easy lift on 97 landcruiser [Archive]

MERCER FABRICATION

11-07-2006, 06:21 PM

my buddy of mine was wondering if theres any way that he can lift his cruiser at all without buying anything, like torsion bars adjustment or somthing else. I'm not sure if it has torsion bars because I've never really looked under it. if this is possible, can someone tell me what to adjust and how much a lift is possible?

uh those >>dont<< have torsion bars. and there is no free lift. he could get a cheap body lift i guess but thats stupid. good shit aint cheap and cheap shit aint good

Valkyrie

11-07-2006, 07:03 PM

uh those have torsion bars. and there is no free lift. he could get a cheap body lift i guess but thats stupid. good shit aint cheap and cheap shit aint good
Shut up foo'.

Valkyrie

11-07-2006, 07:05 PM

my buddy of mine was wondering if theres any way that he can lift his cruiser at all without buying anything, like torsion bars adjustment or somthing else. I'm not sure if it has torsion bars because I've never really looked under it. if this is possible, can someone tell me what to adjust and how much a lift is possible?
Read more, post less.

The 80's are coils sprung front and rear. If your buddy hasn't even looked under his truck he's even stupider than you.

MERCER FABRICATION

11-07-2006, 09:31 PM

oops.. i meant to say ...dont....

MERCER FABRICATION

11-07-2006, 09:38 PM

btw. i never knew texans said "foo"

Valkyrie

11-08-2006, 07:14 AM

The kids here keep me up to date as best they can..

BTW, sorry for coming off like a major dick, I'm usually just an simple asshole. :)

MERCER FABRICATION

11-08-2006, 10:33 PM

oh im used to it belive me. i work construction

CHRINTHEDESTROYER

11-08-2006, 10:52 PM

How much axle reuilding do you have to do to these things Chris? And is OME the best spring option? I would really like to get one o these for my family wheelin rig and there are 3 in the local paper. These things are awesome and I wish they were a little more affordable but with factory lockers front and rear and room for 7 I guess there is a reason

Valkyrie

11-09-2006, 06:12 AM

I did none to mine except repack the birfs (easy) and regear to 4.88 and added ARB's F&R (mine was a 3FE).

They are great. I sold mne because we got a camper and it was a *good* tow rig, but not a *great* tow rig.

I miss that truck....

CHRINTHEDESTROYER

11-09-2006, 06:55 AM

Thanks for the help Chris

Valkyrie

11-09-2006, 07:18 AM

NP.

Forgto to answer the other part of the question... OME rally has the best options for these trucks, from mild to heavy duty use.

If you want to get real radical, you can get close to 6" using the OME "J" springs and repress new castor adjustments into the front control arms. There's a bit more work than that, but it's basically a simple, easy to mod setup.

If you get serious later, give me a hollar- I had evey combination of OME shock & spring on there (except the 6") so I can help you figure out which setup would be best for what you want.

Regeraing to 4.88 (running 33's with a 3FE) made the greatest impact on the truck, but it wasn't easy- for the rear, due to the increased width of the ring gear, you actually have to grind down about 4 teeth on one side and 3 more 180* out for the center pin- kind of nerve wracking grinding on a new gear set. :eek:

It was a blast wheeling it, and very nice driving it... :D

beno

11-09-2006, 01:58 PM

Slee Off-Road has both a 4" lift as well as a true 6" lift that are heavier rated springs. These are great springs and Slee Off Road is a great supplier and supporter of the 80 series LC.

Doing a lift is pretty simple on the 80 series. Swap everything out, put the new ones in.

That said, the higher you go, the more modifications you'll need to make to correct suspension geometry--things like:

1. Extended brake lines (Slee has these)
2. Adjustable front and rear panhards (to center the axle under the vehicles--Slee has these too)
3. Sway bar drops (Slee has these too--though I just took my sway bars off).
4. Bump stops
5. Upper rear control arms to correct rear pinion/xfer case angularity
6. POssibly a front or even rear DC drive shaft to correct for lift.

Good luck.
-onur
Oberlin, OH

KyleT

11-09-2006, 07:56 PM

slee 4" is the easiest way to lift.

JTSDIFFS

11-10-2006, 01:05 PM

sent you a pm

beno

11-10-2006, 01:06 PM

slee 4" is the easiest way to lift.

A Slee 4" is not the easiest lift for the 80 series.

The Slee 4" requires significant suspension geometry adjustments to make it work right.

An "easy" lift would be the OME 2.5" medium or heavy lift option.

This requires little to no suspension modifications beyond the springs/shocks.

