomph for the solenoid to engage and transfer the current between the contacts and make the starter spin the engine over.

l've encountered this for YEARS on various vehicles, and usually can remedy with the above-mentioned items, however these two proved to be persistent. While I think there is still opportunity to investigate the factory wiring and connectors further, I cooked up a way to put a relay in the system to effectively pass current straight from the battery to the starter when the relay is tripped. Even a paltry 9VDC is enough to whack a relay closed, and let the direct-path-to-the starter do the rest.

A bunch of googling, and several orders from chy-na later, I have the suitable connectors to make a plug and play harness. Thanks to some initial help from HuddExpo and sourcing the relays and pins from LutzAuto, it turned out looking pretty factory. I whipped one up for my vehicle, even though it was fine. We (Leland) also made one for @lelandEOD, however he took his to the next level using a factory Diesel starter relay because he's got a diesel with a starter that makes more torque than the 22RE in my old mini truck, so he needed a man-sized relay. Anyway...on with the photos. My lame label is just for me to know what that bundle of wires does under the hood of the Black Hole.

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Got my new Dobinsons C97-485VT springs and BP-51 60015 rear shocks installed this afternoon. Big thanks to @cruiseroutfit!

Still ended up using my 30mm rear spring spacers for now. Gonna let these springs settle for a few weeks and then make the decision on what size spacer to use. Without the spacer it's still a touch low in the rear. I prefer the raked look so it sits level when loaded for a trip, so it may just stay as is.

Also waiting on a nice Dobinsons adjustable steering damper, in an effort to stabilize things some. I'm afraid 3L @deltavs radius arms may not be enough. Might end up with the 5L arms here soon too.

Moved my ARB air fitting to the front bumper so no more lifting the hood to air up after a day on the trail.

Got a fancy catch can from @Cruisers and Co to install too- hopefully later this week! On with the pics:

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More unnecessary add ons. Scored some reproduction side moulding from @lelandEOD and thought I'd give it a try. I was a little hesitant to combine silver trim and bronze wheels, but after I stuck 'em on and stood back...it doesn't look too bad to me. Thoughts? Feedback?

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