Coilover setup for UZJ100

[EL_3grab]

Guys .. How about 2.5 Race Runner Shocks with R-R part No: 56000-108

http://www.racerunnershocks.com/

it will fits perfactly to the UZJ100 Droped Front Suspesion ..

and what did they mean by Urethane conversion Kit .. a a stud upper mount ?? ..

 

[calamaridog]

Couple things to add to this thread...

Why would you want to switch to coilovers?

-Infinitely adjustable valving
-High quality 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 diameter shocks (KING, FOX, Racerunner, etc.)
-Easy to change spring rates for application
-Abandon the torsion bars, allowing room to install Cruiser Crawler gearbox from Marks 4wd. 3spd transfer case with 9:1 very appealing.

Now, in regards to price, you could spend a TON of money if you wanted to add a long travel coilover system. This may include changing all the front suspension components; custom arms, outer axles, steering modifications, etc.

But why not just install the adjustable coilovers designed for the Tundra/Sequoia platform. All you would need is custom upper arms and mounting buckets to accept them and make room for them.

The available travel in the front end is similar to the Tacoma and Tundra. The coilovers designed for those platforms may work with less modifications.

Just my .02

I'm not close to spending 10K on a custom front suspension, for now I'll be content with OME

 

[calamaridog]

Mr. Slee,

The 05+ Tacoma/04+ 4runner has the rack in front of the front differential like the Land Cruiser/LX (the older Tacoma/4runner/Tundra had the rack behind). Anyways, this is the steering set up for the Camburg LT kit for the 05 Tacoma.

They are pulling 12 inches of travel from a mostly bolt-on system. Yes, this is fairly radical, compared to what I was thinking.

Note the custom upper and lower uniball arms, steering extension, and custom outer axles.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Did I miss something in that pic??? ;p

You miss a lot Midget.

Don't miss my LX450 buildup. It's coming nicely. PLUS, I know you can't make fun of it's flex.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Slee,

The 05 Tacoma has the rack in front of the diff like the Land Cruiser/LX. This is the steering set up for the Camburg LT kit for the 05 Tacoma.

They are pulling 12 inches of travel from a mostly bolt-on system.

While this looks and sounds really cool, I highly doubt that IF a setup was made like this for a 100 the parts would be designed/made equally durable. I'd not want or trust weaker CV's, arms and the like.

I would like to CHANGE my comments made far above by adding this:

IF somebody could make a 5-inch (or so) lift I would jump on it, IF the stock CV's could be retained. I can live the same travel. I'd like more lift and I'd like the up vs down-travel equaled back out.

 

[Jim_Chow]

Call me a purist, but I'd just leave it as close to stock as possible. Mr. T invested quite a bit of money in R&D developing the stock suspension, and it's shown to be durable for its intended purpose (offroad driving, but not rock crawling). Furthermore, all this stuff (traction control, steering feel, etc) is designed to work as a system. It's likely that any aftermarket company has not invested the R&D to thoroughly test their design. I'm not talking about a few races where it can be serviced on the spot by a team of techs, but day-in, day-out consumer use & abuse over a period of years. After all, those aftermarket suspensions are technically not approved for daily use and subject to the rigid standards of stock vehicles. You see recalls on stock vehicles for stuff like ball joints that can separate, and we're talking tens of units out of millions sold, what is the probability that the aftermarket suspension will fail sooner than the stock unit? My guess is high in comparison, but there are no statistics to back anything up. Aftermarket parts like bumpers or tubos are one thing (as failure doesn't endanger others on the road), but aftermarket parts like suspensions that radically alter the stock vehicle (I'm not talking 1" diff drops and 2" lifts, but complete front-end rebuilds w/ non-factory parts) and that are not used in any other stock vehicle is another story. If one's radical aftermarket suspension fails on the interstate and causes a major injury-accident, can one say the aftermarket company is fully to blame? They'd likely say something like it was never inteded for on-road/daily use, there were proper warning labels on the parts, blah, blah... In most countries, this probably isn't much of a factor, but in the litigation-happy USA, it is. Anyways, my 2 cents worth.

 

[calamaridog]

The component strength of a suspension system made by Camburg or Total Chaos (for example) is of the utmost quality and durability. These people are not "hacks" and they are not designing "lift kits".

There is a world of difference between something designed to run the Baja 1000 or Dakar Rally and something designed to drive to the mall.

They are professional suspension designers. The quality of their work is top notch. There is a ton of research and development that goes into these systems, often taking more than a year to bring to market. They have to invest in systems that will sell in volume to justify the cost of the production.

Maybe this is why we haven't seen any meaningful upgrades to the suspension on our vehicles. You can't even get decent "bolt-in" shocks for our trucks. There is no market for these vehicles. Maybe when there are enough cheap used units on the market this will change?

