Author Topic: 5" flexible upgrade install, leaf springs (Read 32372 times)

hilux-1983 · « **on:** Jan 05, 2010, 10:25:48 PM »

Here's what I got and now it's time to install em:

EDIT: I know this is a straight forward spring swap, re-positioning mounts for the springs, re-positioning the steering gearbox etc..... for a lot of you out there. I'm posting this as a help to anyone needing a step-by-step(almost) succession how-to for anyone that hasn't done it before.

lownlinked85 · « **Reply #1 on:** Jan 06, 2010, 05:51:38 PM »

what brand of springs are those?

axled89 · « **Reply #2 on:** Jan 06, 2010, 06:31:38 PM »

88_Pathy · « **Reply #3 on:** Jan 06, 2010, 08:15:28 PM »

Marlin

hilux-1983 · « **Reply #4 on:** Jan 06, 2010, 08:26:07 PM »

Quote from: UnderConstructionProject 85 on Jan 06, 2010, 05:51:38 PM

what brand of springs are those?

Hopefully most of you will understand my explaination. It came down to economics instead of loyalty. I feel bad for going to another company just because they had a sale on these. From what I can tell, they come from the same manufacture. The springs are stamped with the same exact markings from Marlin and the company I bought these from. Besides the awesome sale, I saved on shipping since I was going to my inlaws for CHRISTmas and newyear's, I took a little detour to Hemet, CA(All-Pro) in route to Victorville, CA. In the end, I ended up saving about $200.00 + dollars. Now that I've groveled for forgiveness, on to the installation.....

83 Crawler · « **Reply #5 on:** Jan 06, 2010, 08:31:49 PM »

so what brand are they?

lownlinked85 · « **Reply #6 on:** Jan 06, 2010, 08:39:02 PM »

he said they are all pro

hilux-1983 · « **Reply #7 on:** Jan 06, 2010, 08:41:51 PM »

I started with installing the rears 1st. These are what I had( 2" blocks and worn out 4"springs)

Theres nooo comparison to the quality

This is a measurment from the top of the axle tube to the bottom of the "limiting block" with the springs and the weight of the truck

Used a plumb-bob to show where the center pin is to stay at

Look ma, all gone

83 Crawler · « **Reply #8 on:** Jan 06, 2010, 08:42:46 PM »

i guess i didnt catch that.

hilux-1983 · « **Reply #9 on:** Jan 06, 2010, 09:05:01 PM »

Removing the fuel tank is a must. Can barely see it in the pic.

Bolted the springs to the axle. Yes, for those of you that point it out, I DID cut the looooong u-bolts. Eventhough I got all of this on sale, I ran out of money. So needless to say I re-used the stock plates and cut the u-bolts to fit. I'll be ordering flip kits in the near future.

Positioned the front hangers and tacked into position.

hilux-1983 · « **Reply #10 on:** Jan 06, 2010, 09:23:05 PM »

In position before putting the full weight on the springs

Used the jack to raise the axle to get the full weight on the springs.

View of the shackle angle with the weight on the springs. The mount is still in it's stock location. I'm gonna leave it there and possibly move it back some after the springs settle a bit. I'm happy with it. I welded the bee-jee-beez outta the front mount and called it a day.

Because of the natural movement geometry of the springs, the axle is moved rearward about 1/2 of an inch when the springs are in there "natural" state with the weight of the truck on them.

As you can see in this pic, I'm showing more slip yoke than I used to. An inch more to be accurate. I didn't take a pic of the before position so just take my word for it.

hilux-1983 · « **Reply #11 on:** Jan 07, 2010, 12:09:17 PM »

Flexin out on the 1st test run. I dont even feel the rear end flexin back and forth anymore. It's cool to see the articulation that I didn't have before. The tires rub on the frame now. I'm installing 1.5" wheel spacers to fix that. I just got a good deal on both sets for $80.00 from a guy on craigslist. It will droop more if the shocks were disconected. I'm gonna re-position them on the top of the axle tube later. The rear rides way smooth too. I'll start on the fronts this weekend. Here's a few pics from different angles

Nihal · « **Reply #12 on:** Jan 09, 2010, 04:06:29 AM »

Hi,

Thats a clean looking job you have done and nice work

Please do post pics when your doing the front springs, as I am also just about to order my 4" springs and very keen to see how and also maybe have a few questions.

Keep up the good work

Regards

Nihal

prerunnerrunner · « **Reply #13 on:** Jan 09, 2010, 04:32:37 PM »

Dang, springs look good bro. Now all you need to do is post some pics of those front hangers all welded up. Next time you come to Cali we need to do some wheelin.

80YOTA4X4 · « **Reply #14 on:** Jan 09, 2010, 07:40:17 PM »

Looks good bro. Those springs look exactly like the marlin springs I got. Only mine are the 4" springs and say 33 where yours says 35. My springs have a sticker saying Made in India. I have a spare marlin front shackle kit if you end up needing it.

hilux-1983 · « **Reply #15 on:** Jan 09, 2010, 10:15:18 PM »

Quote from: 80YOTA4X4 on Jan 09, 2010, 07:40:17 PM

Looks good bro. Those springs look exactly like the marlin springs I got. Only mine are the 4" springs and say 33 where yours says 35. My springs have a sticker saying Made in India. I have a spare marlin front shackle kit if you end up needing it.