Another easy way to lift an 80 series is to throw some bigger tires underneath it.

285/75/16's work well, as do 305/70/16. Some have even fitted 315's underneath their rigs with stock suspension (you will rub).

KyleT

11-10-2006, 11:30 PM

Valkyrie

11-11-2006, 06:20 AM

You do not need caster correction for under 3" of lift.

Why does everyone insist on bending over and handing their wallets to Slee? I'll never understand...

stu

11-11-2006, 02:10 PM

You do not need caster correction for under 3" of lift.

Why does everyone insist on bending over and handing their wallets to Slee? I'll never understand...

What other companies sell lifts of the same height that are comprehensive?

itsmeagain5789

11-11-2006, 07:07 PM

do they just have spacers for these things, he's really just going for cheapness and looks. he doesnt need a 4 inch lift. 2.5 inches is good for him, but ome is still pretty pricy for theirs.

Valkyrie

11-12-2006, 07:18 AM

do they just have spacers for these things, he's really just going for cheapness and looks. he doesnt need a 4 inch lift. 2.5 inches is good for him, but ome is still pretty pricy for theirs.
Spacers ? Pricey? JFC it's only $60 a spring and $60 a shock, which is pretty damn cheap.

Your buddy really is an idiot, quit hanging around with him if he won't listen.

If he's that much of a broke-dick dumbass, sell the Cruiser and fuck up a cheap POS truck... like an S-10.

beno

11-12-2006, 02:26 PM

do they just have spacers for these things, he's really just going for cheapness and looks. he doesnt need a 4 inch lift. 2.5 inches is good for him, but ome is still pretty pricy for theirs.

You can have spacers machined locally for a reasonable price, but as the saying going, if you want to play, you have to pay.

The OME will be the easiest and cheapest in the long run.

beno

11-12-2006, 02:31 PM

You do not need caster correction for under 3" of lift.

Why does everyone insist on bending over and handing their wallets to Slee? I'll never understand...

I don't agree with this.

Even with a 3" lift or less you are going to get some dive as well as some skittishness in the rig especially at highway speeds.

Granted, it won't be crazy wandering, but it will be considerable.

The OME bushings are worth the price, IMHO, for correct suspension geometry of a DD'ed vehicle.

That said, I give my money to Slee because:

1. They have a great product that is well-researched and tested. Not many in this country who know the 80 series cruiser as well as Christo and Ben.

2. They give excellent customer support: call them anytime if you have any problem with products that you ahve received from them. They bend over backwards to help you correct your issue. That to me is very important. Most companies don't know what "real" customer service is. Christo does and he stands behind his products 100%.

3. Christo supports the Land Cruiser community. He is a vital member providing important technical information on many different boards, most especially ih8mud.

4. He's a hell of a nice guy and he is an honest businessman. Those are important in my book.

So, if you'll never understand then I guess it would behoove you to not talk about a business you don't deal with.

Best.
-onur
oberlin, OH

beno

11-12-2006, 02:34 PM

the ome does not come with caster correction last time i checked, which in my opinion is needed at any amount of lift on a LC. slee is 100 percent bolt on and doesnt need anything but bigger tires. im not knocking OME by any means.

This is not correct and Christo would argue against you on this.

You need considerable changes to make the Slee 4" or 6" to work.

Give Christo a buzz and he'll explain it to you if you don't believe me....

But yes, caster correction is needed on any amount of lift if the truck is to operate well.

Best.
-onur
Oberlin, OH

Valkyrie

11-12-2006, 03:57 PM

I don't agree with this.

Even with a 3" lift or less you are going to get some dive as well as some skittishness in the rig especially at highway speeds.

Granted, it won't be crazy wandering, but it will be considerable.

Bullshit... I guarantee you. Don't repeat what you hear, because it isn't right- and you don't know what you're talking about. I have experience backing me up.

Valkyrie

11-12-2006, 03:59 PM

But yes, caster correction is needed on any amount of lift if the truck is to operate well.
Please stop repeating this. Just because you opened your wallet doesn't make you an expert...

beno

11-13-2006, 12:00 AM

Bullshit... I guarantee you. Don't repeat what you hear, because it isn't right- and you don't know what you're talking about. I have experience backing me up.

Then, I'd like for you to come and drive my truck with J's and 1.5" spacers up front and OME trim packers in the rear.

With the OME caster correction bushings, I still have wandering at highway speeds and some dive at braking.

I don't know what's bothering you but there is no reason to use curse words or be antagonistic.

You are truly representing your homestate of Texas well.

:rolleyes:

This has been documented time and again and to tell someone who hasn't lifted an 80 before that everything will be fine is flat out lying.

