5 Point suspension.

[eclipse]

As I am looking at raising my suspension by 3" I have been trying to get some details on doing it, I have read that they are 5 point suspension, does this mean it is fixed on 5 points?

 

[Terranosaurus]

The rear suspension is what is known as 5 link. 4 trailing arms and 1 panard rod. The rear axle is held in place by these, the shock absorbers and springs do not hold the axle in place.

If raising the rear suspension by as mu8ch as 3 inches you may run into problems with the angle of the prop shaft causing premature failure of the universal joints, also the axle will move forward and across the car towards the body mounting point for the panard rod. You can lower the panard rod mount to counter this and could have longer or adjustable link rods made up. I'd say 2" is probably a better target where the effects will be less, as the effect increase with every inch you lift as the axle moves through an arch.

Have a look but if its anything like the T2/Mav I doubt the front end can really be lifted by 3" without losing all available droop from the suspension. Measure the height of the front cross member from the floor, then jack the front of the truck up till both wheels just leave the floor, then remeasure the height from the floor of the crossmember, the difference is the total droop travel you have available, you will loose 3" of this with your proposed lift. Have a measure and report back it will be interesting to see. I'm going to try the same on my Mav, both with and without bump stops and see whats to be gained. Remember you'll need longer shocks to0, but longer shocks ar longer compressed so to keep the travel you may need to raise your shock mounts too.

 

[Deleted Member S]

If raising the rear suspension by as mu8ch as 3 inches you may run into problems with the angle of the prop shaft causing premature failure of the universal joints

Sorry Hummingbird but can't you fit spacers in between the UJ's & the prop to help over come this problem or is that for an other reason :? :?

 

[Terranosaurus]

A spacer would sort out any problems with the sliding joint being pulled too short but it would have no effect on the angle of the prop and thus no effect on the angle th UJs are working through. Might only shorten the service life of them but you'd need to check that on full droop they didn't bind solid, because that would destroy them in use.

 

[Deleted Member S]

Thanks Hummingbird :smile: I was'nt sure, as i've read things over the last few months about lifting 4x4's & alot of them had, had spacers put in.
This is a new learning curve for me :roll:

 

[eclipse]

8O 8O 8O 8O OMG I didnt realise there was that much to it, I was under the impresion I could remove the old ones and slot the new ones in, forgive my ignorance and sounding daft, I have tried to find info on how to do it but couldnt find anything.

This is going to be a real problem as I need to get these in place for the Abingdon Festivel.

I will have to speak with my mechanic to see if he can help