82 Front Suspension Swap, Troubles, Solutions, Lessons Learned Etc...
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
82 Front Suspension Swap, Troubles, Solutions, Lessons Learned Etc...
Hey All and Happy Memorial Day!
I have been doing some front end work on my 82 Pickup this weekend and want eventually to do a full writeup. Mainly as a read and learn for newbies to this job, as that is what I was before this weekend and I encountered some issues. I want to post them here for any additional tips before I go full write up on this guy!
Note that this is a regular street driver and sees offroad use only occasionally (sad i know ....)
Job summary:
1) Swap busted flat front leaf springs with some OME light duty 5 leaf springs and some new shackles and hanging hardware.
2) Swap busted shocks with Bilstien 4600 series shocks.
3) Swap Tie Rod ends, sway bar bushings and sway bar link bushings/hardware.
4) Swap steering damper with an new OME one.
--I started off with some beefed up hangers that put about 2" of lift on the truck, and the OME springs which put about 2.5" when loaded. Really awesome but I was not ready for all of the additional mods that need to be made with this much lift.
--My front propeller shaft splines were showing and it was about to separate. Steering drag link was at some ungodly angle, and the 4600 series shocks were not even loaded. I was hoping that the OME springs would add about 0.5" + 2" with the hangers when loaded but i was way off!
--Should have read wayyyy more before I attacked this job. Oh well I learned from my mistakes and have been properly chastized by myself, my bank account, and my friends.
Before the OME install with stock (new) rear springs and old flat front springs
Before the OME install with stock (new) rear springs and old flat front springs
Front end with old flat springs on the front. Prior to OME install
Old flat spring and new OME spring
Unhappy front propeller shaft and U joint angle.
Drag link angle very agressive, about 5 inches from a 90 deg angle
4600 Shocks not even close to long enough.
Where I am at now...
--I got rid of the huge hangers and have some stock length hangers. Those will be up for sale at some point...
--I TRIED to pull one overload spring from the OME package to get less lift. BAD idea as the package started to "W" when loaded. I am back to the full 5 spring package.
--Truck is currently sitting with about 2.5" - 3" of lift in the front with nearly 0 rake.
--Drag link angle is better but not perfect, I think I can get away with it but may need a drop drag. I dont wheel enough to convert to crossover steering IMO
--Front drive splines are no longer showing and I think I can get away with not buying a longer one...
--The 4600 series shocks compress about 1/4 inch when loaded, and I DO NOT think I can get away with this. I am afraid the pistons will bottom out and damage the shocks... likely upgrading to some 5600 series shocks
Leveled front end after OME springs installed
Drag link after OME springs installed, less 2" hangers
Bilstien 4600 Series shocks after OME springs installed. Rod on the left is full extension (19.5 inches). The spring under load only compressed the piston about 1/4 inch
I havent gotten to install the steering damper or tie rod ends etc... will update when I finish with the job.
As I said earlier any comments and advice appreciated! Let me know, thanks for the read.
-Andy
I have been doing some front end work on my 82 Pickup this weekend and want eventually to do a full writeup. Mainly as a read and learn for newbies to this job, as that is what I was before this weekend and I encountered some issues. I want to post them here for any additional tips before I go full write up on this guy!
Note that this is a regular street driver and sees offroad use only occasionally (sad i know ....)
Job summary:
1) Swap busted flat front leaf springs with some OME light duty 5 leaf springs and some new shackles and hanging hardware.
2) Swap busted shocks with Bilstien 4600 series shocks.
3) Swap Tie Rod ends, sway bar bushings and sway bar link bushings/hardware.
4) Swap steering damper with an new OME one.
--I started off with some beefed up hangers that put about 2" of lift on the truck, and the OME springs which put about 2.5" when loaded. Really awesome but I was not ready for all of the additional mods that need to be made with this much lift.
