i had some springs that were already chopped from my parts truck. with my current rims they fit like this and didnt rub much, with seemingly good suspension travel.


was in total about a 3in drop


stock springs


was about 3 coils


i also removed the lower bump stop striker bracket thingy. have about a 1in of clearance from the control arm to the bump stop, plan on cutting the bump stop in half to get 2in more of travel.
note: one of the bolts for this thing holds the ball joint on. a exhaust stud nut is perfect for the bolts that come out.

 

turns out 14x6 rims with 195/60's will clear in the wheel well with no springs and it almost lays frame


handy clearance view hole


or at least it almost lays crossemember, nothing is actually touching. the tie rod n sway bar are connected.



and after driving about 20mi on the freeways i get no tire rub.

i did roll the fenders. if you dont know how to do it watch this video. ya i know its not in english, but if you cant figure it out after watching this you shouldnt be doing it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDTK9IjKIYU&feature=channel_page

i did here a odd "bottoming out" type sound that made me think i forgot a bolt. on further inspection the sway bar end is hitting the x-mem. gonna tackle that tomorrow.

and here is a couple night shots to tide you over till tomorrow.

 

As usual, I admire your ball-out approach.

 

Old skewl chop N drop. . . Thats great stuff there . . . Thou' not for the faint of heart its still kewl . . .

 

Thats turning out to be a sexy ride man.

 

here are some daytime pics to chew on while i go do the back and F with the exhaust.




full crank







here is the spot where its rubbing on the sway bar (look for the rub mark above the end on the xmem)



im now thinking im gonna trim the sway bar end mount a lil bit and mount the sway bar under the control arm. the PO of the parts truck cut away the xmem. this is going to be a functional daily driver, i really dont want to cut anything if i dont have to. i may just make a spacer so i dont have to cut anything.

after i move the sway bar ill test drive it to decide if im gonna trim the bump stops. there is only -1in there so it may drive ok or may not. we'll see.

 

you find me something i can bolt on in the front and ill stop macguyvering


i cant find even new oem springs for this or my wagon (same suspension) to save my life. only 1 manufacturer makes ball joints for em and nobody makes the #1-3 parts. and i really need a full bushing kit on this truck bad.

 

Feel your pain on not finding parts...

Had to order some replacement fenders for me 76, registered a 77 cause the late production month,
from Canada. Shipping ran me more than fenders did and I am going to have to do some straitening and hammering to get a small dent out.

I think i have spent more money on two 2003 neon seats and two old but not too rusted fenders ,just surface rusted fenders, than I paid for the whole truck that was $900.00 bucks..
well close anyway. kind oh funny like hit your funny bone funny.

 

so i could just cut my shocks and my truck will lower itself. no need for drop spindles??

 

I think he meant springs. You can cut your "springs".

Depending on what year truck you have there are different ways to lower it. If you use the "search" and just type in lowering you'll come across quite a few posts regarding the topic.

Welcome aboard!

 

lol make sure u cut the springs not the shocks. if you cut the shocks really bad things will happen

 

drop spindels are needed, but there just isnt any for hilux's, or american hilux's. up to 78.


ive got some massive camber on my truck, handles on rails, but the tires are gonna wear out faster and 17's arnt cheap.