Colorado RG leafs

[Tyler1993]

Has anyone installed colorado leafs in their hilux?
If so are you running standard height or 2 inch lifted ones.
Also what size shackles and shocks are you using to get them working properly?

[martynvella]

Don't take this as a shot at you, but why would you want to, is it something other makes are doing for some advantage?

[Tyler1993]

Non taken!
The RG leafs are longer than our hilux ones, a longer leaf pack paired with extended shackles to keep the 45 degree angle, will allow more down travel/droop/flex whatever you prefer to call it.
Some people get their hilux leafs modified (cut the eyelets off the top leaf and add a new extended leaf on top. Or some people just replace the lot with a colorado leaf pack to achieve the same thing.

[TOYZX]

Longer shocks too I guess!

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

[Tyler1993]

Longer shocks too I guess!

Yeah that’s correct TOYZX, was just hoping someone on here’s had done it already, would save a lot of trial and error!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[martynvella]

what about the tailshaft, does it need the slipper section altered?
Brake hoses and hand brake?

[Tyler1993]

what about the tailshaft, does it need the slipper section altered?
Brake hoses and hand brake?

You can get spacers for your tail shaft if needed. And yeah I already have extended brake lines, hand brake lines look to still have plenty more play. But yeah hoping to find someone who’s done it to answer all these questions!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[monaro_77]

Any updates? Did you end up putting in the RG springs?

I was just given a pair of standard RG rears and have ordered some 210 shackles. Already have extended brake lines and i'm pretty sure I have some old GU 3" rear shocks kicking around. I'm hopeful this is all I need.

[Cobba7490]

Been looking out for people that have done this also. Trying to get all the info together to have a flexy leaf sprung truck when I finally get my leaf spring SAS done.

[Tyler1993]

No Mate haven’t had a chance at all, had a a lot of questions and no answers so she got put on the back burner.
I’m very interested to see what height it ends up in the rear.
Also do you think there will be any dramas with tail shaft length with the extra droop?
Also interested to see what length shocks and rear brake line is required.
I didn’t want to trial and error in case I needed to use the car in between.

Please take some before and after photos with measurements and keep us in the loop!

[Noriek]

Which ones do you use? RG Colorado, or RA Rodeo rear springs? or are they they the same?

[monaro_77]

RG leafs are what I used

[Noriek]

So standard height RG springs + 210mm shackles = 2 inch lift? and a heap more down travel?

What shocks are everyone using, does anything off the shelf suit? or custom?

Sorry about all the questions, i’m intrested in this setup.

[scottellis88]

RG leafs are what I used

Hey mate where did you get your leafs from so we can all identify what specs to look for

[mitchmac]

Hey guys,

Looking at getting a bit more flex in the rear and like the idea of the RG swap.

Trying to work out how it all works. I was told my ute has a 2" suspension lift front and rear when I bought it. Few questions I'm thinking about at the moment:
- Would the lift installed already mean I have longer than standard springs and shackles?
- Are aftermarket springs for lifts longer than standard?
- Have people used standard RG springs or aftermarket?
- What length is a standard shackle and how do I measure them?

Has anyone done this/progressed or anything since this was active? Any updates/help appreciated.
Cheers

[Rob_Wood]

Hey guys,

Looking at getting a bit more flex in the rear and like the idea of the RG swap.

Trying to work out how it all works. I was told my ute has a 2" suspension lift front and rear when I bought it. Few questions I'm thinking about at the moment:
- Would the lift installed already mean I have longer than standard springs and shackles?
- Are aftermarket springs for lifts longer than standard?
- Have people used standard RG springs or aftermarket?
- What length is a standard shackle and how do I measure them?

Has anyone done this/progressed or anything since this was active? Any updates/help appreciated.
Cheers

If you read ALL the posts above, you'll notice there are plenty of questions and very few answers. This is because changing out leaf spring packs from a Colorado to a Hilux is playing with fire in a way. Let me explain:
The Colorado Spring pack is engineered and designed to suit a Colorado
The Hilux Spring pack is engineered and designed to suit a Hilux
Just because they "might be able to be made to fit" the other vehicle does NOT mean it's a good idea.
Things like springs and suspension components are very specifically designed to suit the vehicle they are fitted to. If you choose to go ahead with this kind of mod you need to consider that you'll need to get engineering certificates to allow the vehicle to be road legal (in most jurisdictions).
I Australia I know that in the event of an accident (or something else going wrong) the investigators look for things like DIY modifications. If they find something you can bet quids you know what they'll blame.
If you have access to engineering certificates then play by all means, but if not, then may I suggest that there's a plethora of vehicle specific (both genuine & aftermarket) upgrades and lifts designed specifically for your vehicle that have already been engineer approved ... Often at much cheaper prices too.
The other thing to consider is the "Why" do I want to change my springs? Personally I upgraded mine from standard "Soft" to a mid range (load capacity) spring. Not fussed about lifts etc, just makes the vehicle more top heavy on some terrain. It was so that I could carry a little more load than an "Always Empty" ute that just takes the kids to school and back. Ideal for my purposes. The fishing gear is always available to me where-ever I am and I always have my recovery gear with me. A perfect setup for me.

