Other Suspension Question (4 Viewers)

[AppaFJZ80]

I purchased a beautiful 96 LX450 and have been enjoying every minute of it! It came with a 4" lift and 37s KM3s. While it looks cool, it's not practical for our use (98% on road). I'm looking at lowering it to 2-3" lift and 35s on OEM wheels. However, I would consider other options as well. I just need a better understanding of what I currently have, and what could stay and/or work. I've read several threads about upgrading, but not necessarily down sizing.

Currently Installed (from my inspection as no receipts were provided during purchase):
BFGOODRICH® Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 37x12.50R17/D 124Q
Circuit Offroad Steller Matte Gunmetal 17×8.5 6×139.7, -10mm Offset, 4.36 Backspace
2in Wheel Spacers (unable to find brand/link)
OME 419X Front (100mm / 4in)
OME 422X Rear (100mm / 4in)
Radflo OE Replacement 2.5 Front With Remote Reservoir
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Smooth Body IFP Shocks - Rear
Front Radius Arm drop brackets (uncertain if correct brand)
Front & Rear Adjustable Panhard Bar (unable to find brand/link)
Front Swaybar Drop Bracket (unable to find brand/link)
OME Steering Damper

Questions:
What 2-3" springs should I buy? (We will rarely be underload, no plan of future armor)
What equipment will need to be removed when lowering, if any?
Can I remove that 2in Wheel Spacer now and not rub? What about when lowering? (I hate that it's on there, rubs now in reverse on pass side)
If I lower before finding a set of OEM wheels, will the 37s fit without cutting? What about 35s on the current wheels?

Thank you in advance!

 

[AppaFJZ80]

Additional photos of rear panhard and front spring

 

[Azca]

I had a 2-1/2" OME setup, bit of a harsh ride though. I am now on a 3.5" Dobinsons lift and 35s with the following:

• C97-144VT front coils - 3.5"
• C97-145VT rear coils - 3.5"
• MRA45-A912 front 4" length shocks for additional travel
• MRA59-A687 rear 4" length shocks

I only show that so you have some comparison. I am happy with the springs as they are more compliant, definately not harsh. I have not had an opportunity to play with the settings for the shocks yet. I like the springs and would suggest the shorter lengths. You will need to change the shocks if you drop in lift height or you may bend them due to restricted travel length.

I worked with @crikeymike at Exit Off Road but you can also reach out to Dobinsons for help.

 

[smorkington]

ome 850 front 860 rear

 

[alia176]

i don't think you can remove the backspacers with your current tire/rim combo due to rubbing while turning. I see you have caster correction by way of dropping the front radius arm mounting solution. These will need to come off with lower springs.

If I were you, I'd simply place an ad on classifieds that goes something like this:

i have a 4" suspension and want to trade for your 2" suspension, 37" tires+ rims + wheel spacers plus you throw in xxxx amount of $$$ for my high end shocks/caster correction/etc. I'll need to swap out the both panhard rods and a set of 285 75 16 newish tires on factory rims as well. Oh yeah, this project will be done on both vehicles simultaneously!

This is a $hit ton of work but quite doable on a good weather day outside with beer/weed/pizza . For two novices, it'll take two short days or one long day and air tools will make things go quicker.

I'd also connect with your local clubhouse chapter and find some local bros who can help. This makes for a great "tech" day because it'll teach everyone a whole bunch of stuff.

Do you know if the diffs have been regeared for 37s? If so, this is another trade possibility for stock diff ratios.

One thing to keep in mind is that if the new lift is 2" or less, you typically won't need a caster correction solution up front.

This is a lot to take in so PM me if you have ?s. There's a lot of money tied into this suspension!!!

 

[cts]

What is it about the ride that you don't like? All terrain tires will be quieter and have a more comfortable ride. Smaller tires will accelerate/decelerate better and effectively lower the gearing. So, just dropping down to 34 or 35" AT tires might make enough of a difference. You could always go with shorter and softer/firmer springs later as a next step depending on how you want to further tune the ride characteristics.

 

[AppaFJZ80]

Thank you @Azca, @smorkington, @alia176, and @cts for your responses!
For the questions:

• The current driving experience is not as good as it should be imo. It's too top heavy and makes turning a two hand performance as well as the immediate decrease in power going up hills. I believe lowering it will assist in the drivability. The KMGs are around 77lbs/e. I think with the right 35 to get me in the 70-67lb range would help too.
• My measurements on all 4 corners are around 25.5-26in from hub to fender. From my understanding that's around a 5in lift.
• No it's not regeared.
• I'm getting a "grrrrr" sound 50mph+ when decelerating/letting off gas. I bet it's from the lift. But the sound is coming from the Tcase from inside the cab. I've been reading the thread about this with a maintenance task for me this weekend.
• I believe I will keep the current wheels, as they're growing on me. I'm curious if there's spacers due to the fitment to the 80 series. I read that these are for 4runner. And it's been difficult finding some local OEM LX450 wheels haha.

@crikeymike recommended the C59-612V and C59-613V coils for a 3" lift so I could retain a lot of current components at stock weight. I would have to test the caster after the new coil install. I read some reviews on the Icon 3in springs which would give me the desired height and ride. The reviews are great, until you start to add weight. But I still have a 30mm spacer from one of my Sequoia enhancements laying around for any future needs... (Uses the same spacer as the 80 series for the rear coils). Thankfully I'll be doing all my own labor.

Anyways, my current plan is 2.5-3in lift with current aftermarket wheels with 35" Toyo Open Country R/T Pros. That "should" drop me around 3-4in from current state and allow me to not fall out anymore haha.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Sounds like a lot of work ahead. Good luck with the project.
Great suggestion from alia176 to connect with other owners in the area. You could possibly test drive someone else's with a suspension set up in the way you imagine would be better to see if it really is.
All I can tell you is that my stock suspension lx 450 with 265/75/16 tires has a very nice ride, so I'm leaving it as is!
FZJ80 wheels also look great and fit perfectly. They're usually a bit easier to find than the less common LX wheels.

 

[alia176]

Your GRRRRR sound on deceleration is directly related to the rear drive shaft u-joint unhappiness due to the rear differential pinion angle. I doubt it's inside the transfer case, but you are feeling it under your seat which is pretty common.

 

[AppaFJZ80]

Sounds like a lot of work ahead. Good luck with the project.
Great suggestion from alia176 to connect with other owners in the area. You could possibly test drive someone else's with a suspension set up in the way you imagine would be better to see if it really is.
All I can tell you is that my stock suspension lx 450 with 265/75/16 tires has a very nice ride, so I'm leaving it as is!
FZJ80 wheels also look great and fit perfectly. They're usually a bit easier to find than the less common LX wheels.

Lucky me that I enjoy wrenching!

Your GRRRRR sound on deceleration is directly related to the rear drive shaft u-joint unhappiness due to the rear differential pinion angle. I doubt it's inside the transfer case, but you are feeling it under your seat which is pretty common.

That's interesting. I've read that as well to check the rear drive shaft. When inspecting the vehicle in purchase, the previous owner said that they put new u-joints in the rear axle. I'm going to assume not OEM and I'll check it again soon.

The grrrr sound causes a lot of noise from the Tcase shifter area. I can feel the vibrations if I hold it during deceleration. That's what has me curious to where it could be coming from exactly. I'm going to grease and check the oil(s) tomorrow. Maybe do a shake or two. Thanks again Ali!