How long are the front suspension struts?

[Wil Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Wil]

I am trying to change out my lovell suspension for a set of fast fit toughdog springs and struts.

The Lovells where for a 2 inch lift and had the front sitting at 775mm measured from the flare to the rim, and I was happy with that sort of lift.

However the toughdog units are meant to give the same amount of lift, but the struts are over an inch longer then the lovells and I just cant get them in! They measure 580mm from the base of the studs at the top to the centre of the hole at the bottom.

Does anyone have any measurements for what there struts were pre-install or suggestions of what to do? I have emailed the supplier and awaiting reply.

[FlyNdrive Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close FlyNdrive]

Re: How long are the front suspension struts?

This could be an issue of spring compression. Springs do settle over time and if you notice when putting on a suspension lift it rides higher for about 2 weeks untill it settles down. That's why it's not recommended to get an alignment right away.

If that doesn't help e-mail John Agostino at TD he should know. [email protected]

-Ben

[RustyTruck Member Find all posts View Profile Close RustyTruck]

Re: How long are the front suspension struts?

Keep compressing that spring until you can fit them in mate ;-)

[Wil Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Wil]

Re: How long are the front suspension struts?

Got a call from toughdog after leaving an enquiry on their webpage.

Basically its an oversize strut and to get them in you need to seperate the ball joint on the upper suspension arm (without dislodging the CV) and install that way.

Its gunna be a pain in the arse - they market these things as fast fit as they come already pre assembled, but it looks like the fitting is more complex due to the oversize strut. Cant complain about the customer service though - I got a phone only a couple of hours after leaving an enquiry on the wesite!

Wil

[raydes Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close raydes]

Re: How long are the front suspension struts?

You may have Hilux struts ,they are 1"+ longer , check the part ## .

[FLexus Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close FLexus]

Re: How long are the front suspension struts?

Just remove the two lower balljoint screws and disconnect the swaybar. Don't separate any balljoints. You'll likely damage them. If need be, use a jack to either lift the lower arm or push the upper arm down to get them put back. Make sure all the strut holes line up. If they didn't assemble the struts in a position where the holes line up, you'll be taking things apart.

One trick is to use the weight of the truck if you don't have spring compressors or a press. Essentially you remove the center top nut and slowly lift the body to remove weight.

[Wil Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Wil]

Re: How long are the front suspension struts?

I had to break the ball joints to get the new struts in, it was never gunna go if i didnt!

The new longer struts have left the car with measurements at the front of 780mm with about 100mm of down travel left.

should make a bit of difference off road, i just nee to check of the jack can actually lift that high to change tyres.