Springs, shackles, tyres

[amber]

I am going to raise my 3.1 Mu and am thinking about one of those 50mm body lift kits on trade me. Any good? If so, it's going to need to be certed so I thought I should probably do a suspension lift at the same time. What's the best way to do the sus lift. Get the springs reset? Get new springs with the lift in them? Where, who, how? I'm in Nelson. Or just the extended shackle way? Not really sure what to do and want to keep it cheepish as have to get an engineer to do at least the body lift part for me or at least assist me as I have skills on the tools but no knowledge I can probably fit the springs or shackles myself. Also, I have 265/75/16 A/T,s on at the mo which are getting pretty warn and due for replacement. Unsure whether to go for Muds on the standard rims or get another set of rims for the Muds. What spec rims would I be looking for ie offset. Pretty keen on the white steel ones. And lastly, should I be considering slightly bigger size tyres. The truck is standard at the mo, I've had it a while and am wanting to start using it offroad now. Not sure about the capabilities of the open diff either. My friend keeps ribbing me about my truck being a cheap toy which doesn't compare to his 1989 Long wheel base Pajero with LSD and that I should invest in something else more capable for offroad but I've had 2 Mu's now and I really like em. Mind you, I haven't owned anything else. Am I wasting my time modding a Mu. I don't want to do anything extreme, just more capable if you get my drift.

[pig75]

If it was me I would get a 50mm body lift some 33” tyres a locker in the rear and keep the soft springs.
Then you will go every where and more that the pos pajero can go

[dasnoboarder]

Lovells HR-15 springs are a good option for a suspension lift, give about 50-60mm lift (including compensating for saggy old springs).
Front is easy, just wind up torsion bars and can do a few little tricks too.

I bought my 50mm body lift blocks off TradeMe, alloy blocks. (Not in yet).

33x12.5 tyres on 15" steel rims with -28 offset (landcruiser) is the largest practical tyre for the MU.

Factory rear LSD available from wreckers. Ok, can be shimmed up by specialists, but lockers are better.
Auto locker available for the front and rear. Called LOKKA.
ARB air-lockers available front and rear.
ARB style air-locker available from a member on here for cheaper than ARB.

Holden Rodeo TF ARB bullbar fits.

Lots more info on these topics on here,
Happy modding!

[amber]

Hmmm, sounds good. So I might look for some 15" rims then instead of the 16's. Seems 15" tyre sizes are easier to come by. Yip, will go for the 50mm body lift kit then. Just wondering whether $155 is a good price. Do you still need to certify a sus lift if you are only getting different springs? I guess so! Does the factory LSD just slip in with no mucking about if I get one of any old 3.1 or does it need to match and be set up? Mine is a 95. Might look into the air locker for interest. Think I remember reading something about the members ones. Are they the old adv for Mu's on trademe for around $800?

[pig75]

$155 sounds good if it has the bolts
the center will just slip in just have to check the ratio yours should be 4.3 the 2.8 MU has 4.55 which is better with big tyres

[geeves]

with a small lift and decent tyres your mu will go everywhere your friends pajero will go but you at least can take comfort in the fact that the Mu will always get you home afterwards.

[dasnoboarder]

Suspension lift does have to be certed however replacement heavy duty springs do not.

Depends how nice the WOF man is, but incase of any insurance issues, I'd get it certed with the body lift and bigger tyres.

LSD from 2.8 and 3.1 can both fit into the housing, only need to check the ratio as said.

LSD is ok, can put thicker oil in it to make it bite better, and also can apply a little bit of handbrake if it's slipping to help it out.

Yup the ARB style air-locker from a club member is the one on TradeMe, could see if he'll give you a ClubIsuzu price.

[turnturn]

I had heard recently that it is quite hard to get both a suspension lift and a body lift certified on the same vehicle and they prefer one or the other but not both.
Personally I would go for the body lift to fit bigger tyres and do minimal suspension work.
One down side of a lot of suspension lifts is lack of articulation on an already compromised (IFS) vehicle. Yes, they may look good, then handle like a bag of gravel, but don't give you any great advantage.
For me it's good articulation, good tyres, good shocks, minimal front and rear overhangs and all the traction aids you can afford. You might surprise yourself.
Don't be too worried about your mate with the Pajero's comments. I was recently away over the Dunstan Trail, Serpentine area in a group of 3 Isuzus (Invincable was one) and 1 Pajero. The only vehicle with the bonnet up was the Mitsi.
Admitedly he may have given me a couple of tows during the day but at some stage everybody needed some help, thats all part of it for me.

[amber]

He he, nice. Thanks for your comments. He keeps saying its in too mint a condition to 4x4 it. Admittedly it is 85000kms and straight as a die. Maybe I've got him worried. Interesting about the sus lift. I think maybe I should go for just the body lift then. Is 50mm enough for 33's without cutting the guards or 285/75/16's. I currently have 265/75/16's that are worn out and need to consider what size to get, same or slightly bigger like 32" whatever the equivalent is. I would probably be happy with 32" or equivalent. Also, what happens about the gap between the original crome bumper and how easy is it to alter the tank to raise it up too.

[geeves]

Lets get this straight. The Pajero owner with the 20 year old pajero is the one who recons your Mu is no good but his wagon is too new and shiney to get dirty. Doesnt the Colonel sell people like that wrapped in 11 secret herbs and spices.

[jezza]

Doesnt the Colonel sell people like that wrapped in 11 secret herbs and spices.

Classic I'm going to remember that quote

I ran 40mm body lift when I had my 32's on and had no rubbing, I now have 33's and raised it 25mm but will probably lower it back down again soon. I had a little bit of rubbing on the guards for awhile

[amber]

Um yeah he does actually get it dirty and scratched but he also revs the C..p out of it when he gets a bit stuck or up narglhy steep hills and now its blowing smoke and the oil pressure light comes on now when its idling. Yeah I think I will stick with slow and steady and soft tyres. Waiting now for the lift kit thing to come back on Trademe !

[geeves]

If you have a 3.1 Mu be very careful with 15 inch rims. They are a tight fit in the rear and some brands wont fit