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FINALLY GOT RAISED LEAFS INSTALLED!

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SamMu93
Posts: 119
Joined: Sun Apr 19, 2015 4:19 am

FINALLY GOT RAISED LEAFS INSTALLED!

Post by SamMu93 »

It has been a long time coming for this mod to become a reality!
I decided to get my Mu raised with new leaf springs about 2/3 months ago, few issues along the way but today I got my new Dobinson raised leafs installed...
I had done a bunch of reading on the in's and outs of the results but now I come to the next step of sorting out the pogo like front suspension - the front had the torsion bars cranked up and ball joints flipped (not really flipped but you understand).
The rear is stiff and I assume that will soften within a short period of time.
The front will need some extra work done- It is 10mm lower than the rear and this means the rear can settle but also it means I have a few mm of travel in the front!
I have been told about 2 options to soften the front:
1: Install new heavy duty torsion bars ($500 pair quoted)
2: Install ball joint spaces (cheaper)

Currently the front is basically on the bump stop so my downward travel is virtually nill...!

I have been told that if I get the spacer installed, it will soften the front since the torsion can be unwound... is that true?

Now this is where you lot come in - what are your thoughts on the pros and cons of each option??
...$10 says Geeves will be the first to respond to this!
SamMu93
Posts: 119
Joined: Sun Apr 19, 2015 4:19 am

Re: FINALLY GOT RAISED LEAFS INSTALLED!

Post by SamMu93 »

Some pics of the results
isuzurob
Posts: 480
Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 3:25 am

Re: FINALLY GOT RAISED LEAFS INSTALLED!

Post by isuzurob »

They are tall leaves but at least you got it sorted, ball joint spacers work but will put alot more load on your cvs, you need to lower your front diff and fit smaller top bump stops on the top arms, i use 10-18mm bump stops, fitting heavier torsion bars will give it a harder ride and not flex as well if you are going to do serious 4x4ing
SamMu93
Posts: 119
Joined: Sun Apr 19, 2015 4:19 am

Re: FINALLY GOT RAISED LEAFS INSTALLED!

Post by SamMu93 »

There goes $10...
How hard is it to lower the front diff?
So either I'll eat up CV's with spacers or it'll ride like a jack hammer with heavy duty torsions?
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geeves
Posts: 1980
Joined: Mon May 11, 2009 1:56 am

Re: FINALLY GOT RAISED LEAFS INSTALLED!

Post by geeves »

Try low profile bump stops first. Up travel is really more useful on road as off road the low speeds allow the suspension to drop on the high side rather than push up the low. At high speeds the wheel gets pushed up.
I have seen a nice urathane button at hut city auto parts that should bolt straight in
Avoid lots of power when turning and the cvs should be ok. I do still have a couple of spares here you can have.
Lowering diff. There are a couple of posts here about cutting the mounts and rewelding to be lower but that requires very good welding skills. You can also put 20mm spacers on top of the mounts to get a useful drop.
Only missed your bet by a couple of hours
SamMu93
Posts: 119
Joined: Sun Apr 19, 2015 4:19 am

Re: FINALLY GOT RAISED LEAFS INSTALLED!

Post by SamMu93 »

Mint, I'll grab those low profile bump stops if they are up for grabs!
I want it to be softer, or should I say, it NEEDS to be softer in the front. With that in mind should I go for a ball joint spacer, low profile upper bump stop and unwind torsions a tad??

Dont really want to loose the front height but its not much use if it doesnt articulate and rides like shit round town!

Cheers!
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geeves
Posts: 1980
Joined: Mon May 11, 2009 1:56 am

Re: FINALLY GOT RAISED LEAFS INSTALLED!

Post by geeves »

I didnt have the bump stoips Id just seen them for sale but not expensive
If its still no good after the bump stops done you might have to space the uppper ball joint but that will mean doing the wheel alignment again. If you make a spacer copy the mount on the ball joint but it should be tapered
isuzurob
Posts: 480
Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 3:25 am

Re: FINALLY GOT RAISED LEAFS INSTALLED!

Post by isuzurob »

my trucks have just over 50mm lift in the front with cut factory bump stops (they are cheap) if you make ball joint spacers try find some old ball joints and just cut them they make 10mm spacers, it will ride much better with bump stops cut or new ones fitted, just watch your cvs when off road
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geeves
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Joined: Mon May 11, 2009 1:56 am

Re: FINALLY GOT RAISED LEAFS INSTALLED!

Post by geeves »

I will try and have a look tomorrow to see how many spare cvs I have. I kepts aquireing them but never broke one (some of them are pretty worn though
SamMu93
Posts: 119
Joined: Sun Apr 19, 2015 4:19 am

Re: FINALLY GOT RAISED LEAFS INSTALLED!

Post by SamMu93 »

Oh my mistake Geeves, thought you were talking about the upper bump stop.
So it sounds like if I start by cutting the bump stops before I look at any ball joint spacers!

Quite surprised that cutting the bump stops will soften the front? Or it doesnt soften it, it will give you some more drop down travel??
Im guessing the only way to actually soften the front is to unwind the torsions?

Cheers for all your comments guys.
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