Need Help .. Uneven Lift Height

[OchocoCruiser]

On my '91 Land Cruiser I just installed a 2" suspension using Ironman (B) Performance springs and OME Sport shocks. It looks great and feels great but the passenger side sits exactly one inch higher than the driver's side.

We installed the DS (driver's side) springs on the left side of the vehicle, which in the US of A is the driver's side ... and the NS (near side) springs on the right side or passenger side of the vehicle.

Since Ironman is an Australian company, do they mean DS (driver's side) to be the right side of the vehicle? Do we need to switch these to get an even stance?

ALSO ... the front sits about 2" lower than the back giving in the classic "stink bug" effect. should we add spacers in the front to even out the stance or does this complicate the suspension? If yes then how big a spacer?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

The taller springs go on the driver's side. I installed a 15mm spacer in the driver's rear and 1 3/8"custom spacers in the front on our 92. Front is about 1/4" higher than the back. I should have installed a 30mm spacer in the drivers rear to level the side to side out. I am installing an Ironman bumper very soon and that should bring down the front by 1/4" or so.

I have posted about the springs before and even removed them once to make sure which side goes where. You might do a search on my name and ironman for the specifics. BTW, you will really like them once you get the level deal figured out.

 

[Offroads4x4]

Sounds like you answered your own question when you remembered they came from Australia.

 

[BrotherRob]

You may have reversed the springs.

I don't think I've ever seen a lifted 80 that doesn't lean, usually to the driver's side. Also, are you sure you're sitting on level ground? My driveway has a barely noticeable side slope. If I measure mine in the driveway, it has a notable lean. On flat ground, it's about 1/2".

 

[Bearcat80]

The easy way to remember is that the shorter spring goes on the perch closest to the pumpkin. The axle tapers from the pumpkin to the wheel. Stinkbug is good if you tow or put heavy loads in the back. I hate getting high beam flashed because my a** is dragging....

 

[OchocoCruiser]

Thanks for the help everyone ... I think we're going to swap the springs and hope for the best. While we're at it I think we're going to put in the MetalTech 1.5" spring spacers in the front to level 'er out.

 

[OchocoCruiser]

I'll post before and after pictures for the spring swap and 1.5" front spacers install.

 

[Munks]

I have the same problem.
Just installed a Tough Dog 4" lift and the drivers side is 1" lower than the passenger. i spoke to the supplier and apparently they are manufactured like that to make the vehicle sit flat when driving on road - because all roads are cambered.

 

[OchocoCruiser]

Hmmm ... gotta admit that's the first time I've heard the roads being cambered is why they would sit uneven. Pretty funny actually. I sat pretty level prior to the lift.

How do you like your tough dog suspension? Aren't they Australian too? did they explain clearly which side to install which springs?

 

[matttaylor1976]

I installed OME J springs on my 91, the AUS springs need to be reversed when you install them. I hated the stink bug look at first but it's grown on me. I have at least a 2" difference front and back. I will eventually install 1" spacers in front, but to me the stink bug is a good look on the 80's.

 

[OchocoCruiser]

matttaylor1976 - Thanks for the tip ... It's seeming more clear to me that I need to switch the springs. IronMan needs to simplify their install directions by simply saying Left and Right.

yeah I kinda agree the stink bug look isn't all that bad. I'm just thinking i might as well throw some spacers in there while the springs are off during the switch. I'm hoping 1.5" isn't too much. I'd much rather see the back up higher than the front.

 

[Offroads4x4]

I have the same problem.
Just installed a Tough Dog 4" lift and the drivers side is 1" lower than the passenger. i spoke to the supplier and apparently they are manufactured like that to make the vehicle sit flat when driving on road - because all roads are cambered.

ROFLMAO.

Switch you springs from side to side.

Then tell Tough Dog you just called all the highway departments in the US and asked them to change the camber on all the roads so your rig will ride level.

 

[OchocoCruiser]

Just an update ... we swapped the springs and she now sits level. So, the springs labeled DS go on the right and the springs labeled NS go on the left. Thanks everyone for the tips.

 

[redeye]

Interesting. I asked Camel4x4 your original question before installing my 2" lift springs a coupe weeks ago (with new Ironman gas filled shocks). They said DS goes on the drivers side regardless of whether it's a right hand drive vehicle or left hand drive. I believe Eli from Camel has a direct link with Ironman - I heard a rumor it's his father who owns Ironman, but can't confirm that.

Anyway, I too notice a slight lean in the DS rear and wonder if I should swap sides on the springs, both front and rear.

 

[Munks]

Hmmm ... gotta admit that's the first time I've heard the roads being cambered is why they would sit uneven. Pretty funny actually. I sat pretty level prior to the lift.

How do you like your tough dog suspension? Aren't they Australian too? did they explain clearly which side to install which springs?

Yea its Aussie suspension, I live in New Zealand.
Its quality gear and the 45mm adjustable big bore shocks are heavy duty kit. My 80 is still on blocks getting bar work and hub rebuilds. Once shes done ill post up some pics and info on the suspension set up.
Im still not happy with the 1" lean though - looks like its driving on 2 flats. The springs are labelled left and right.

 

[Offroads4x4]

Minks you need to switch sides on your springs it sounds like. If they are labeled L & R you must of mixed up from the front looking at the hood from inside the drivers seat looking out over the hood as a starting point.
Just a thought.

 

[Hollis Cameron]

Mine leans to the PS about 2in. If what you are saying is correct and the longer spring goes on DS then if I switched mine it would get even worse. Is there anything else it could be?