coil overs on stock a arms?

pitster33 · 03-18-2009, 07:31 PM

My buddies and I were thinking about a way to mount some coil overs on the stock a arms. Has anyone done this or know of any one who has? Or getting a wrecked tacoma and putting the suspension under an older yota? Is it worth the time?

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iamsuperbleeder · 03-18-2009, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pitster33

My buddies and I were thinking about a way to mount some coil overs on the stock a arms. Has anyone done this or know of any one who has? Or getting a wrecked tacoma and putting the suspension under an older yota? Is it worth the time?

I'm going to jump out on a lemp here and say no, it wouldn't be worth is... you be better off getting a Tacoma

BUT, I'm pretty sure I've seen coil-over kits on 2nd and 3rd gen IFS trucks, but, they were LT kits; I'm not sure if there's room with the stock A-control arms because of the CV shafts, but I could be wrong

flashkl · 03-21-2009, 05:45 AM

The way the stock control arm is designed, it wouldn't be worth the effort to put coils in there. Just from clearance issues alone, you would probably have to use coils that were about as thick as a pencil. I suppose you could beef up the shock mounts and mount a coilover in the OE shock's place, but you'd need some mad fabbing skills and engineering know-how to make that work so that you won't be breaking the upper shock mount every time you go over a decent size pothole. Unless this is gonna be a prerunner type truck, keep the strong reliable and well designed torsion bar setup, and save up for a SAS.

**waskillywabbit** · 03-21-2009, 06:54 PM

Junk removed.

abecedarian · 03-21-2009, 07:30 PM

There isn't a lot of room in there for coil-overs.
even the LT kits from TC and Downey all but make you lose 4wd to go with coil-overs.

abecedarian · 03-21-2009, 07:32 PM

here's a pic of mine with 4" bracket lift and you can see just how close the shocks are to the frame

and even considering my lift, you can see that there's not much clearance between the lower shock tube and the bump-stop mount.

Junkers88 · 03-21-2009, 08:02 PM

Well now that I can actually read this.

Don't coil overs take the place of the rest of the suspension? Or does the coil only act as a helper with the existing springs and coil? I think I've seen CO's on prerunner type desert trucks but can't tell if there are still t-bars in them or not.

abecedarian · 03-21-2009, 08:06 PM

Total Chaos offers kits which support using c/o shocks in place of torsion bars but it requires removal of 4wd to do it.
(because the shock is too wide to allow the front CV shafts to be used)

iamsuperbleeder · 03-21-2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waskillywabbit

Junk removed.

lol, thank you

things were getting a little out of hand, I have to admit...

sorry about starting crap guys

Junkers88 · 03-21-2009, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamsuperbleeder

lol, thank you

things were getting a little out of hand, I have to admit...

sorry about starting crap guys

It's your fault that the mods have to work so hard around here........

iamsuperbleeder · 03-21-2009, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junkers88

It's your fault that the mods have to work so hard around here........

I just give them a reason to use their Mod title effectively

it's like a cops and law-breakers theory... if there were no law-breakers around, there would be no law enforcement employed!

the way I see it, I'm helping the forum

Justinlhc · 03-21-2009, 08:53 PM

This might sound stupid, but what about a coilover setup that links from the UPPER control arm to a hoop? Obviously there would be some cutting of the inner fender involved and some brackets would need to be welded, but that's expected. The stock 4WD setup uses the upper control arms linked to the torsions so I don't see why not?

I had a GMC Sierra and the hot setup for that truck was a dual shock linked from the upper control arm to a hoop instead of the lower control arm.

abecedarian · 03-21-2009, 09:03 PM

you're meaning the hoops through the fender?
suppose it would work, but would the UCA be able to withstand the force?

iamsuperbleeder · 03-21-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abecedarian

you're meaning the hoops through the fender?
suppose it would work, but would the UCA be able to withstand the force?

does it not already withstand the force of the t-bar?

abecedarian · 03-21-2009, 09:13 PM

but it's designed to transfer the torque through the arm to the t-bar, not have a shock bolted to it in the middle.
get my point?
but if the shock mounted to the ball joint studs, it would work.

Mic09dcsm · 03-21-2009, 09:22 PM

The Gen 3 Total Chaos kit for 89-95 is the kit that completely eliminates the 4WD, you can retain it with the Gen 2 and the other.

iamsuperbleeder · 03-21-2009, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abecedarian

but it's designed to transfer the torque through the arm to the t-bar, not have a shock bolted to it in the middle.
get my point?
but if the shock mounted to the ball joint studs, it would work.

meh, I kinda get what you're saying... but I never was good at geometry

Justinlhc · 03-21-2009, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abecedarian

you're meaning the hoops through the fender?
suppose it would work, but would the UCA be able to withstand the force?

I would imagine as long as you mounted it as close to the balljoint (or right on it) as possible it would be ok. This way you could keep 4WD and eliminate the torsions and the stock shock(or keep the stock shock?). I'm thinking it would take a fiberglass fender or no fender at all to clear the hoop/coilover.

iamsuperbleeder · 03-21-2009, 10:30 PM

I can see this setup with modified Rancho UCA's maybe...

guess what I have laying on my floor?

tc · 03-22-2009, 08:51 AM

The Total Chaos Gen II caddy system eliminates the torsion bars in favor of coilovers.

AxleIke has been working on it, and it appears that clearance in the upper arm is the only real issue (obviously, you will have to put in a shock hoop for the top, but that's pretty straightforward). You could try using FJ Cruiser or Tacoma uppers, but not sure if the pivots are in the right place to just bolt in ... if so, it would be quite easy.

jmcgowan · 05-23-2009, 12:46 PM

I've been thinking of this same thing, and since mine is 2wd, and I want a prerunner/desert truck why can't I fab up a lower shock mount on top of the LCA and run an adjustable coilover up to the stock upper shock mount ? I need to check the opening on the UCA to see what the max OD I can have on a coilspring.

