Topic: 5" flexible upgrade install, leaf springs

[4x4yota]

in that pic the trck is flexed and this side is droped... you can see the other side is compressed and the shackle is almost flat

[hilux-1983 [OP]]

No problem dntsdad. I started this thread for questions just like that. I welcome any questions. I don't claim to "know it all". I just want to help in any way I can. 4x4yota is right in what he stated. You can see the ride height angle pretty good on one of the side pics that I posted. I just went out and checked the actual angle that I'm running. With my angle finder, I'm right at 50 degrees right now. I'm more comfortable with 60 degrees. I feel 45 degrees is too much. I have 5" shackle plates. I will be changing to 5.5" to get that 60 degrees and a better pinion angle. This is just my opinion and my feeling only. I DD my truck 90% of the time 80-100 miles a day. On another note, I got some parts today. I'll fill ya"ll in tomorrow and pics too.

[4x4yota]

sounds good. how are you liking the spring? and what did you get?

[hilux-1983 [OP]]

sounds good. how are you liking the spring? and what did you get?

I really like the springs. I wish I would have known about these springs many moons ago.
I got these:

2-1985 front slip yoke ends from 2 rear drive shafts. You can see the difference in length. 79-84 and 85+


1.5" and 2" - 3/8" thick tubing for the long slip drive shaft(front)


In this pic, you can see how much more the 85+ end flexes/bends than the 79-83 end does.


I'll be posting pics and info telling and showing the measurements and different specs on the both of these stock ends.

[4x4yota]

I took 2 of those female splines and cut on and welded it to the other and made a longer driveshaft for the front on my truck now I just need to do the same with the male splines

[hilux-1983 [OP]]

I took 2 of those female splines and cut on and welded it to the other and made a longer driveshaft for the front on my truck now I just need to do the same with the male splines

Got any clear pics of that?

[4x4yota]

here is a current pic dont have any of the build

[hilux-1983 [OP]]

Hmmm, never thought of that......

[4x4yota]

its works great I get longer slip for cheap and its still rides smooth

[hilux-1983 [OP]]

I put a ruler in the pics this time so you can see the difference in size:
79-83, not sure if 84 is included, can someone chime in and verify this? thanks


85+


79-83




85+

[hilux-1983 [OP]]

I started out by installing the ends to the t-case flange and the diff flange. The bolt holes are different. I bought drilled flanges for the t-case. I will be drilling the holes for the flanges on the diff due to me not wanting to take the flange nut off and changing the pre-load. I then welded a piece of angle iron to the two shafts to get actual length and angle. This way I could make all of my measurements and cuts from the bench instead of having to go under the truck with a measuring tape a bunch of times.


Keep in mind to "phase" both ends. I know it wasn't important to do it here but, it helped me remember to do it when it came time to weld them up the final time.

[80YOTA4X4]

Hell Just finish burning it in and run it like that. What could go wrong?

[hilux-1983 [OP]]

Hell Just finish burning it in and run it like that. What could go wrong?

Heck, your only seeing half of what was built. The other half of the angle iron is on the I-10 somewhere when in let go. I'll try it again and see what happens:) By the way, I've got one heck of a vibration in 4wd now:(

[4x4yota]

Heck, your only seeing half of what was built. The other half of the angle iron is on the I-10 somewhere when in let go. I'll try it again and see what happens:) By the way, I've got one heck of a vibration in 4wd now:(

I think the vibs might be coming from the black spot on your shock

[prerunnerrunner]

 Its about time you make your own front shaft. Get that thing down here so we can wheel.

[hilux-1983 [OP]]

Its about time you make your own front shaft. Get that thing down here so we can wheel.

Aint quite done. Almost

[hilux-1983 [OP]]

Here's the length at ride height


Had to grind a notch/slot where the seam goes from the bigger tube. Ground all 4 sides just a smidge to make it slide nice and purdy like. EDIT. I forgot to add that I got this idea from Prerunnerrunner.




I measured and marked, in 1 inch increments, so when I take it out on it's maiden voyage, I will be able to see how much droop and compression I have. I marked the metal with permanent marker, I hope it comes off.

[hilux-1983 [OP]]

Before and after cut


This is what it will look like at ride height. I started out with 4" of compression. But, like I said before, I wont know exactly what I need in compression until I take it out and twist her all up and take a look.

[4x4yota]

looking good... have to let me kmow how those ujoints work Ive been looking to do the same (get rid of my cardon)

[hilux-1983 [OP]]

Getting rid of the cardan joint helps with the angle too. I just need to weld it up now. Hopefully I'll have the time this weekend.

[Gixxer Jon]

Looks good so have you taken it out yet and tested it?

[redyotarunner]

Have you tested this yet and are you going to run a HP housing or leave it stock?

[4x4yota]

hows it working for you?

[hilux-1983 [OP]]

It works great! Even at full droop. No binding at all. The only problem is that I did not center it "perfectly" on one end so it does start vibrating at about 10mph. I plan on taking  it off this weekend and try and re-center it. But, as far as getting me where I NEED to go (under 10mph) it gets the job done. I've got plenty of pics to post, I've just been busy with school and can't spend too much time on here lately. Thanks for asking ya'll.  Oh, I did not use the cardan joint and I'm SURE this set up is the cheapest way to go. At this point, with no binding at full droop or when stuffed, there wont be any need for a "high angle driveline or HP 3rd member". I intended this build to have all or most of the info for someone that has never done it before. So that when it's attempted that there wouldn't be too many surprises.  Note: I do intend on buying a balanced shaft when I save the $$$. It's not on the top of my NEED list right now. Plus, now I can say that I too have made my own front Square D-shaft.

[loctupdave]

Eager to see how you turn out with the drive line. I have a 5 inch lift setup coming from Trail Gear. The setup is for a 1983.

[hilux-1983 [OP]]

Eager to see how you turn out with the drive line. I have a 5 inch lift setup coming from Trail Gear. The setup is for a 1983.

Is there any info that you need that I didn't post? From my last post, all I have to do is cut and re-weld to center it the best I can. I'm not gonna have time now since my instructor surprised us with a big ol test on monday. I only have time to study and thats it. But, like I said in the last post. It works great, just needs to be centered. If you have any other questions I can try to answer them for ya.

[illtuned_hilux]

Great thread! Thanks!

[808derek]

subscribed. i love your truck, and really like the look of it with the AT tires. keep up the good work and the very helpful info

[81yotalove]

hey rob i saw you driving on i 10 on wednesday. the truck looks awesome. keep up the good work.

[hilux-1983 [OP]]

hey rob i saw you driving on i 10 on wednesday. the truck looks awesome. keep up the good work.

Thanks. I still haven't re-sealed the front axle. I'll still call you when I finally get to it. PM me your cel. My phone crashed and lost all of my contacts.