Hi, guys. Recently bought a 74 HiLux Longbed...at least what is titled a 74. (I think it might actually be a 75 SR5 because it has a factory center console for bucket seats, with factory-welded brackets on the trans tunnel, and it has a 20R engine-- but that could have been a swap). As you can see in the photo it rides pretty high. It looks like the previous owner was trying for a "pre-runner" look. I am swapping the 15" rims for vintage 70's 14" aluminum slots but know the wheel wells will look empty with a smaller wheel/tire. What are my options for lowering the front? Is cutting the springs the only way? It rides pretty stiff, like maybe someone installed heavier camper or 4x4 springs (I'm guessing). I've read about lowering spindles, but no one makes them for this era-- could I install later spindles on this truck? I've also read about flipping the lower ball joint-- is that safe? So far I've replaced the 90's door mirror for a 74 Gremlin mirror (before you gag, remember I'm going for a 70's look!) and installing a bench seat (the 80's buckets were too far forward and low, making it undrivable). My plans, besides dropping it an inch or two, include stretching the cab (a phantom extended cab) and shortening the bed next summer and installing a era-correct set of buckets. I've been reading everyones' postings and am learning alot from all of you-- thanks for the help! Mike
spindle mount to the arm flip is safe. as for the ball joint, im unsure of what you are referring to. as for the rear springs, how many are there? you can pull a few or so
this one has cut springs and shaved bump stops in the front. rides pretty good. ive got mixed feelings about flipping the ball joints. the hole is tapered on the spindle, and weight is handled a lot more on the ball joints. kinda scares me but i might try it anyway.
another bible from LOW . . . If you want a hella easy way to find the information on the skinny of your mini, follow this link and read, it will explain it to you ( write down your number and follow instructions ) I think youll find your truck to be a second generation late model 1974 HILUX. The longbed ( 7.5' ) edition was introduced in 1973. As for the gas cap its weird because Ive seen stock ( never modified ) open gas tank doors on 75's like mine which were essentially " leftover beds at certain yards when the trucks arrived in the states ( there is a sticker on the drivers side right behind the cab, about in the middle of the bed on the bed panel ), Mine is from 74' YET its 6/75 model truck and the bed is Original color [ never painted ] If yours hasnt been disassembled look for that sticker, its a kewl find. Mind you your VIN IS the determining factor to finding the " skinny " on your truck. And YES its a HILUX, because the name carried until 1976 when the American models lost the name and it became a pickup: that is unless it was a foreign truck altogether. { KEWL STUFF isnt it ! ) As for the engine, the 20R is and was the biggest candidate for early and late swaps into these swaps as nothing " major " was needed to accomplish it from the 18RC . . . The best way to check for grill, fender, cab changes is to verify chasis identification that is located on the left side of the frame behind the front wheel if you feel the door metal ID tag has been compromised. Now. . . for the lowering. The ride from the rear is undoubtedly caused by 4 - 6 leaf packs, you could accomplish a modest drop by removing all but the top and very bottom spring and installing softer shocks OR firm to make up for the removed springs, and installing drop blocks in cast aluminum or metal ( I prefer metal as well, BUT, Ive used aluminum with no complaints. The front, like you said is tricky, to accomplish a subtle 2" - 3" drop, first compress the springs ( with them on the truck - sit some friends on the truck for weight or anyway to push down on the truck ) see how it looks [ camber included ] If you like it, remove the springs and cut them, OR find an identical pair and do your chopping on them so you can always revert back to them if you dont like the stance. Again use a NEW shock ( of your choice to accomodate for the new drop ). As for the spindles. If you can or know of someone that can fabricate, you can make your own drop spindles ( all your doing lowering the distance by moving it the upper mount up) this isnt EASY and shouldnt be done if you are not confident in your abilities or the price for labor is outlandish. A ball joint flip removes the ball joint mount from the bottom of the a arm to the top of the arm, you unbolt from the bottom and reinstall on the top. Easy DROP, unstack the rear springpack and/or add drop blocks and cut the front coil springs or use spring clamps that you install by compressing spring and bolting them on ( I dont like these, but its easy - cut the spring if you HAVE to ) Dont forget to check your bumpstops front and rear for clearance otherwise itll be a Rough ridN lil truck again . . . FINAL THOUGHT - Nice ride man, I personally LOVE it and the color, goodluck with your project and keep us up to date . . .
Ive got the upper & lower ball joints flipped on my 91 Toyota truck & havent had a single issue with mine.
the suspension on the old hilux is completely different than the later trucks. yes the ball joints are tapered, but "flipping" them is just moving the ball joints from the bottom of the control arms to the tops. not actually flipping the joint in the hole of the knuckle. i don't think it works on the hilux's.
I know the factory spindles are, but Im not 100% sure about the ball joints. Im going to say yes, but its been so long since Ive had to mess with my front suspension that I cant be sure!!
there is no need to flip the ball joint. these have dual A arms with coils. take the springs out and it will have the crossmember .5in off the ground. check this thread out http://www.toyotaminis.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1605 how i did this
