1991 Isuzu Trooper LS 3" Independent4x lift

[ctracy5]

Alright here we go. I know we usualy complain about there not being enough pics but this thread may be the other way around, be ready for a lot of pics:D.

List of parts

Isuzu 3" leaf lift (no Shocks) - https://www.independent4x.com/merchantmanager/product_info.php?cPath=1_12_23_37&products_id=16

https://www.independent4x.com/merchantmanager/images/uploads/isuzu3liftnoshocks.jpg

Upgraded the add-a-leafs to complete OME leaf springs - https://www.independent4x.com/merchantmanager/product_info.php?cPath=1_12_23_37&products_id=18

https://www.independent4x.com/merchantmanager/images/uploads/OMEisuzusprings.jpg

Started this morning with a trip to wally world to get stuff to do an oil change and few other things. Got home and started the tear down.

Here is how the trooper was sitting before I started

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UKWYe_jv5vI/USkLRNSU-lI/AAAAAAAAFtY/mTjqjZk9VEo/s681/IMG_0069.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-klcccOnpZsA/USkLRrzM5MI/AAAAAAAAFtg/udgNif5wAp8/s681/IMG_0070.JPG

Front Fender from the ground up

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_la0UsGPWEc/USkLRz6-emI/AAAAAAAAFts/O0OdZehLsUg/s681/IMG_0071.JPG

Rear Fender from the ground up

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-W6dMRVRRUso/USkLSHZifjI/AAAAAAAAFt0/MjDgujm6ggg/s681/IMG_0072.JPG

Rear Bumper from the ground up

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9AHQjfU9YVU/USkLSuSG7QI/AAAAAAAAFt8/QYjJNOw1wVA/s681/IMG_0073.JPG

Front bumper from the ground up

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PBnsZuHx9C8/USkLS-OS9AI/AAAAAAAAFuA/ehdezHJsO34/s681/IMG_0074.JPG

Front bottom of Fender to top of tire at full drop

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PU-fIc3Av44/USkLTYhDdOI/AAAAAAAAFuI/ZZ9GL0qT6xw/s681/IMG_0075.JPG

[ctracy5]

So now the works begins

The stock springs

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ky0ojtI48uM/USkLT-w3sCI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/DpdIgHfEwnM/s681/IMG_0076.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HDY4mOidTxE/USkLUFWM6fI/AAAAAAAAFuc/nbvZynOhylA/s681/IMG_0077.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TTjGPhrXAGY/USkLUjVpX0I/AAAAAAAAFuk/VF7qM8SgNNQ/s681/IMG_0078.JPG

Hardware removed

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xoWkvWcKV74/USkLU1MqJjI/AAAAAAAAFus/Q7C3cAkSf_c/s908/IMG_0079.JPG

Removing the parking brake line from the spring

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bpRDWHS9ITA/USkLVEbkLbI/AAAAAAAAFu0/djb_Cy9Cvr0/s681/IMG_0080.JPG

Axle

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ciDMUZS5IHk/USkLVid37mI/AAAAAAAAFu4/-Ei0Y7geWoA/s681/IMG_0081.JPG

Supporting the axle

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WdOehhbnnq8/USkLV_RMtiI/AAAAAAAAFvA/_rojQ6iWDFs/s908/IMG_0082.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JMeBodk84ek/USkLWKoDBtI/AAAAAAAAFvI/5OUZO8dnHyI/s681/IMG_0083.JPG

Your Best Friends, I like to take the shotgun approach when it come to loosening bolts

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h3hjFe8Bl3g/USkLWkrHisI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/cE1-Waeojco/s908/IMG_0084.JPG

[ctracy5]

Old spring next to new

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OzQiW4VzsF8/USkLXFt_QnI/AAAAAAAAFvY/bJsphKIZtGw/s908/IMG_0085.JPG

Old spring height about 9.5"

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-w3LDc3nAOMA/USkLXehIpUI/AAAAAAAAFvg/YKEnOSxB9yE/s681/IMG_0086.JPG

New OME springs

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AFCAkeH3kCc/USfdBUeOIjI/AAAAAAAAFqM/pGoPaxJ9HQY/s908/B07D4422-CED8-4203-A68E-F2C271FA9433.JPG

Length Total - 45"
or about 43" from Center to Center of eyelets
Don't know what length you typically say when it comes to leaf springs.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jR6i3TrAM20/USfdCY5W9BI/AAAAAAAAFqY/yPWcTQPGfRM/s908/5E533158-4DA0-42FC-8155-5D035718E22F.JPG

Height about 11.5"
2" over stock
Also this obviously without weight and the spring are firmer and should not drop as much with the vehicle weight to give even more lift

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yL2BV-uH-to/USfdDfhVlVI/AAAAAAAAFqk/pVfwr6WDiWw/s681/8BAA6C2F-E48E-45E1-A690-FC96DF3E53AE.JPG

And that is where I sit at waiting on a buddy to come by to get another pair of jack stands and for parts to show up. Should have the front taken apart by this afternoon.:wrench:

[Jim]

Hi Chris - look'n good - wise to measure garage height... before!