All this talk of liability is nice, but I don't know of a single person who has ever had a problem in this manner.

I'm certainly not advocating everyone goes out and @&@&@&@& cans their torsion bar suspension. It's nice to think outside the box and explore other possibilities though.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

There is a world of difference between something designed to run the Baja 1000 or Dakar Rally and something designed to drive to the mall.

Sure is. The Baja 1000 Winning Donohoe coilovers for my 2004 Tacoma.....the first 2 were bad. We spent hours and many $$$s trying to find the problem. It was the Hoes themselves.


(My next 2 were fine, and still are)

 

[EL_3grab]

I'm certainly not advocating everyone goes out and @&@&@&@& cans their torsion bar suspension. It's nice to think outside the box and explore other possibilities though.

... you feel me

 

[calamaridog]

Sure is. The Baja 1000 Winning Donohoe coilovers for my 2004 Tacoma.....the first 2 were bad. We spent hours and many $$$s trying to find the problem. It was the Hoes themselves.


(My next 2 were fine, and still are)

John,

You are still the only person who I've ever heard of having problems with those. Guess Donahoe has quality control issues? Of course, they don't actually make those themselves, they just designed them.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

John,

You are still the only person who I've ever heard of having problems with those. Guess Donahoe has quality control issues? Of course, they don't actually make those themselves, they just designed them.

My luck as usual.

 

[a990dna]

If one's radical aftermarket suspension fails on the interstate and causes a major injury-accident, can one say the aftermarket company is fully to blame? They'd likely say something like it was never inteded for on-road/daily use, there were proper warning labels on the parts, blah, blah... In most countries, this probably isn't much of a factor, but in the litigation-happy USA, it is. Anyways, my 2 cents worth.

My exact point ... it's a liability issue! Read the fine print:

Copyright 2002? Camburg Engineering Inc. All rights reserved. Any duplication of the contents of this site is expressly prohibited without the written consent of Camburg Engineering Inc. Camburg Engineering Inc. products are available in the United States only. Product availability and features may vary by state.
WARNING Camburg Engineering Inc. parts are for off-road use.
Use at your own risk. No warranty expressed or implied.

I've had two lifts on my XJ since new. The first lift was Rancho, the second was Rubicon Express. Ten years ago, the Rancho "kit" was the only system installed by Jeep dealers and was actually recognized by Chrysler... probably because they were bought by Monroe. But it was limited to 2.5" which is the maximum allowable lift before experiencing major driveline and steering issues.

I don't think there's anything worse than pitching a wheel and tire assembly over a freeway partition only to take out an innocent family of five. Wait, maybe there is something worse! ..... Being one of the family of FIVE when the damn thing hits the windshield.

I must be getting overly cautious, or maybe just getting old ...

 

[calamaridog]

a990dna,

I'm not sure I understand your point, exactly?

Do you or do you not drive your highly modified Jeep with experimental off road suspension on the hwy?

 

[a990dna]

a990dna,

I'm not sure I understand your point, exactly?

Do you or do you not drive your highly modified Jeep with experimental off road suspension on the hwy?

Glad you asked: Not anymore, at least not now... it's not experimental stuff, just a basic off-the-shelf kit with upgraded components.

Like I mentioned in a more subtle way at the top of this page regarding radical modifications: "there's a point when it becomes a potential liability issue, especially if it's used for daily use. I personally wouldn't do radical long-travel suspension alterations, even with 3" lift."

This is the reason why:

After 8 years of service, my [modest] Rancho lift finally started showing signs of deterioration ... control arm bushings, etc. In lieu of rebuilding the sagging Rancho system, I caught what is commonly known as "inchitis" ... and wanted to go with larger tires.

After spending $4K having the Jeep Speed guys install a brand new RE suspension system (including driveline mods: SYE, F/R shafts, ss lines, etc.), I'm finding the quality or streetability of the components are in question... or they're pushing the limits of the chassis. I just don't feel it's safe for daily use anymore, especially on the freeway...

I wouldn't sell it to a high school kid.

FWIW, there were several guys that built "experimental" home-brewed long-arm suspensions way before they were on the market. And I know they did it without following robust product validation and testing protocols----not the kind you would see in a R&D think tank. I sure wouldn't want to be on the same road with them while they experiment. Some of this stuff makes its way into the mainstream because they don't want to pay the price for professionally engineered components...

For shops that engineer and fabricate this stuff, I would question why they would make a blanket statement like:
"parts are for off-road use. Use at your own risk. No warranty expressed or implied."
I guess I just wouldn't feel comfortable enough to install their stuff or have it installed on my DD... at least NOT until everyone on the road is going in one direction and has a crash helmet on.

Believe me, every vehicle I've owned has received modifications... but there's a point when "radical mods" should be only used for periodic on-road use or trailered for frequent offroad use.

Thats my personal opinion on the subject.