Best regards.
-onur
Oberlin, OH

beno

11-13-2006, 12:05 AM

Please stop repeating this. Just because you opened your wallet doesn't make you an expert...

So you are telling me that changing the suspension geometry from stock to anything else will not have any effect on the drivability of a vehicle, let alone the caster?

I think that you have been fed some misinformation.

Changing geometries from stock thus makes the original configuration different....correct?

This is intuitive beyond the fact of being correct.

I don't know what your problem is but if you do a simple search over at MUD in the 80's section there are tons and tons of threads....and not just ones that Christo has replied to...there are many experts (and I'm no where near that) that argue for a equal adjustment of suspension points when lift has been done on a vehicle.

So, you have never opened your wallet to a vendor or to someone that provides you with a service?

I think you are being disingenuous.

Best.
-onur
Oberlin, OH

Valkyrie

11-13-2006, 06:44 AM

Then, I'd like for you to come and drive my truck with J's and 1.5" spacers up front and OME trim packers in the rear.

With the OME caster correction bushings, I still have wandering at highway speeds and some dive at braking.

I don't know what's bothering you but there is no reason to use curse words or be antagonistic.

You are truly representing your homestate of Texas well.

:rolleyes:

This has been documented time and again and to tell someone who hasn't lifted an 80 before that everything will be fine is flat out lying.

Best regards.
-onur
Oberlin, OH
First off, don't change the subject when you are caught.

Firstoff, I didn't say "everything would be fine" so stop fabricating things.

You said "Even with a 3" lift or less you are going to get some dive as well as some skittishness in the rig especially at highway speeds."

That is not true because that does not have to happen. If you use OME light, med or heavies (about 2" in real world) you will have no need for castor correction.

When you come back with 3" springs and a 1..5" spacer, well no duh...

As far as representing Texas, well if straight, no nonsense talk that is true and based on experience is what you were referring to, I'll take that as a compliment.

Valkyrie

11-13-2006, 06:52 AM

So you are telling me that changing the suspension geometry from stock to anything else will not have any effect on the drivability of a vehicle, let alone the caster?

I think that you have been fed some misinformation.

Changing geometries from stock thus makes the original configuration different....correct?

This is intuitive beyond the fact of being correct.

I don't know what your problem is but if you do a simple search over at MUD in the 80's section there are tons and tons of threads....and not just ones that Christo has replied to...there are many experts (and I'm no where near that) that argue for a equal adjustment of suspension points when lift has been done on a vehicle.

So, you have never opened your wallet to a vendor or to someone that provides you with a service?

I think you are being disingenuous.

Best.
-onur
Oberlin, OH

1. I never said that it didn't affect driveability
2. I have done suspension mods on every type of Toyota you can name

My remark wasn't that I've never paid someone, it's that because YOU paid (i.e. did none of the work) YOU are not instantly the knowledge base YOU are pretending to be... based on both the "quality" of your information and the fact that by your own admission your overpriced hackneyed suspension setup you are so proud of sucks.

You may have the last word, I am not letting you drag me down any more. One more for the ignore list....

beno

11-13-2006, 07:18 AM

1. I never said that it didn't affect driveability
2. I have done suspension mods on every type of Toyota you can name

My remark wasn't that I've never paid someone, it's that because YOU paid (i.e. did none of the work) YOU are not instantly the knowledge base YOU are pretending to be... based on both the "quality" of your information and the fact that by your own admission your overpriced hackneyed suspension setup you are so proud of sucks.

You may have the last word, I am not letting you drag me down any more. One more for the ignore list....

I'm very impressed by your experience. You are obviously a Toyota suspension expert. I have a lot to learn from you. I look forward to you sharing your technical expertise.

Be that as it may, I do all my own work. As you can see, Christo is in Golden, CO and I am in Oberlin, OH. I think UPS is cheaper for me to get my parts rather than driving out to CO.

Currently, I am doing a birfield job on a 92 here in Akron.

Too bad your attitude will gain you no friends but only people you place on your "ignore list."

Here are all of my threads that I've started where I've done all the work....in fact, the only thing that Mr. Toy has done is install a new OEM cat. back because they warranty it for the life of the vehicle.

Peruse at your leisure:

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=115052

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=103712

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=107143

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=104583

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=104399

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=101346

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=91228

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=50902

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=62114

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=54068

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=50203

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=40856

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=39610

Valkyrie

11-13-2006, 05:15 PM

Onur, it's not a matter of looking for internet friends, it's about the right information. I'm not an expert, nor do I profess to be one, but I know what I know from doing it myself.