I'm gonna try it when I find some parts, I'll make a mod thread if it works and post a link here. Could be a while...

yoterr · 05-23-2009, 02:30 PM

why would you wanna run coilovers on stock a-arms anyway???? theres only like 4-6" of travel?? i mean it can only go so far before you need longer a-arms, i would just get some good remote shocks and air stops and be done with it if i were gonna stay with the stock suspension set-up

03-21-2009, 06:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Super Moderator-Sponsoring Member Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 14,543	Junk removed. __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC MySpace Twitter Facebook 7th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, 2010 The toughest part of a Jeep is the chick driving it. WabFab Off-Road 4th Anniversary Sale

03-21-2009, 08:02 PM	#7 (permalink)
Junkers88 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 2,776	Well now that I can actually read this. Don't coil overs take the place of the rest of the suspension? Or does the coil only act as a helper with the existing springs and coil? I think I've seen CO's on prerunner type desert trucks but can't tell if there are still t-bars in them or not. __________________ RB4R Life Member. 1989 SR5 4runner. Tread Wright 31/10.50/15's. 4.56 thirds, an Aussie in the @$$, Budbuilt plate, Marlin Crawler front, modified MC rear, Supra MAF conversion, ZUK coils in the rear and 4crawler BJ's in the front, LCE header.

03-21-2009, 08:53 PM	#12 (permalink)
Justinlhc Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 646	This might sound stupid, but what about a coilover setup that links from the UPPER control arm to a hoop? Obviously there would be some cutting of the inner fender involved and some brackets would need to be welded, but that's expected. The stock 4WD setup uses the upper control arms linked to the torsions so I don't see why not? I had a GMC Sierra and the hot setup for that truck was a dual shock linked from the upper control arm to a hoop instead of the lower control arm. __________________ 1993 4Runner SR5 3.oh 5speed 232k+ miles. Mostly for the trails and beach. Mods so far: Thorley headers, 4.30 gears, Rancho 5way shocks, AISIN hubs, LockRight rear locker, no sway bars.....32x11.50 BFG M/T's on 15x8 Cragar Soft8's.

03-21-2009, 09:22 PM	#16 (permalink)
Mic09dcsm Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: San Antonio Posts: 533	The Gen 3 Total Chaos kit for 89-95 is the kit that completely eliminates the 4WD, you can retain it with the Gen 2 and the other. __________________ "I love my 4Runner. Everyone else in my condo hates it! I guess it looks bad next to there brand new 20 or 30 thousand dollar cars that will die before my $600 Yota does, and probably before they're even done paying their cars off!" -Steveycapri Whips: '92 Xtra Cab Dlx V6, '94 Dlx I4 5spd. Camry. 98% of the teenage population will try, does, or has tried smoking pot. If you're one of the 2% who hasn't, copy and paste this into your sig. NOTE: To find the 2%...I'm the other 98%.

03-21-2009, 10:30 PM	#19 (permalink)
iamsuperbleeder Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Casselberry, Fl Posts: 5,233	I can see this setup with modified Rancho UCA's maybe... guess what I have laying on my floor? __________________ 91 PU, 4wd, manual, 22re, .30-over, engnbldr RV head and 261 cam, MC 1200lbs clutch, misc LCE, engnbldr, and MC parts and HW, Pacesetter header and exhaust kit, Rancho UCA's , 4Crawler 1" diff and sway bar drop and 1.5" BJ spacers, WabFab 3.5" shackles, 31x10.5 pavement-pounding ATs on ProComp Extreme Alloys, misc SR5 interior goodies swapped in, 1000watt stereo system MySpace

03-22-2009, 08:51 AM	#20 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,366	The Total Chaos Gen II caddy system eliminates the torsion bars in favor of coilovers. AxleIke has been working on it, and it appears that clearance in the upper arm is the only real issue (obviously, you will have to put in a shock hoop for the top, but that's pretty straightforward). You could try using FJ Cruiser or Tacoma uppers, but not sure if the pivots are in the right place to just bolt in ... if so, it would be quite easy. __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

05-23-2009, 12:46 PM	#21 (permalink)
jmcgowan Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: PHX, AZ Posts: 105	I've been thinking of this same thing, and since mine is 2wd, and I want a prerunner/desert truck why can't I fab up a lower shock mount on top of the LCA and run an adjustable coilover up to the stock upper shock mount ? I need to check the opening on the UCA to see what the max OD I can have on a coilspring. I'm gonna try it when I find some parts, I'll make a mod thread if it works and post a link here. Could be a while... __________________ 1994 regular cab pickup, 2WD, automatic, 216K+ miles, 22RE, Spectre Intake, 1.5" BJ spacers, adjusted Torsion Bars. 1" BODY LIFT! Fabtech UCAs. With enough money or fabrication skills ANYTHING is possible.

05-23-2009, 02:30 PM	#22 (permalink)
yoterr Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Inverness,FL Posts: 1,037	why would you wanna run coilovers on stock a-arms anyway???? theres only like 4-6" of travel?? i mean it can only go so far before you need longer a-arms, i would just get some good remote shocks and air stops and be done with it if i were gonna stay with the stock suspension set-up __________________ new to me 86' toy on 35" procomp mud terrains, with a 4" lift and 3" body and palm fron camo for now... 04' Dodge 2500 4x4 QC hemi leveled, home made CAI and flowmaster exhaust

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