Suspension install - Land Cruiser vs FJ/Tacoma/Tundra

[Bloomer]

Received an OME 2.5 heavy lift this week (thanks to Slee for the quick delivery) and was originally planning on trying the install myself. Read through several threads on installation and seems doable. Asked around town where I work and a few folks mentioned a particular shop did good suspension work. So, went by and interviewed (uhm, I mean talked to) the owner/installer.
Turns out he does most of the installs for the local car dealers (including the Toyota dealer). The Toyota dealer always has a few lifted FJs, Tacomas, and Tundras on the lot. The owner said he is completely comfortable working with torsion bars, but admitted he has never worked on a land cruiser or installed the diff drop kit.

Anyone familiar with the other Toyota IFS set-ups and can offer an opinion on how similar/different they are to the land cruiser. Obviously, I understand there is likely differences in durability/strength, but am wondering if the fundamentals are close enough to get comfortable with him doing the work. He's estimating $400 for the install, which seems worthwhile for the time and effort it would take me.

Also have a Slee rear bumper/tire carrier on its way and am finalizing my decision on the front bumper. Anyone familiar with how much the rear and front bumpers will weigh down the suspension? Just wondering how much rake I need to account for if I install the suspension before installing the bumpers. Would like to have a .5 to 1 inch rake with everything installed (and not have to turn the T-bars and realign the front end). Not looking for anything precise, but would like a target to try and get close.

Thanks for any help.

 

[vkfzj80]

Sounds to me like you've found a competent shop that does a lot of suspension work, If it was me, I'd have them do the install. There are not that many Land Cruisers out there having lifts installed, especially, compared to the models that you've mentioned. Finding local Land Cruiser talent may prove to be difficult, unless you live close enough to one of the specialty shops.

 

[super90]

Where in South Texas are you?

 

[Bloomer]

About an hour northwest of Victoria and 90 miles south of SA.

 

[Bloomer]

But I work in Victoria (and lived there for about 15 years).

 

[SWUtah]

I just went through the same thing. Could not find anyone in Las Vegas I trusted the beast too. So I did a road trip and had Slee do the OME and step sliders. Wonderful experience to have the pro's at Slee work on my LX. I now know every thing was done right.

 

[Bloomer]

I considered leaving the land cruiser with Slee when I was in Colorado back in August, flying home, and shipping back. Just couldn't work out all the details with my gear, and the trip got more complicated with my son deciding last minute he wanted to go and a friend flying into Colorado (from Chicago) to make the trip with us. Would be great to have Slee do the work (and peace of mind), but hard to justify the cost of shipping now (both ways) and time involved driving back.

 

[Sverige]

Suspension installs are not rocket science. It is hard to screw it up for a professional shop.
If the shop has done other Toyota IFS installs this should be a piece of cake. I would let the local shop do it and save the hassle.

 

[Elijah]

Suspension installs are not rocket science. It is hard to screw it up for a professional shop.
If the shop has done other Toyota IFS installs this should be a piece of cake. I would let the local shop do it and save the hassle.

X2. Sounds like this shop should be fine. And this system actually makes for a pretty simple install.

 

[hoser]

Would like to have a .5 to 1 inch rake with everything installed (and not have to turn the T-bars and realign the front end).

The OME heavy kit is designed for more weight than just a rear bumper and carrier. If that is all the weight you have in the rear and you try and dial in .5 to 1" of rake, I suspect the front end will be way too high.

 

[Bloomer]

Hmm? Already have the kit, so guess I'll just see how it turns out. I guess I can always goto medium springs if needed, and keep the heavies if I ever decide to do a RTT or drawers. I'll do some checking here to get a feel for the right lift height up front for this suspension. Think I read somewhere that 55 mm (droop maybe - ?) is ideal.

Thanks for the vote of confidence on the local shop. He's been doing suspensions and accessories for 17 years so suspect he'll be fine. Having it done locally will also be more convenient. Sure appreciate the thoughts.

Thanks.