[mitchmac]

Hey Rob,

Really appreciate your input and reply. I certainly have noted many questions and few answers across many platforms regarding this conversion, hence me trying to find answers.

I completely understand what you're saying about components made for specific cars, I have been seeing this RG swap a lot more recently and want to know more/see if it is a valid option.

My Hilux currently has a 2" suspension lift with really hard springs (not sure the specs) so it sits quite high at the back and is a very rough ride with an empty tub which is about 80-90% of the time.

I have a few reasons I'm looking at changing springs, completely open to suggestions as to the best way to achieve what I want, just looking to see if RG leaves is viable as it seems to be quite popular lately.

I want to achieve the following:
- Softer springs for a smoother ride
- I actually want the rear to sit slightly flatter
- More droop/flex from the rear end for offroad

If there is a legal way to achieve all of this and as much flex as can be seen from the RG leaves I'm all for it.

[Rob_Wood]

If you've ever seen a "Teeny" coming of age movie (I have a daughter before you laugh too loud) then you'll know that "What's Popular" is NOT always the best thing to go for.
If the try is empty most of the time or maybe just has a bit of recovery gear and a spare. (Small load capacity requirements) then the Mid Range Load capacity springs are probably all you need.
It sounds like someone (previous owner) carried a good load a lot of the time and that is why you might have the heavy springs in the vehicle.
My set of springs (about 10 years ago) was only a couple of hundred. I can't remember the brand, but I do like Ironman gear, it's always served me well. If I could've afforded the Ironman springs back then I would have bought them. Life and finance here is a constant roller coaster.
If you go down this path, then save the old springs in your shed for "just in case", I still have my old "Softies" in the shed ... Amongst other things.

[taresk]

Get in touch with Ausonwheels4x4 they sell the complete conversion, the parts come via CalOffroad. I'm pretty sure they'd be able to answer any questions you have.

[hiluxxury]

Hey Rob,

Really appreciate your input and reply. I certainly have noted many questions and few answers across many platforms regarding this conversion, hence me trying to find answers.

I completely understand what you're saying about components made for specific cars, I have been seeing this RG swap a lot more recently and want to know more/see if it is a valid option.

My Hilux currently has a 2" suspension lift with really hard springs (not sure the specs) so it sits quite high at the back and is a very rough ride with an empty tub which is about 80-90% of the time.

I have a few reasons I'm looking at changing springs, completely open to suggestions as to the best way to achieve what I want, just looking to see if RG leaves is viable as it seems to be quite popular lately.

I want to achieve the following:
- Softer springs for a smoother ride
- I actually want the rear to sit slightly flatter
- More droop/flex from the rear end for offroad

If there is a legal way to achieve all of this and as much flex as can be seen from the RG leaves I'm all for it.

The RG (or even dmax) leaves will give you more flex with the right shock and shackles. Its not necessarily the springs though that provide more flex - the longer shackles (note: illegal) will allow the springs to cycle easier but its really the shocks that will give you the droop that you are after - longer shocks will give you more droop. Obviously, firmer springs will require more weight on board to achieve the flex.

I ran patrol 4in shocks for a while when I was chasing flex. The open length was awesome and the closed length was enough - the rear wheel hung well below the level of my sliders at full droop. The careful with the getting the closed length correct - you dont want your shocks to become the bump stop. I bought a set of aussie made bling shocks from a mob in Vic that lasted less than 2000kms due to the shock becoming the bump stop. The closed length for the genuine shock is on this site somewhere.

There will be plenty of RG or dmax springs out there. The dmax 3 leaf packs have been recalled as they are too soft and the upgraded packs are too soft for most people as well. So dont pay too much for them. You might be would be better off going to a specialist like Ultimate Suspension who will give you exactly what you want.

Once you get the rear sorted you'll be chasing front droop - good luck with that can of worms and CV pain