I just may need them. PM me what you want for them.

Quote from: prerunnerrunner on Jan 09, 2010, 04:32:37 PM

Dang, springs look good bro. Now all you need to do is post some pics of those front hangers all welded up. Next time you come to Cali we need to do some wheelin.

Thanks. I will, soon...

Quote from: Nihal on Jan 09, 2010, 04:06:29 AM

Hi,Thats a clean looking job you have done and nice work
Please do post pics when your doing the front springs, as I am also just about to order my 4" springs and very keen to see how and also maybe have a few questions.
Keep up the good work
Regards
Nihal

Thank you. I'll post as many as I can

80YOTA4X4 · « **Reply #16 on:** Jan 10, 2010, 08:33:42 PM »

Here is what I will be bringing tomorrow

hilux-1983 · « **Reply #17 on:** Jan 10, 2010, 10:30:59 PM »

I got all of the front torn out and prepped for installing the front springs, hangar and shackles. Ran into a few hiccups. I'll be posting pics and "the rest of the story" tomorrow.

YotaNate · « **Reply #18 on:** Jan 11, 2010, 05:46:56 AM »

Looking good Hilux! With any luck i'll be doing this arround March so i'm eagerly awaiting "The rest of the story" !

Nate

Nihal · « **Reply #19 on:** Jan 11, 2010, 06:19:26 AM »

Yes it is looking good

and I am also waiting to do mine after ordering in Feb

Remember the pics Hilux

Tks

Nihal

hilux-1983 · « **Reply #20 on:** Jan 11, 2010, 07:23:49 PM »

I started by dropping the front part of the leaf springs and leaving the rest of the system still connected just so that I wouldn't have stuff falling all over the place. Just my preference.

I used a cutting wheel to cut off the front hangars. Then ground everything flat and prepped the metal for welding.

Centered the front hangar and the frame where it is to be mounted and welded

80YOTA4X4 · « **Reply #21 on:** Jan 11, 2010, 09:07:37 PM »

Com on man! That's all you got done today. Welding on a front spring hanger? We should be seeing action pics by now.

just kidding. You will have to come check out my truck in person sometime and let me check your truck out at the same time. When we both get our trucks done we will have to plan a wheeling trip.

axled89 · « **Reply #22 on:** Jan 11, 2010, 09:14:13 PM »

looks good man!

zr2runner · « **Reply #23 on:** Jan 11, 2010, 09:43:12 PM »

i like it!!!....... you have to come out wheeling when i get my 4runner done!

hilux-1983 · « **Reply #24 on:** Jan 12, 2010, 10:12:16 PM »

Got 95% of it done today. I took it out for a drive and now I'm going to bed. I'll post more tomorrow. Nite, Nite......

axled89 · « **Reply #25 on:** Jan 12, 2010, 10:22:25 PM »

more pics more pics.

86bobbedtoy · « **Reply #26 on:** Jan 12, 2010, 11:28:29 PM »

Quote from: axled89 on Jan 12, 2010, 10:22:25 PM

more pics more pics.

x2

jss · « **Reply #27 on:** Jan 13, 2010, 04:53:16 PM »

Looks good bro. Those springs look exactly like the marlin springs I got. Only mine are the 4" springs and say 33 where yours says 35. My springs have a sticker saying Made in India. I have a spare marlin front shackle kit if you end up needing it

So ok, this may sound loopy but I'm tryin to figure out what I got in a 85 4runner I bought last summer. If the 4" springs say 33 on them, and the 5" springs say 35 on them; then I'm guessing the springs I got that say 37 on them is like a 6" lift and I just measured my shackles and they measure 7" from bolt to bolt. So from the spring plate to the bottom of my frame measures like 14 1/2" correct me if I'm wrong thats pretty damn tall. Because with my top on it's pretty tippy. What are most of yall runnin spring wise with 35x12.50x15 tires or even 37s. I think I need to shrink a bit, any info will be appreciated..

hilux-1983 · « **Reply #28 on:** Jan 13, 2010, 09:32:49 PM »

Finally got some time to do some updating. You can see how far forward the axle has moved

Shackle angle with the weight on the springs

I cut the supports as close as possible so that I could re-weld them to the hangar

YotaNate · « **Reply #29 on:** Jan 13, 2010, 09:46:53 PM »

Looking good Hilux! Nice write up to, for us first time cut/welders the pics will help allot! I'm curious why you got rid of you stock front bumper and cherry valance (or whatever we call the sheet metal below the bumper)? Does the front spring hanger require getting rid of that piece?

Nate

hilux-1983 [OP]

hilux-1983 [OP]

hilux-1983 [OP]

hilux-1983 [OP]

hilux-1983 [OP]

hilux-1983 [OP]

hilux-1983 [OP]

hilux-1983 [OP]

hilux-1983 [OP]

hilux-1983 [OP]

Related Topics