Extra Cab Owner Opinion - Levelling the ride/suspension?

[nicebike]

So your front is spot on with Ultimates figures

I'd guesstimate that the back is up at least 70mm, probably more like 75 to 80mm.

Those rear springs are definitely not right. Too much arch. Look too stiff, and and look too long. They shouldn't be too long unless they are the wrong part for your vehicle, but it sure looks like they are.

If you can stack cans of water or bags of cement or stuff like that on one side of the tub to compress and flatten the spring, you will see if the shackle is going to be able to swing rearward enough to accommodate the spring length, or if it is going to lock up.

You need to identify the springs. If they are not too long, you can then decide whether or not to modify the EFS springs, or to modify your stockies. If the EFS are too long, modifying them will not be practicable

Either way, you were right thinking that it was sitting bum high, and getting it down a bit (but not level) would be a good move.

[llough10]

Hi ALL!

Apologies for the late reply - EFS THX08 D/C HILUX Rear Leaf Springs (https://www.kpd4x4.com/efs-hilux-rear-spring~20480) are installed in the truck. After a quick call to EFS, the springs are apparently 300kg constant load springs for a Dual Cab - which is apparently recommended for an Extra Cab, but the representative mentioned it may sit higher than standard when empty.

With this in mind, what is the best OR affordable solution for my scenario?

[nicebike]

Hi ALL!

Apologies for the late reply - EFS THX08 D/C HILUX Rear Leaf Springs (https://www.kpd4x4.com/efs-hilux-rear-spring~20480) are installed in the truck. After a quick call to EFS, the springs are apparently 300kg constant load springs for a Dual Cab - which is apparently recommended for an Extra Cab, but the representative mentioned it may sit higher than standard when empty.

With this in mind, what is the best OR affordable solution for my scenario?

That's ridiculous. So many of these recommendations are stupidly stiff and inflexible. If EFS recommend that for all Extra cabs, they must think all extra cabs are loaded up by plumbers.

Cheapest simplest fix is to have your stock springs reset 50mm higher than standard and have the primary and secondary packs separated a little at the same time. As the primary pack is not particularly stiff, you don't want them separated by too much. Check your bushes at the same time and add greasable shackles if you haven't already got them. Getting your shackles and bushes to move more freely will give a noticeable improvement in ride quality

[llough10]

Hi ALL!

Apologies for the late reply - EFS THX08 D/C HILUX Rear Leaf Springs (https://www.kpd4x4.com/efs-hilux-rear-spring~20480) are installed in the truck. After a quick call to EFS, the springs are apparently 300kg constant load springs for a Dual Cab - which is apparently recommended for an Extra Cab, but the representative mentioned it may sit higher than standard when empty.

With this in mind, what is the best OR affordable solution for my scenario?

That's ridiculous. So many of these recommendations are stupidly stiff and inflexible. If EFS recommend that for all Extra cabs, they must think all extra cabs are loaded up by plumbers.

Cheapest simplest fix is to have your stock springs reset 50mm higher than standard and have the primary and secondary packs separated a little at the same time. As the primary pack is not particularly stiff, you don't want them separated by too much. Check your bushes at the same time and add greasable shackles if you haven't already got them. Getting your shackles and bushes to move more freely will give a noticeable improvement in ride quality

Thankyou nicebike - I have a spare stock set from a Dual Cab that I can take down to a suspension specialist and get re-packed. I am assuming it can only be done by a mechanic with the correct tools?

[nicebike]

What you want is a reset. Reputable spring works can change the camber or arch of the spring. Can't be done without the right gear and the nous. A mechanic would not be able to do a reset.

I have usually removed the springs and taken them to a spring works to have the work done, but some spring works will do drive in drive out if they have the room to have your ute lying around.

Pulling leaf springs out is pretty straightforward - just make sure that jack stands are in the right places - bad look if they are not.

[llough10]

Thankyou - any idea of the cost involved? And should take the stock springs in to get adjusted OR the heavy-duty aprings that are in the truck (As I have both)?

[llough10]

UPDATE: Got quoted $450 to adjust the leaf springs and refit OR cheaper if I remove them to drop them down and get adjusted, however I would like to get the Springworks to double-check the height whilst in the store.

BIG THANKYOU - to Nicebike and the other forum members who commented. The spring works mechanic mentioned that he was unsure if he had the measurements available to form a starting point, until I showed him this forum and the comments made, a plan was easy to formulate.

[nicebike]

Thankyou - any idea of the cost involved? And should take the stock springs in to get adjusted OR the heavy-duty aprings that are in the truck (As I have both)?

If the springs currently on the ute are rated for a constant 300kg, they will kick your bum through the top of your head when unladen or carrying only a light load. Constant means just that - for them work properly, they would be designed to need a minimum 300kg load all the time. The stockies, properly modified, should ride better, but may not handle your 450kg load as well as the HDs

Tough choice.