I was looking at the man-A-Fre website for add-A-Leafs when I came across the Level Stance suspension kits for the 80 series. Reading into the explanation (see below) made some sense, and explains why my 60 with an OME lift has that same “Stink Bug” or “Hot Rod” stance. The stance was beginning to bug me a little bit which is why I started looking into some add-a-leafs for the front end to bring it up a little bit. I can see where the added height is beneficial when you’re going to be loading the rig down. Realistically though, I use my rig as a DD, and when I do go on outings I tend to be a minimalist and carry as little as possible so I would prefer to have my rig evened out…..or closer to it.
This ring true? Do you Aussie’s Stink Bug your rigs?
Can anyone offer some do’s, don’ts, or look out for’s for adding leafs to the front end? I’m going to be doing the clutch in my rig soon and I’m thinking that would be a good time to tackle this if I decide to go ahead with it.
Thanks,
MT
"Old Man Emu is reknowned for engineering and manufacturing the best all around suspension systems available for Land Cruisers and you will get no argument from us. There is however a slight problem when a suspension that has been engineered for Australians and their type of long range off roading is fitted to an 80 series here in the USA. Australians will deck out their rigs with high capacity fuel tanks, roller drawer storage systems, Kaymar tow bumpers with dual spares, cargo barriers, water bladder or tank, a roof rack, ARB Bull Bar, a hand winch and enough spares to rebuild most of the vehicle. Then when they go on a trip they add their 12volt fridge, about a ton of gear and of course beverages (this is about as important as fuel capacity to an Aussie). What this means is quite simple, Australians tend to load their vehicle to a level most Americans cannot comprehend. Because of this loading, Australian suspensions tend to sit noticeably “butt high” when not loaded (also known as the Stink Bug look). Although this is not detrimental and if you do happen to load your rig like an Aussie it is a wonderful thing, most USA 80 series owners are not thrilled with this look."
This ring true? Do you Aussie’s Stink Bug your rigs?

Can anyone offer some do’s, don’ts, or look out for’s for adding leafs to the front end? I’m going to be doing the clutch in my rig soon and I’m thinking that would be a good time to tackle this if I decide to go ahead with it.
Thanks,
MT
"Old Man Emu is reknowned for engineering and manufacturing the best all around suspension systems available for Land Cruisers and you will get no argument from us. There is however a slight problem when a suspension that has been engineered for Australians and their type of long range off roading is fitted to an 80 series here in the USA. Australians will deck out their rigs with high capacity fuel tanks, roller drawer storage systems, Kaymar tow bumpers with dual spares, cargo barriers, water bladder or tank, a roof rack, ARB Bull Bar, a hand winch and enough spares to rebuild most of the vehicle. Then when they go on a trip they add their 12volt fridge, about a ton of gear and of course beverages (this is about as important as fuel capacity to an Aussie). What this means is quite simple, Australians tend to load their vehicle to a level most Americans cannot comprehend. Because of this loading, Australian suspensions tend to sit noticeably “butt high” when not loaded (also known as the Stink Bug look). Although this is not detrimental and if you do happen to load your rig like an Aussie it is a wonderful thing, most USA 80 series owners are not thrilled with this look."
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