lowering blocks vs reset springs

[TruenoBoy]

Hey what are the pros and cons of using both lowering blocks and gewtting the leaf reset?

Is one way better than the other?

[evil_si]

you cant go as low with out both,
i currently run 3" reset springs and 3" blocks in my navara, bumpy ride, but low and handles like its on rails,

[KE20]

blocks are goodbut if you got power reseting the leaf is better, you get less tramp. unless you going to run tramp rods then go with blocks.

[TygerTung]

Best option is adding an extra leaf to stiffen it up, and getting it reset, so it's stiffer so it doesn't hit the bump stops all the time.

[scotts2hot]

This may sound stupid, but what does a lowering block look like and how does it attatch? I've never actually seen any but have access to tools and equipment to possibly make some.

[Dr-X]

Basically:



Obviously, they only work on under-sprung leafs (unless you wanna raise your car! ). They're basically blocks with holes drilled in them for the u-bolts. Very simple, really, and incredibly expensive for what they are. That's why you just get the measurements and have an engineer make 'em up.

[scotts2hot]

Thanks, they should be no trouble to make.

[Dr-X]

Dont forget you need to make longer U-bolts too (duh, obvious, but easy to overlook).

[wde_bdy]

Remember, more than 50mm and you need cert. Some certifiers don't like big blocks so talk to one first, and may need to account for pinion angle change depending on how low you go.

Callum

[TruenoBoy]

cheers for the info

On the weekend I put 50mm blocks in the hilux and wound down the torsion bar to lower the front 50mm

Seems to give a nice ride (not too bumpy and handles heaps better) and I am happy with the hieght for now. When I get some 17's on it I may look at dropping it another inch by reseting the leaf springs and winding the front down another inch.

Would I need to get drop spindles for the front if I decide to wind the front down anymore than I have? They are supposed to improve the ride and handling when winding the torsion bar down arent they? good idea?

I plan on getting new shocks all round but for now the shocks seem fine. Probally look at getting some uprated kyb's as it is still a litle rolly in cornering and also if I go over a bit of of hollow or bump in the road it seems to float a litle on the upwards (if you can understand what I mean)

[wde_bdy]

Drop spindles allow you to go lower without screwing all your geometry from winding down the torsions. Quite expensive option for the drop you get, but transfereable to later mods like airbagging.

Callum

[Gx71man]

What about flipping the center leaf?? That still passes a warrent, or is it not a good idear???

[Dr-X]

DEFINATELY wont pass a warrant. Is it a good idea? Well, that depends on your definition of a good idea, really.

[Gx71man]

Well how come my m8s dx wagon passed a warrent at a LTSA station?? That had the center leaf flipped

[Dr-X]

Because testing stations are useless - hence my bro's XA passed a testing station warrant with no front brakes

[evil_si]

Well how come my m8s dx wagon passed a warrent at a LTSA station?? That had the center leaf flipped

because a flipped centre leaf isnt as noticable as flipping the entire leaf pack.

in the ke30 we had the leafs reset with 3" drop and an extra leaf added, cost us $230 the pair.

[TygerTung]

Often if you flip a leaf, it can cause it to crack.

[Santa'sBoostinSleigh]

ok becuase im cabbage - can someone please explain a bit on the whole leaf spring lowering business
i do know of you use a lowering block of 50mm or more it must be certed - but thats no worry because the L200 will have to be certed anyway

yeah so i need some info on how to lower an L200 Ute please!

[wde_bdy]

Find out what your certifier will allow, some won't cert blocks bigger than 50mm anyway. Best option is reset leaves, lowering blocks and then you may need to plate and notch your chassis rail to retain suspension travel. If you want to still be able to load it up now and then the cheap option is airshocks BUT run independent airlines for each side so you don't get unwanted weight transfer (i.e. one side hits a bump so the air shifts and jacks up the other side). May need to be careful of pinion angle and driveshaft clearance.

Callum

[Santa'sBoostinSleigh]

cheers Callum,
but what the hell is reset leaf?
im stuck in my coiled springs train of thought!