 

[sleeoffroad]

I think you will find the disclaimer on most of the smaller companies that make lift kit's pages or documents. Unfortunatelly, even when we strive to make the best possible products, there is always the risk for someone suing when something goes bad, which might have nothing to do with the quality of the product.

At some point, when you choose to modify your vehicle you need to take some of the responsibility. It is not realistic to expect to install a 6" kit on your truck, then drive it like a maniac, roll the truck and then want to sue the manufacturer because the truck's center of gravity has changed.

I also believe that Camburg stuff is excellent. One walk around Sema and comparing suspensions kits from various companies will show you that. Some of the stuff out there is downright dangerous.

I do get the "inoccent family" idea, and that people would be pissed off, but the manufacturer never forced the customer to modiy his vehicle. Following the wallets in the law suits are unfortunatelly the rule these days. We should also then involve Toyota since they build a product that allowed modification.

For someone that is on the other end, I can assure you that we do think about these things. Makes doing business for small company very difficult.

Since I am hi-jacking this thread, were do we stand on a DIY rear bumper that looses a tire carrier, roof rack that flies off etc etc? There are a lot of dangers in modifying a vehicle. Some DIY jobs that I have seen are downright scary. No-one ever seems to comment on these.

 

[sleeoffroad]

For shops that engineer and fabricate this stuff, I would question why they would make a blanket statement like:
"parts are for off-road use. Use at your own risk. No warranty expressed or implied."

There is the issue of how the vehicle is used. So we say it is ok for on-road use. Pismo beach would then be ok. We have all seen the pictures of the trucks flying through the air. So now a suspension that was never designed to take the abuse of a 6k lbs truck jumped 4' in the air is overstressed or fatigued. 1 year later, the wheel comes off, the manufacturer is blamed, but no-one points at what the owner did to the vehicle. That is the reason for statement like the above.

Maybe the extreme case, but possible.

 

[powderpig]

Originally Posted by a990dna
For shops that engineer and fabricate this stuff, I would question why they would make a blanket statement like:
"parts are for off-road use. Use at your own risk. No warranty expressed or implied."

This statement can also hope to get the small bussiness out of a jam if it is used on a daily driver and problems occur with no DOT testing on the product that is used on roads. As with many small shops fabricating products, these products are not tested or crashed tested to see how stuff will hold up. By stating for Offroad use only, it may help in ligitation when used on a vechicle that is used mostly on the road system here in the states.

In some ways using the Austrialian method of approving aftermarket add on s for the suspension and other bits we add to our trucks needs to happen(IMO), here in the US.
Many small shops have fab up stuff for a customer and then allow it to go until it brakes and then modify the orginal design for better strength or changes the design. Then hopes the customer is not too upset with the product, Is this really a good way to do business?
I guess that is the business of custom mods.
Any how intresting read this morning. later robbie

 

[Jim_Chow]

There definitely seems to be a federal "double standard" when it comes to mods in the sense that one can install a poor-quality home-made suspension system or even a home-made vehicle, get it licensed for the roads in most states w/ no DOT testing/checks, and drive it on highways while it's a hazard to other vehicles. OTOH, the government doesn't allow one to import, say, a LC 78 w/o crash testing and installation of airbags. I see the reason for this law...they don't want to open the floodgates to vehicles of questionable quality where a wheel might snap off on the freeway and endanger others. Either that, or it's a conspiracy amongst automakers who don't want us importing a HDJ100 from Japan sans the leather seats/nav for $40K, thus undercutting their USA markup.

 

[EL_3grab]

after all .. its worthless to be done with the stock suspension .. im not happy ..
but i think a 3 inch front lift it good for me ..
so ..

i have some Q?
with slee diff drop and OME T-Barz .. how much i can crank the adjustment bolt befor i got a Bad CV's angle .. 2, 3 inch ?
i desided to go with quality Shocks ..
im thinking about http://www.dynatrac.com/products_sstshocks.html ..
they all ready have the stud upper mount ..
i think 8 travel front with diff droped .. and 12 rear ! .. is that right ??

 

[calamaridog]

I admit that I only know a couple people who daily drive their long travel trucks. I also admit I know very few people daily driving there Jeeps with 6" Rubicon Express kits and 35" tires.

At some point you are no longer driving a practical or comfortable vehicle.

I know exactly what Mr. Slee is saying regarding the actual use of products. One guy I know destroyed his drop bracket lift on his Tacoma by wheeling it very hard, jumping the truck, etc. He finally realized he needed stuff designed for that sort of abuse.

"Lift kits" are not for wheeling, and I don't think I would ever use a drop braket kit on my LC.

I've seen some real scary home built stuff too, and I wouldn't endanger anyone with my bugger welds and shoddy fabrication skills on any mission critical part of my vehicle.

Then again, look at some of the underengineered junk coming straight off the showroom floor.