--My front propeller shaft splines were showing and it was about to separate. Steering drag link was at some ungodly angle, and the 4600 series shocks were not even loaded. I was hoping that the OME springs would add about 0.5" + 2" with the hangers when loaded but i was way off!
--Should have read wayyyy more before I attacked this job. Oh well I learned from my mistakes and have been properly chastized by myself, my bank account, and my friends.
Before the OME install with stock (new) rear springs and old flat front springs
Before the OME install with stock (new) rear springs and old flat front springs
Front end with old flat springs on the front. Prior to OME install
Old flat spring and new OME spring
Unhappy front propeller shaft and U joint angle.
Drag link angle very agressive, about 5 inches from a 90 deg angle
4600 Shocks not even close to long enough.
Where I am at now...
--I got rid of the huge hangers and have some stock length hangers. Those will be up for sale at some point...
--I TRIED to pull one overload spring from the OME package to get less lift. BAD idea as the package started to "W" when loaded. I am back to the full 5 spring package.
--Truck is currently sitting with about 2.5" - 3" of lift in the front with nearly 0 rake.
--Drag link angle is better but not perfect, I think I can get away with it but may need a drop drag. I dont wheel enough to convert to crossover steering IMO
--Front drive splines are no longer showing and I think I can get away with not buying a longer one...
--The 4600 series shocks compress about 1/4 inch when loaded, and I DO NOT think I can get away with this. I am afraid the pistons will bottom out and damage the shocks... likely upgrading to some 5600 series shocks
Leveled front end after OME springs installed
Drag link after OME springs installed, less 2" hangers
Bilstien 4600 Series shocks after OME springs installed. Rod on the left is full extension (19.5 inches). The spring under load only compressed the piston about 1/4 inch
I havent gotten to install the steering damper or tie rod ends etc... will update when I finish with the job.
As I said earlier any comments and advice appreciated! Let me know, thanks for the read.
-Andy
Last edited by fireitup; 05-26-2014 at 05:22 PM.
#2
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: baton rouge,louisiana
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well buddy I'm waiting for mine to be shipped I have been waiting for a month but I'm using all the oem shackels and u bolts I'm going to tear it all apart sand blast and powder coat everything but I have read if you use the stock equipment it works ok so I'll let you know how mine goes if I can ever get them
#3
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well buddy I'm waiting for mine to be shipped I have been waiting for a month but I'm using all the oem shackels and u bolts I'm going to tear it all apart sand blast and powder coat everything but I have read if you use the stock equipment it works ok so I'll let you know how mine goes if I can ever get them
What kind of shocks you planning on putting on? I'm torn between going with some Bilstien 5100's or the OME light valved shocks. Since my new Bilstien 4600's are pretty much useless...
#6
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Going back to stock shackles left only the spring lift and it seems like the shaft angle and stock shaft length is going to work out.
I havent driven it yet though so I will let you know how it goes...
Trending Topics
#8
Registered User
Hey Fireitup, thanks for writing this up. My '83's springs and shocks are still original and I've been reading everything I can find on the OME option.
Did you have to change your brake lines or do the stock lines look to be long enough?
Did you have to change your brake lines or do the stock lines look to be long enough?
#9
Thank you for the write up. I'm very curious to see which route you go.
I'm going to pull the trigger on a new suspension setup this summer and was thinking about going OME light all the way around. My current truck rides like a brick, hoping to improve ride quality considerably.
Very interested to hear your opinions, thank you for the post!
I'm going to pull the trigger on a new suspension setup this summer and was thinking about going OME light all the way around. My current truck rides like a brick, hoping to improve ride quality considerably.
Very interested to hear your opinions, thank you for the post!
#10
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: new mexico
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You can use the front drive shaft off of a IFS rig, from the junk yard or other place. Its longer, you will need to drill a few extra holes to match the bolt pattern or use this
http://www.marlincrawler.com/axle/dr...-spline-flange
http://www.marlincrawler.com/axle/dr...-spline-flange
#12
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My rubber lines have taken a beating during this job so I am going to change them out regardless. Just in case I will be getting some longer than stock stainless braided lines.
