Lexus is finally lifted

[Walking Eagle]

Just a couple of shots. I finally put my used J springs and L shocks on, along with MAF 3" front drop brackets (yes, they're lower than using caster plates, get over it), MAF 2" front bump stops, and my own front sway bar drops. Still nee d to extend the rear swaybar links, and put the extended SS brake lines on.

MAF didn't include instructions with the front drop brackets and I wish they had. I wasn't sure if I should mount them to the frame, then to the arms, or vice versa. I mounted them to the arms first, which in retrospec, might have been the wrong choice. Made it a little tougher to line all the holes up.

I greased all the U-joint / driveshafts, and drove it around a little last night. This morning I had her up to 75 on the highway, no wierd handling, no vibrations. I was really worried about vibrations, since the rig is almost at 180,000 miles and I have no idea if the U joints were ever replaced.

Ride is ok. I think the used L's I got are a bit worn. I may try an alternate shock later - I really liked the adjustability of the RS9000's I had on my Trooper, so maybe those or some MX-6's.

I'll probably eventually put adjustable panard bars on, but priority now is making some slider steps so my wife can actually get in the truck. I can't imagine getting in and out of a 6" lifted truck on a day to day basis. I'm going to have to make a ramp for my dogs to get in the back, or lift the 95lb mutts into the back myself.

Haven't done any real trails, but did climb a ledge near the house that was about waist high. It's certainly more capable than it was on street tires and stock height.

 

[FJBen]

looking good, how much lift did you get out of it?

 

[clarkrw3]

Looking good!! I got the step sliders for my wife to get into the 6" but I love them also. My young 100lb dog can jump in no problem but the older one needs a step or me picking his 85lbs into the rear.

 

[HIPPYHUNTER]

Lookin" good neighbor! I will keep an eye out for you on the roads around Tulsa. But I better hurry as it looks like your headed OFFROAD!

 

[ginericLC]

Hmmmm! I didn't know you were going to those brackets. I thought you were doing caster plates? Arghhh! I suppose I'm going to have drag your butt over all the obstacles the next time you are in Moab. I hope they are thick enough to take a beating.

 

[Walking Eagle]

Hmmmm! I didn't know you were going to those brackets. I thought you were doing caster plates?

Actually I was going to use those bushing's I got used (anyone want some OME caster bushings?). I changed my mind around tax day or so. I'm not real worried about it since I only have the drop brackets in the front, and not the back, and only 3" not 4". There were a few other reasons, but none that are very good (like I didn't want to press out the bushings).

Besides, as long as I have you to drag me around, I'll be fine

I'm looking forward to some rocks in Disney / Grand, and see just how bad they hit.

 

[JerryLX450]

Question, with all the lift you guys have just wondering what type tools, steps or equipment to do routine maintenance jobs such as remove the last plugs, egr ...etc.Nice rig overall.

 

[ginericLC]

I use a 2 step aluminum/plastic step ladder. I even used it when it was stock. That way I can reach stuff without breaking anything by leaning on it too hard. I'm not tiny either. but when your arm is reaching a foot or two down it is helpful to have the rest of the body closer.

I guess since you don't have the rear ones you probably won't drag as much unless you are driving in reverse a lot. Then you will get hung up!

 

[PromontoryCruiser80]

I am also going with the 3" MAF drop brackets, in 2 weeks I hope. Since most of my miles are on road I figued that it would make more sense. I know they are lower but im not really worried about it. Mabye I should order a spair one just incase I destroy one on the trail?

 

[ginericLC]

I'm just giving him crap. The rear ones I do not like at all. I probably should say I don't like any of them. But I think the front ones will be acceptable.

 

[Nay]

But I think the front ones will be acceptable.

I agree - they will accept contact on ledges and establish firm friendships that are very difficult to break

Of course, if you don't have big ledges...should be ok...

 

[Walking Eagle]

I am also going with the 3" MAF drop brackets, in 2 weeks I hope. Since most of my miles are on road I figued that it would make more sense. I know they are lower but im not really worried about it. Mabye I should order a spair one just incase I destroy one on the trail?

Well, you'd have to order two spares since they're not the same side to side - I think you'd be hard pressed to destroy one. They're massively built.

 

[Walking Eagle]

I agree - they will accept contact on ledges and establish firm friendships that are very difficult to break

Of course, if you don't have big ledges...should be ok...

(yes, they're lower than using caster plates, get over it),

3 ft ledges ok so far - only thing I hit was my stock rear arm mounts.

 

[Josh83]

Whats the story behind the SUPA BLING on the rims?

 

[Walking Eagle]

Whats the story behind the SUPA BLING on the rims?

had the rims sitting with no tires on for a while, and thought, why not, they're all scratched to heck anyway, might as well irritate some folks.

My wife hates them too. They'll probably end up white or silver at some point. I have issues with changing rim colors often....

 

[Capocaccia]

Hey, how long did it take you to put on and what do you estimate you payed for it? By the way it looks great!

 

[4x4CPOSEADOG]

Wow, the truck is looking great. How's the ride on these Js and Ls OME set up without heavy front and rear bumpers? Looking at your rig, makes me want to get the same set up. Can you fit that rig inside the garage?

 

[MLX450]

Nice! Those 35's look like 33's with that lift! Good Job!
Did you use any spacers?

 

[Walking Eagle]

Wow, the truck is looking great. How's the ride on these Js and Ls OME set up without heavy front and rear bumpers? Looking at your rig, makes me want to get the same set up. Can you fit that rig inside the garage?

Thanks, it's a little stiffer than I'd like right now, but since sliders are next, then rear bumper, then front, it should soften up.

It doesn't look like it'll fit in my garage, doesn't really matter for me, my '69 baja bug is in there and my wife's CR-V, so there isn't a place for a 9 year old fadded and hail damaged rig.

 

[Walking Eagle]

Hey, how long did it take you to put on and what do you estimate you payed for it? By the way it looks great!

about half of what it would normally cost. I paid $60 for the shocks, $160 for the springs I think.... it's been a while. The brackets were the most expensive thing, since I couldn't get those used. I made my own drops for the sway bars, and my own rear bump stop spacers, I could have made my own front bumpstop spacers, but I just didn't want to. The SS lines are pricey no matter who you get them from, but when I searched for ruber ones, they were almost just as expensive to get ones the right length.

It took three mornings to put on. It's in the 90's here already, so after noon, outside work stops if at all possible. Seems like with many such projects, the hardest part is just getting the old stuff off. The shocks were tough to get off. One of the cross brace bolts was stripped, so I had to rethread the hole. I'm not sure I did it all the way you're supposed to either. I used a spring compressor to get the springs out. I didn't have enough room to get them out and in other wise. The rear OME's I couldn't use the spring compressor on, they were too large in diameter. I ended up compressing those with a strap (probably not the safest thing in the world), and once I asked a neighbor to push down on the tire, they went in well. I'd say maybe 6hrs of real work. Mind you I did it all by myself, other than the neighbor pushing down on the axle. Would have gone a little faster if I had the right size sockets rather than combo wrenches, and an impact wrench for the stubborn nuts.

Two people could do it in a good afternoon.