vibration after 2-3" lift (1 Viewer)

[Brian Maenpaa]

I recently installed OME lift springs on my 80.

2" inch up front and 3" in the rear so it's level under load. Everything is perfect under load, but when I'm light, I get vibration on the highway decelerating between 60-70 mph. I'm assuming its one of the drive shafts just out of its ideal angle. Also assuming, given that load resolves this, it is the rear shaft. I re-greased both shafts before my last outing, but the issue continues.

Not sure what what I can do to resolve. Unlike larger lifts that include spacers, extensions and adjustable panhard rods, there isn't any equivalent for this small a lift. I did replace the front control arms with ones from Super Pro in AU, that incorporate the 4' caster adjustment, and they're working perfectly.

Any insight would be welcome. I've included a picture in the guise of supporting details, but clearly just vanity.

 

[Mtntopper]

When you did your lift, did you have your driveshafts apart for any reason? If so, the shafts are phased and balanced and have to be put back exactly like they were, with the front and rear u-joints of each shaft in a specific relation to each other.

 

[Brian Maenpaa]

Thanks mtntopper. No, didn't. No other changes...

 

[subzali]

If you have a CDL button, take your front driveshaft off and lock the CDL and drive around with it like that at highway speed. I bet your vibe goes away. You may need to get a double Cardan shaft to solve the vibe. Slee, Tatton, Tom Woods all offer options. You should search the 80 section. This would have received more responses there as well.

 

[Brian Maenpaa]

Thanks Matt, I don't. It's a '96 so the CDL is engaged when placed in Low. Regardless, I'll try isolating the issue by removing the front shaft as you suggest.
Easy enough.

 

[subzali]

There are a couple other ways you can do this. You can plug the hazard switch into the cdl switch location, or you could shift into low, pull the cdl fuse after the cdl is locked, and it will stay locked until you put the fuse back in. Without the cdl locked you won’t be able to go anywhere with either driveshaft removed.

 

[Brian Maenpaa]

I'm grateful for your help, but that's simply not true. I have driven without the front and back impellers on numerous occasion over the years.

Further research revels that this is likely related to the rear castor and resolved with adjustable upper control arms.

 

[subzali]

Ok, I may have overstated it a bit. I’d be concerned about overheating the center diff if driven for an extended period or at high speed/heavy load with a driveshaft missing. I’d rather just lock it and be sure to not be causing any issue.

 

[Brian Maenpaa]

I appreciate you spending the time to help. I'll update after the control arms are installed. Fingers crossed.

 

[Brian Maenpaa]

Replacing the rear upper control arms with adjustable ones completely resolved this. I installed MetalTech 4x4 adjustable and made them 3/8" shorter than factory. I had to remove the locknut to get this done, as they only permitted 3/16" adjustment with it on.

 

[Brian Maenpaa]

Final Post:
I installed sway bar drop shackles in the rear and a panrod drop bracket from Delta

Delta Vehicle Systems - FJ/FZJ80/LX450 Rear Panhard Lift Bracket

Fix your rear end wiggle!

www.deltavs.com

Tracking is a lot better now. No more rear steer!

There was still some vibration up front after I installed the control arms from SuperPro.
I resolved this by purchasing a double-cardan front drive shaft from Tom Woods in UT

Toyota Double Cardan Front Drive Shaft

Toyota CV Front Drive Shaft This will not work for any Toyota trucks that have a solid axle swap (SAS) or a shackle reversal. If you have an (SAS) or shackle reversal please call us. Or if you have something else that is creating a unique set of problems and need a shaft with abnormally high...

4xshaft.com

I also added drop brackets to my sway bar and new bushings.

ICON 1991-1997 80 Series Land Cruiser Front Sway Bar Relocation Kit

Check out Metal Tech 4x4—your home for high end off road parts and accessories, specializing in Toyota. Browse our selection of off road products today.

metaltech4x4.com

It's not perfect, but pert near.

All I wanted was bigger tires! A cautionary tale!

Hope this helps someone else.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Final Post:
I installed sway bar drop shackles in the rear and a panrod drop bracket from Delta

Delta Vehicle Systems - FJ/FZJ80/LX450 Rear Panhard Lift Bracket

Fix your rear end wiggle!

www.deltavs.com

Tracking is a lot better now. No more rear steer!

There was still some vibration up front after I installed the control arms from SuperPro.
I resolved this by purchasing a double-cardan front drive shaft from Tom Woods in UT

Toyota Double Cardan Front Drive Shaft

Toyota CV Front Drive Shaft This will not work for any Toyota trucks that have a solid axle swap (SAS) or a shackle reversal. If you have an (SAS) or shackle reversal please call us. Or if you have something else that is creating a unique set of problems and need a shaft with abnormally high...

4xshaft.com

I also added drop brackets to my sway bar and new bushings.

ICON 1991-1997 80 Series Land Cruiser Front Sway Bar Relocation Kit

Check out Metal Tech 4x4—your home for high end off road parts and accessories, specializing in Toyota. Browse our selection of off road products today.

metaltech4x4.com

It's not perfect, but pert near.

All I wanted was bigger tires! A cautionary tale!

Hope this helps someone else.

You should post in the 80 section as an FYI for the guys who insist on lifting their 80 strictly for aesthetics/mall cruising.