#13
Registered User
Thanks for the reply catfish/fireitup, it sure helps to have as much info as possible before tearing into a job like this so I look forward to any updates.
#14
Registered User
Hey Catfish, if I understand correctly, you'll be reusing your stock shackles. I'm curious about the shackle angle once your rear springs are installed.
#15
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I found this write up which is very helpful for anyone doing this job with OME springs.
http://www.off-road.com/trucks-4x4/r...kit-23075.html
http://www.off-road.com/trucks-4x4/r...kit-23075.html
#16
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I completed this job over the weekend. Ended up going with the OME Nitrocharger Sport shocks, OEM stock height shackles from Low Range Offroad and longer stainless brake lines from 4wheelparts.com (part number EXP7210).
Truck looks great and sits almost level. There is a little positive rake to it, and I think i am going to try and bring the rear up an inch or two. Not right now though...
The OME nitro sport shocks have pretty stiff valving, but it doesn't bother me. I put about 150 mi on it so far and I am happy. Way better than blown shocks and a rusted flat leaf package!
I'll post some pics when I get a chance.
Truck looks great and sits almost level. There is a little positive rake to it, and I think i am going to try and bring the rear up an inch or two. Not right now though...
The OME nitro sport shocks have pretty stiff valving, but it doesn't bother me. I put about 150 mi on it so far and I am happy. Way better than blown shocks and a rusted flat leaf package!
I'll post some pics when I get a chance.
#17
Registered User
Howdy Fire,
- So I'm trying to spread the word about this as much as possible, to save as many as possible from experiencing the same confusing and concerning situation I found myself in.
- Be Sure to check Your PINION ANGLE(s) while or after doing the lift. I was fighting a mysterious vibration that plexed the crap outs me, and when I finally started addressing the pinion angles, the noise and vibration lessened by leaps and bounds. I still need to perfect mine, but if i can save others from the stress and hassle, then good.
- Here is my thread, in case any of it seems failure to you (or anyone reading his).
--> https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f114...y-gear-281368/
And here is a writeup/website that helped me identify and address the problem.
--> http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...l#Measurements
This was something that really caught me off guard after changing my springs, shocks, and doing my lift. Wish I'd known about it while the truck was still in parts instead of chasing a crazy vibration that cost me $150 in "hope this fixes it" repairs.
Bat.
- So I'm trying to spread the word about this as much as possible, to save as many as possible from experiencing the same confusing and concerning situation I found myself in.
- Be Sure to check Your PINION ANGLE(s) while or after doing the lift. I was fighting a mysterious vibration that plexed the crap outs me, and when I finally started addressing the pinion angles, the noise and vibration lessened by leaps and bounds. I still need to perfect mine, but if i can save others from the stress and hassle, then good.
- Here is my thread, in case any of it seems failure to you (or anyone reading his).
--> https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f114...y-gear-281368/
And here is a writeup/website that helped me identify and address the problem.
--> http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...l#Measurements
This was something that really caught me off guard after changing my springs, shocks, and doing my lift. Wish I'd known about it while the truck was still in parts instead of chasing a crazy vibration that cost me $150 in "hope this fixes it" repairs.
Bat.
Last edited by Batousaii; 06-23-2014 at 10:25 AM.
#18
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the info Bat! Lifting the front I definitely noticed an increase in the 4WD propeller shaft angle in to the diff-pinion. It is not steep enough to bind the u-joints, but it is not straight for sure.
I notice a vibration around 55mph now after completing this job. Could def be related to the 4WD propeller shaft angle.
-73- KG5AXE
I notice a vibration around 55mph now after completing this job. Could def be related to the 4WD propeller shaft angle.
-73- KG5AXE
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RedRunner_87
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners (Build-Up Section)
84
06-01-2021 01:51 PM
Vargntucson
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners
0
07-04-2015 12:15 PM