Can I ask for some suspension help?

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toyotaaddict83

toyotaaddict83

10 Year
Joined
Jul 14, 2013
Threads
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381
Location
Appleton, Wisconsin
Hey guys,

I am trying to rebuild the suspension and get new tires for my fathers 100 LC. I am trying to keep a moderately soft ride quality yet still be heavy enough to deal with trailers and hauling gear. I am looking at getting 275/70r18 Terra grapplers (maybe the G2s, impressions?). The only armor on currently is an ARB front. The catch, I do not want to lift, as this is still a daily driver. So who has some ideas for me?

Much obliged,
Jack
 
Not sure I understand the question, but I'll give you my experience:

I tossed the stock springs, shocks and torsion bars and went with an OME light suspension kit. The improvement in ride quality was well worth it, I should have made that my first upgrade.
 
El Cid said:
Not sure I understand the question, but I'll give you my experience:

I tossed the stock springs, shocks and torsion bars and went with an OME light suspension kit. The improvement in ride quality was well worth it, I should have made that my first upgrade.
Click to expand...

I have a couple questions about your set up:
1) If you don't mind me asking, how much did that OME light suspension kit run you?

2) What components came with it? (ex. shocks, springs, torsion bars, etc..)

3) Was it a DIY install for you or was it done by a local shop?

4) Was there any increase in ground clearance? I have a storage garage where I store my boat and camper but the gate at the entrance is very low and I have to remove my rack and still can just barely fit. Point being, my objective is to remain as close to stock height as possible but improve the ride quality substantially.

Thanks in advance!:cheers:
 
TheForger said:
I have a couple questions about your set up:
1) If you don't mind me asking, how much did that OME light suspension kit run you?

2) What components came with it? (ex. shocks, springs, torsion bars, etc..)

3) Was it a DIY install for you or was it done by a local shop?

4) Was there any increase in ground clearance? I have a storage garage where I store my boat and camper but the gate at the entrance is very low and I have to remove my rack and still can just barely fit. Point being, my objective is to remain as close to stock height as possible but improve the ride quality substantially.

Thanks in advance!:cheers:
Click to expand...

1. Want to say approx $900. Example of Medium http://www.metaltech4x4.com/p-153-f...nsion-kit-with-nitrocharger-sport-shocks.aspx

Light duty here: http://cruisersolutions.com/index.p...id=566&zenid=3a8470bcdb9ec6b647edb1a231a30044

I think the difference would simply be stiffness in the springs.

2) Only components were shocks, springs & torsion bars. That's it. Spacers and a lift aren't in my future.
3) Done by Baertrax of Dallas. Serious 4x4 guy. Probably overkill, but hey. Baertrax is a legit metal fabrication guy, it probably could have been done by someone lesser, but I don't have that much in the way of equipment. I think a 'decent' mechanic could do it, though Baertrax knocked it out quick and they cranked the torsion bars up nicely. It was indeed a gravy job for them, don't remember it being pricey

4) I didn't measure it, but I would say yes. Though maybe that was just the back end. it killed the annoying sag in the back that is inevitable on worn shocks. But the ride improvement was noticeable. My garage, though not skyscraper tall was a worry, but even with a FR rack I am fine.

If I were to repeat all of my improvements, I would remove the running boards and upgrade the suspension right off. The improvement in ride quality is felt throughout the vehicle...

Some tried to suggest I stick to stock parts, but I am convinced the OME design was an improvement, though I haven't laid the parts side by side..
 
If you're that tight on overhead clearance, keep in mind the tire size you've chosen is over 2 inches larger diameter than stock so you'll lose over an inch of clearance up top with just that change. I would also note that I got an improved ride quality with new OEM shocks when I replaced the old ones at 9 years and 100,000 miles.
 
Thanks for the input already. In hindsight, my post doesnt seem to have a direct question, :doh:. So What shocks, springs and torsion bars would you purchase, if you were trying to accomplish these goals? :cheers:
 
If you're not adding bumpers, sliders, winch, dual batts, drawers, etc. and DON'T want much lift, it's tough to beat a refreshed OEM Toyota setup. OEM shocks are cheap. If your rear coils are shot, replace 'em with OEM. If you tow and/or load up the back on occasion, then it's also tough to beat the versatility of a $100 set of airbags inserted into the rear coils. When fully inflated with no load, they'll lift the rear close to 2". They also will prevent rear end sag when you drop 400 lbs of trailer tongue weight on the rear end or have tons of people/heavy gear in the back, all while retaining the cushy on-road ride when deflated with no load and no trailer. If you want a little lift, you can put a 30mm spacer on top of an OEM Toyota rear coil, and crank the front torsion bars to match. Spacers will run you thirty-ish bucks. 30mm socket to crank the front torsion bar less than that. Drawbacks to the OEM setup? If you like bombing down forest service roads, you'll find it bottoms out up front if you hit big holes at speed. If that's in your future, you could add some Timbren bump stops up front ($$). Is the aversion to lift a hard-stop based on garage clearance, or just not wanting to have the parentals to have to climb up?
 
@re_guderian Thank you for your advise. That helps a lot and will most likely be what will end up happening. I think the main reason for avoiding a lift is the climb up and I don't think my father would appreciate the look. Thankfully, we do not bomb down service roads, its more like a scampering. :rimshot: Also, should I replace the torsion bars as well? What are the impressions on the terra grapplers?

Thanks again!
 
Okay. So I talked with my father a bit more today and he said he could be content with at most an 1.5 inch lift. Sooo with that, any new ideas?
 
Go with a "light duty" lift that @El Cid linked to above.

1 1/2"
 
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