You and I will agree to disagree that castor correction is needed for a 2.5" lift... I can live with that. Would it hurt? Absolutley not... especially given the age of the factory pieces and the probability that the vehicle will be wheeled hard. But neccesary? Hardly... the minute change that *might* result is not worth the cost and labor of the presswork IMO.

I wasn't real upset about the difference of opinion, it's the way you stated it, which sounded like someone parroting what they had heard.

If you like to do it when you work on rigs, fine. My reaction would have been a little tamer if you mentioned from the outset that you actually wrenched on them. :D

The crap about Texas was just stupid...

No worries here, I'll still winch you out and we'll have a beer.

Just how long does it take you to do Birf job anyways? :p

SuperPoser

11-13-2006, 07:15 PM

2. I have done suspension mods on every type of Toyota you can name

how much lift is possible on a rav4 and keep highway drivability?

Valkyrie

11-13-2006, 07:33 PM

how much lift is possible on a rav4 and keep highway drivability?
What year is your Rav4? ;)

SuperPoser

11-13-2006, 08:16 PM

don't have one yet...
I am starting to look for a cheap used rav4 for a daily driver/work truck (however rav4's don't seem to be as cheap as I would like...)
I am mainly looking at the later '90s models...
any specific year you would suggest?
thanks,
Mike

Valkyrie

11-13-2006, 08:30 PM

In all seriousness, OME made a few sets of one off suspensions (and ARB made little safari bars) for the 1st gens, but I doubt they are available any more- inexplicably, the Rav never took off as an "off road" vehicle. :)

The old ones only went up about an inch IIRC.

I always thought that a 1st gen open top would be great on a Sammi frame... :D

itsmeagain5789

11-13-2006, 08:39 PM

If he's that much of a broke-dick dumbass, sell the Cruiser and fuck up a cheap POS truck... like an S-10.

haha, he has an s-10 thats what he drove before he got the cruiser

Valkyrie

11-13-2006, 08:41 PM

Holy Cow! :D

SuperPoser

11-13-2006, 08:44 PM

Valkyrie

11-13-2006, 08:57 PM

LOL! That's what they're built for!

It only hurts the first time...

SuperPoser

11-13-2006, 10:37 PM

true true ;o)

beno

11-14-2006, 10:50 AM

Just how long does it take you to do Birf job anyways? :p

On the trail, about 2 hrs., give or take depending on the terrain.

In my garage, 10-12 which includes painting all of the parts, a full cleaning of all of the parts with wire wheel and parts clearner, and dismantling of the birf. from the inner axles and swapping sides.

The 92 is for a customer. I've got three more friggin birf. jobs to do in the next month.... :( My back is gonna be a aching.....

Best.
-onur

Thunderwolfe

11-14-2006, 02:55 PM

uh those >>dont<< have torsion bars. and there is no free lift. he could get a cheap body lift i guess but thats stupid. good shit aint cheap and cheap shit aint good

Ya could put a phonebook in the seat :p

99TanTaco

11-14-2006, 06:25 PM

thanks for the info ;o)
I'm too noobie to wheel sami's... this is what happens when I get ahold of a sami...
http://thumb2.webshots.net/t/64/64/6/40/61/2516640610043354482VdjKFe_th.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2516640610043354482VdjKFe)
Ha, that was a fun day.

How about a Geo Tracker / Suzuki Sidekick those go pretty cheap and have body on frame construction and low range, I don't think Rav4's have either of those. Or is that still to much vehicle for you :rolleyes:

SuperPoser

11-14-2006, 07:59 PM

Ha, that was a fun day.

How about a Geo Tracker / Suzuki Sidekick those go pretty cheap and have body on frame construction and low range, I don't think Rav4's have either of those. Or is that still to much vehicle for you :rolleyes:
yupo, you krawled up that hill I was trying to jump with the taco... very nice!!!

perhaps a tracker/sidekick... but who knows...
I would pay more for a rav4 than a tracker... just me...

also wondering about the crv, amego and sportage on this note :dunno:

I guess I don;t need one... I am just trying to be lazy and not have to change tires all the time... :rofl:

andale

12-07-2006, 11:14 AM

FYI - OME 2.5 (or 2 inch if you want to be accurate) does affect caster (factory is between 2 and 4 degrees, mine is running 1.4 and 1 after the lift). I can tell you without speaking to experts that this is the case. OME offers caster correction bushings, and I'm installing my bushings this month.

Not correcting this makes the truck wander at high speed, but if that does not bother you then yeah, I wouldn't spend the extra hundred bucks to fix it.