FJ80 lift

[xrock]

So, I'm a newbie at coil springs lift and wanted to ask for your knowledge.

1. I like the idea of the OME 3inch I found on Man-e-fre. It seems like a good deal and I'd like to pull the trigger since it's on sale. Does this look complete/ right to you?

2. Does every 80 lift need the shims for correction? I've never worked with shims. How do you know how much correction you need?

3. Do you need an alignment when done?

4. I printed out the directions, but if someone with experience could stand over my shoulder one night next week that would be awesome!

 

[MaddBaggins]

Did you already get the kit? Desertdude had a J spring kit for sale for $700, see if he still has it.
Where do you live? If in Tucson I can help with shocks and springs, but I don't have a press to do the bushings. You can drive around for a while without doing the bushings.
By shims, I assume they mean spacers/trim packers. Not required, but help level the rig out, rather than stink bug.

 

[xrock]

Not yet- I was hoping to purchase today if I'm going the right way. DD sold his already.

These are on sale for $675 which is lower than aywhere else I've seen.

I'm in North Phoenix- There's an event I do every year for a triathalon and we do some wheeling before and during- I'd like to have the lift on by then since these 80's start kind of low.

 

[Tools R Us]

Call Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters, I bet he will match or better the price.

www.cruiseroutfitters.com

 

[xrock]

I was wondering about that but didn't want to offend him. I'll try giving him a call. It'd be nice to talk it through with a Cruiser-head to make sure I'm getting the parts I want.

 

[medtro]

I don't know which set you are looking at, but I would pick a longer front springs to minimize the stink bug effect.

 

[-Spike-]

No alignment necessary, but if you don't know when it was done last it couldn't hurt. It's only a toe-in adjustment, I do them to my rigs in my driveway with a tape measure.

-Spike

 

[Pskhaat]

But if you have stingbug look, you are the antithesis of the cheapo domestic lift with ass-draggin' look which seems to be so popular 'round these parts...

 

[xrock]

Does anyone have the press for the caster bushings?

 

[-Spike-]

Does anyone have the press for the caster bushings?

Yup. Let me know if/when. Count on about 1/2 an hour. Greenway and Cave Creek roads.

-Spike

 

[xrock]

Well, thanks to Spike, DBAX and Travis- the lift is on and she sits all nice and straight. No stinkbug thanks to the spacers.

Drove fine on the way home- Spike worked the caster bushings really well.

Will post pics after taking it out to Butcher Jones this weekend.

 

[BMAN]

Forget the pics and Butcher Jones... get yer ass out to Sonic tonight. It's been a while.

 

[xrock]

If I bring her down, can you mechanically superior folks take a look and see if my driveshafts are causing the low hum / slight vibration at 70 mph?

I was reading some posts and it looks like there's a few regulars who gave Shotts some advice when he had the problem.

Can someone take a gander and if it is in need of correction, point me in the right direction?

 

[-Spike-]

We need to make sure those caster bushings are in the correct orientation. Either by checking the caster or possibly unbolting one arm now that we know what the ride height is. I doubt that you can tell with a visual inspection without unbolting the arm, but it wouldn't hurt to take a look. I had to guess when I installed them, unfortunately.

Anyone know of a way to ascertain what the caster is without taking it to an alignment shop?

-Spike

 

[xrock]

You definitely know more than I do, but I was thinking the caster alignment up front had more to do with the alignment?

It drives fine and doesn't pull and in reading some older posts about the same thing it seems like it would be the rear driveshaft being off a bit.

 

[DBAX]

Hey, glad you made it home ok . I read your other post about the accident. See you tomorrow at 11.

 

[-Spike-]

I always advocate putting new U-joints in both driveshafts when changing the ride height, along with a long list of PM on newly purchased 80's, including the PHH and hoses, axle service (both front and rear), wires and plugs, all fluids, etc. I would like another look at those caster bushings, or at least a confirmation that your camber is correct before you spend time and/or money chasing a possible vibration. The camber can affect pinion angle adversely and might cause vibration that way. If the bushings are in correctly, I doubt they are the problem, but if I screwed the pooch, so to say, I'd hate to be responsible for you chasing your tail trying to figure it out. We'll see what the guys say tonight, and go from there.

-Spike