LC 105 std build proj – suspension options question

Submitted: Sunday, Aug 05, 2007 at 16:56

ThreadID: 48429 Views:2940 Replies:2 FollowUps:3

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pt_nomad

Hi All,
I am progressing though a 105 standard project to build a capable desert and high country tourer.
I am currently considering the suspension and have two main requirements, apart from load carrying capability.
The first one is a given : Articulation
The second will probably lead to compromises on the first : Ability to run standard size tires.
I currently only have the standard tires and wheels wheels (splits) , planning on a second set of rims and 33” muddies.

I would prefer to run standard size tires during the week and when towing the boat. Living in CBR and often towing to the coast means we have a good deal of hill climbing so would prefer to make it easier on the vehicle by running standard size tires for this function.

It seems the options are 2,3 and 4” lifts. The 4” requiring engineering – which is not a precluding factor.
At the moment I am thinking a 3” lift is the best compromise as std. tires on a 4” lift would probably look a bit ordinary.

I am interested in opinions and hopefully photo pics links of rigid front end lc’s with different lift and tire combinations to try and gauge appearance once the jobs done.

If you post a pic link, pls let me know the lift size and tire size.

Other exterior items to take part of this build are:
ARB replacement sub with diesel / water.
Turbo
Rear bar
Front bar / winch
Steps / rails

Thanks
Paul.

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Reply By: Member - Shane D (QLD) - Sunday, Aug 05, 2007 at 18:51

Sunday, Aug 05, 2007 at 18:51

Hi paul,
Have a look at my rig pics,I bought terrain tamer springs and shocks,heavy duty for the front(steel, b/bar, 10000lbs elec winch, 2nd battery)and heavy duty for the rear in preparation for simmo crossing.
Some photos where taken not long after the springs where fitted( you'll work it out) and during trip.
When I left Brisbane my 105 weighed 3.4 ton (aprox 250 kg over) with out me in it.
If i'm going bush I undo my anti sway bars and cable tie to chassis(front) and at rear just undo the small rod that runs vertical to the chassis and this helps articulatuion,some members here have remove the bars completly.
The rear coils are heaps bigger in thickness and lead to a harsh(ish)ride when empty however a few people and picnic gear irons out the bumps and I'm glad I had them on a couple of occasions getting caught out hitting a wash out or dip at speed.
I hope this helps
Shane

PS I believe that Terrian tamer springs are made by Lovells

AnswerID: 255947

Follow Up By: pt_nomad - Sunday, Aug 05, 2007 at 19:12

Sunday, Aug 05, 2007 at 19:12

Thanks Shane,
Couple of good side profile shots, a few questions for you:
What did height did they rate the lift at ?
It looks like you have steels - if they are splits, do you run tubes in the muddies?
I work out the muddies to be 32".

My mechanic tells me I can get a sway bar disconnect kit and thought I may do that when it gets lifted.

Is the roof rack an oppie lock 'rack master low profile'? I have a rm rack on order with the under slung table kit, do you have any experience with the table - I'm approaching it as a bit of a gamble.

Happy for an unloaded harsher ride - had it in the last vehicle ( a disco). Currently the cruiser has a saggy bum ride under load - bottoms out quite easily. Draws ets will live in the vehicle full time.

Thanks for ya time
Paul.

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Follow Up By: Member - Shane D (QLD) - Sunday, Aug 05, 2007 at 19:43

Sunday, Aug 05, 2007 at 19:43

They really didn't give a guide to height increase as they only offer ride grades, but having said that,the H/D on to front gave me about 2-3" lift AFTER the accessories went on,as for the back,I'd say 3-4 inch plus the ability carry weight,they are progressive rate coil,which means the spring rate increases more as the spring compresses.
With splits you have no choice but to run tubes.
I wouldn't spend to much money on a sway bay disconnect kit because it takes me 5 mins with 2 spanners and cost me nothing.
Yes, the rack is the oppie lock and also the dearest but comes with attachments that give you the ability to mount thing like spare tyres, hi lift jacks ,jerry's, securely with out needing straps.Really happy with the rack and when empty, there is no drag or wind noise, and easy to make up own brackets to bolt to rack with out drilling holes(using channels in rack).
As for the table,no idea, It was there when I got my rack ,but I could not justify the price, had a table anyway, and with the rack, had room.
When I first put springs in(myself) I needed a milk crate to get in! IT looked ridiculous, I wasn't happy, gave it some time to settle down and all is well
Shane

FollowupID: 517091