80 series suspension upgrade

Submitted: Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007 at 23:33
ThreadID: 41805 Views:8964 Replies:7 FollowUps:2
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Hi all,

I own a 80 series standard cruiser and the suspension is stock and sagging. I plan to replace the springs and shocks with a 2 inch lift. Can anyone give me advice on good combos and good lower budget brands? I like taking it off road and fill it up when getting away so don't mind a stiffer ride.
Also if I lift it 2 inches with springs and shocks do I need to do any other mods e.g. castor adjustments, adjustable panard rod?

Has anyone found a sweet suspension combination for the 80 series and what should I definitely steer clear of.

Thanks Ben.
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Reply By: Member - Jack - Wednesday, Jan 31, 2007 at 07:44

Wednesday, Jan 31, 2007 at 07:44
Hi Benny:

You may find some helpful info with this link.

Jack
The hurrieder I go, the behinder I get. (Lewis Carroll-Alice In Wonderland)

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AnswerID: 218762

Reply By: Member - DOZER- Wednesday, Jan 31, 2007 at 08:39

Wednesday, Jan 31, 2007 at 08:39
Benny
If you keep the front to 2 inches, you may not need to adjust caster. Old Man emu is the best off the shelf suspension, you need to ask yourself what you need....you can opt for 3 different weight springs for the rear if load carrying, and two for the front.....depending on what you do .....if you have a diesel, get the heavier front springs, and if you carry any weight at all, go the lightest of the load carrying over comfort (because there is minimal difference in ride) but if you have a bad back, definately go comfort... everyone who has done this will tell you it makes a huge difference to ride. Your selection looks like this...851 front spring 50mm for petrols, 851 for diesels or winch and bull bar'd petrols. 860 comfort rear, 863 200kg 864 400kg of weight 868 600kg....with _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx, rear bar, long range tank 2 spares etc etc hanging off the back, the 868 spring is needed in a desert trip.
Andrew
AnswerID: 218773

Reply By: Matt(WA) - Wednesday, Jan 31, 2007 at 09:20

Wednesday, Jan 31, 2007 at 09:20
Ben,
I have a 97 80 series which gets pretty loaded up at times. I went for the Ironman heavy duty kit(41mm foam cell shockies all round, heavy duty springs and rear 1" spring packers). I had it fitted at tyrepower for cheaper than I could buy the suspension for and get it delivered. I am extremely happy with the lift(about 2" after everything has settled). I tow a 17ft caravan, have all the gear(winch bar, winch, dual batt's, rear _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx, full lenght roof rack, ect, ect) and dont get bugger all sag. And the rig looks good. Fitter it was a few bucks shy of a grand.
Matt

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AnswerID: 218775

Reply By: Member - Karl - Wednesday, Jan 31, 2007 at 09:48

Wednesday, Jan 31, 2007 at 09:48
I had Pedders fit my new springs and shockies about four years ago and at the same time I fitted a set of Polyair Air bags as I do a lot of towing - they are excellent for this.

I got 41mm foam cell shockies as well as heavy duty rear springs and once fitted I had a 50mm lift.

I did have to have a castor kit fitted some months later on (even though I was told that I didn't need it) because my wheel travel was shocking especially under heavy braking.

I am going to replace my shockies soon as they are starting to show signs of wear and tear.

Just a small point most of the suspension kits - especially shockie - AFAIK if they are from USA they are all basically made by the same factories (e.g Monroe) and then rebadged here in Aust by the various aftermarket resellers and sold at extra cost.
AnswerID: 218778

Follow Up By: FZJ 80 - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 01:30

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 01:30
Karl.

Please tell me about your wheel travel under heavy braking. Do you mean directional stability?? Did the caster kit resolve the problem.
I fitted 2 inch lift to mine too and are soon fitting the caster bushes to resolve directional stability issues on rough roads.

Thanks

Greg
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FollowupID: 479640

Follow Up By: Member - Karl - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 09:54

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 09:54
When I braked and especially if it was heavy braking my front end developed a horrendous wobble and on some occasions would pull the front of the car to the left.

The pulling to the left was also present when driving normally and I had it in for wheel alignments a number of times but to no avail.

On fitting the castor kit it removed the problem and completely fixed it and I also fitted a camber kit at the same time to fix a wheel alignment problem which also worked well.

So I believe that there was an issue where two problems combined to make one big problem.
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FollowupID: 479685

Reply By: Diver1 - Wednesday, Jan 31, 2007 at 20:46

Wednesday, Jan 31, 2007 at 20:46
We got 2'' in the front and 3'' in the rear to cope with major loads.....got untilma big bore shocks and Kings springs - heavy duty.....

same thing as you....dont mind the stiffer ride cos its worth it when its "really" used.

Also got castor kit done cos it was out majorly!!!

Well worth it though!!!

Laura

ps...the photo of our car at curdimurka in my profile thingy is when the car was fully loaded....full of lpg, petrol and extra fuel on roof....full of water etc.....photo looks really bad in the back end but it never seemed that bad!! road really well even if it was as bad as it looked!!
AnswerID: 218882

Reply By: Off-track - Thursday, Feb 01, 2007 at 00:30

Thursday, Feb 01, 2007 at 00:30
Bilstein shocks
AnswerID: 218918

Reply By: Robnicko - Thursday, Feb 01, 2007 at 10:39

Thursday, Feb 01, 2007 at 10:39
Benny,
ARB Old Man Emu.......................
Dont forget the castor kit
I Have 850 Front Springs and 863 Rear on a 95 petrol 80 series with LPG and rear wheel carrier. Toyota alloy bar on front with dual batteries..
Excellent ride, better cornering/handling and when loaded it is so soft a ride you will be very happy!
Been in there for 5 years now and still works well.

Rob
AnswerID: 218962

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