80 series adjustable rear lower control arms

[onesprung60]

A few of us have been talking about building some beefier lower control arms for our 80's. But we also need adjustable upper arms to change the pinion angle. So I thought why not make a heavy duty adjustable rear lower control arm? Has anyone done this, if so I would like to see a pic, if not; how come? Is there something I am not thinking about here or could this be done correctly and beefy? Thanks for the replies.

 

[cruiserdan]

A few of us have been talking about building some beefier lower control arms for our 80's. But we also need adjustable upper arms to change the pinion angle. So I thought why not make a heavy duty adjustable rear lower control arm? Has anyone done this, if so I would like to see a pic, if not; how come? Is there something I am not thinking about here or could this be done correctly and beefy? Thanks for the replies.

I think perhaps the main reason lower adjustables are not prevelent is because they are more likely going to be smashed on rocks or dragged over obstacles and therefore more likely to get busted up. If you have something other than a smooth rod, it would more likely to get hung up.

 

[sleeoffroad]

Yes, I have seen it done, but judging by the amount of abuse both the mounts and the rods take, I would be hesitant to put a threaded coupler in there, unless you can protect it somehow. Not sure which is the better end also. Seems like the frame end takes the most abuse. Maybe if you put them on the axle end and then box the bottom of the mount so you can not hit them it might be ok.

 

[clownmidget]

Will, not that I would do it - for the reasons Dan & Christo point out - but the easiest thing would be to just cut and sleeve your stock ones with the coupler where you think it will be safest. That way when you destroy it and have to buy Christo's hd ones you haven't really lost out on much.

Mike

 

[Tooth Fairy]

The other thing is that in order to change the pinion angle the way you'd want it, you would have to shorten the lower control arms which might make your tires contact the body while reducing your wheelbase at the same time. Something else to consider.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

The rear lower control arms on our 80 are reinforced with a piece of angle iron welded to the bottom with the ends tapered at the mounts. Nothing to get hung up on and a lot stronger.

Phil

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

The other thing is that in order to change the pinion angle the way you'd want it, you would have to shorten the lower control arms which might make your tires contact the body while reducing your wheelbase at the same time. Something else to consider.

By using adjustable upper control arm you can set your pinion angle up and in the process it moves the rear axle back enough for the clearance you need to avoid tire contact. All set ups are different but it works for us.

Phil

 

[Tooth Fairy]

By using adjustable upper control arm you can set your pinion angle up and in the process it moves the rear axle back enough for the clearance you need to avoid tire contact. All set ups are different but it works for us.

Phil

That's what I was saying. If you make the lower the adjusable end it would have to shorten.

 

[Safado]

By using adjustable upper control arm you can set your pinion angle up and in the process it moves the rear axle back enough for the clearance you need to avoid tire contact. All set ups are different but it works for us.

Phil

It wouldn't move the axle at all, because the length is controlled by the lower control arms. However, the lowers would move it forewards.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

It wouldn't move the axle at all, because the length is controlled by the lower control arms. However, the lowers would move it forewards.

I respectively disagree...the pivot point of the lower control arm is under the axle so when the upper control arm is lengthen is does move the axle rearward. I'm not saying it moves in inches maybe a 1/4 - 3/8 but sometime that all you need to clear larger tires.

Phil

 

[Safado]

Well if you want to get picky about it...I'll give you a 1/4 inch...but a whole 3/8 is IMPOSSIBLE

 

[NW-sickboy]

I like mine being adjustabe up top for all the state reasons as well as when i made my lowers i prebent them as to not have to ramp on them as much. also when you do both your are able to loate the axle where you want it further back a bit. Not having measured it i am certain that moving the axle back by just adjusting your lowers would really F up your pinion angle.