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changing suspension.

Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 10:05 pm
by kevin9044
As im struggling to get original parts for my samurai soft top ive decided to attempt a more serious off roader. Is it a major operation to lift suspension and change from leaf springs to coils? Thanks for any help.

Re: changing suspension.

Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 10:22 pm
by Jordi
Leafs to coils is a major fabrication job and requires a lot of precision.

There are lots of good leaf spring upgrades that can be done easier and cheaper. Very easy to get hold of too.

All depends what you intend to use the SJ for?

Re: changing suspension.

Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 11:11 pm
by donkeychomp
And it's a major structural change so it'll need a new test...

Re: changing suspension.

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 8:46 am
by ROBBIE

Re: changing suspension.

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 10:41 am
by ScottieJ
Is it just me or does it look like the tyres going to get very close to those spring mounts during flex?

If it was me I would go RUF with either 2" lift rear springs, yj rear or hilux front springs on the rear.

Re: changing suspension.

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 4:19 pm
by kevin9044
Had a feeling it might be a bit out of my reach!! Just want to make a good solid little truck thatll go anywhere and mainly just for carrying my kayak..surfboards...fishing gear etc down the beach and maybe a bit of off roading :-) ive had to 2 sj's in the past and got nostalgic and got another just cos i love em!! Always put a smile on my face.

Re: changing suspension.

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 4:42 pm
by ScottieJ
You don't need to do much to an SJ to make it go most places... you can build a very capable SJ on standard suspension if you build it right.

A set of good tyres and you are away.

Fit some lockers and you are laughing, one of the most fun SJs I've driven just had 2" lift springs. 235/75r15 tyres and ARB air lockers front and rear.

I've done loads to my current SJ410 but it's now up for sale and my other sjs are going to built 'quite simple' for my Long wheel base I'm modding it to make it a really good all rounder that is easy to work on and I can probably make it just as capable as my sj410 without as many mods.

RUF
Hilux front springs in the rear
rock lobster transfer box, raised for a flat belly to maximise ground clearance.
Arb locker in the rear (will get a front one as well eventually)
1.6 16v
power steering
virtual lift
33" tyres (dont really need bigger than 31" on an SJ for most things but I like 33s :lol: )

I'm keeping my swb samurai super simple, but it should still tackle all the local green lanes easily enough.

235/75r15s
SU carb on modded inlet.
power steering
410 transfer box
RUF
2" lift springs on the rear
Astra shocks.

Re: changing suspension.

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 4:50 pm
by kevin9044
Thanks ScottieJ
Sounds like im gonna be busy! Ive got to finish welding the floor and sorting body work then its on to the fun stuff. I dont want to spend a fortune but as im putting so much work into it i wanna do it properly. I'll keep an eye out for 2" lift kit then take it from there. Thanks again for the info.

Re: changing suspension.

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 10:01 pm
by donkeychomp
Surf boards? Where do you live? I used to head down to Cornwall with a few mates to go surfing.

Re: changing suspension.

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 10:08 pm
by kevin9044
I live just outside Padstow. The best place ever. Love it here..great surf great people but no racetracks and im still trying to find an offroad place so if anyone can point me in the right thatd be awesome!