If you want a hand or to borrow some tools, just let me know.

[Brad]

Keep us posted! Looking good so far! (Except the unsafe stacks of wood) :thumb:

[ctracy5]

Its only supporting the axle, I have real jack stands under the frame, so not much weight on it, but yeah it was all I could find laying around that would work. Now I'm just waiting to see if parts will show up today or Monday. Indy4x never gave me a tracking number so I can't check on it but that they don't show up Monday I will be giving them a call.

[Jim]

:chuckle: Yea, those stacks-o-wood (realizing they were for only the axle) did catch my eye, thus my tools comment.

I have 4 "typical / automotive" size jackstands and 4 high, 4x4 size. Yours to borrow if ya wish.

[The StRanger]

At least you still have the shocks on
Cant hurt much !!

[ctracy5]

The shocks were mounted to the spring plate not the axle tube so the axle is just resting on the wood and being held in place by the drive shaft

[ctracy5]

So my parts never showed so I got it all taken apart and ready to go when the parts get here.

[The StRanger]

So my parts never showed so I got it all taken apart and ready to go when the parts get here.

Well that sux
I hate tearing stuff down with no parts

[ctracy5]

Well that sux
I hate tearing stuff down with no parts

yeah but if I didn't get a jump start on it it wouldn't have happened before China wall

[The StRanger]

yeah but if I didn't get a jump start on it it wouldn't have happened before China wall

Yup...
Istill do it, I just dont like it
Hope its not youre DD ?

[ctracy5]

it is but we only need one car right now because me and the wife are both in school and carpool so its not to big of a deal. Shouldn't be to bad once the parts get here, just put the rear back together with the new parts and the ball joint flip with spacers up front and I'm good to go.

[ctracy5]

Alright, here we go again.

Replaced all three of my rear brake lines, the feeder line and both caliper lines

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VIutZz3_Vb8/UTK5C_QjPUI/AAAAAAAAF2s/BejZsX9YrEE/s681/2013-03-02+08.11.07.jpg

The axle on the stock springs sat on the top of that stack of wood, much lower on new springs :D

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-540a_yjKlDE/UTK5DmrocII/AAAAAAAAF20/eXqqc76u-x8/s681/2013-03-02+08.11.28.jpg

with the use of a brake line clamp and removing / installing the lines one side at a time I minimized fluid loss.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_dYHbZaeW98/UTK5EP_wsuI/AAAAAAAAF3A/I6wq-aNDO0w/s681/2013-03-02+08.23.45.jpg

New feeder line installed much longer, forgot to measure it to get any real numbers:confused:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m8dnd2utMOA/UTK5EfyegNI/AAAAAAAAF3E/09usTWxxJNo/s681/2013-03-02+08.36.36.jpg

Ball joint in original position on top of the a-arm

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-d8KMX9ZEDjU/UTK5Ezz_WtI/AAAAAAAAF3U/LabHZYDnv40/s681/2013-03-02+08.43.21.jpg

Disassembled

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4rYhkV_EHpA/UTK5FKKoIpI/AAAAAAAAF3c/E28vMVJ2p0I/s681/2013-03-02+09.13.05.jpg

Ball joint moved to under A-arm and 1/4 spacer installed along with a new shorter bump stop :D!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-osCo23_LSts/UTK5F5j0ghI/AAAAAAAAF3w/kUztuDkV8zs/s681/2013-03-02+09.45.40.jpg

[RidgeRunner]

Lookin' Good!

[ctracy5]

Everything reassembled

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IWIIOECniTM/UTK5GFc-4sI/AAAAAAAAF34/rGjq2tHRNDw/s681/2013-03-02+11.58.53.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ooNeoEQqOGI/UTK5GaHzZEI/AAAAAAAAF4A/IrTb2Rd-YFw/s908/2013-03-02+11.59.00.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-i0QvjnofKmU/UTK5GvDe1UI/AAAAAAAAF4E/FazagVvbQW8/s681/2013-03-02+11.59.04.jpg

Drive shaft angle ( I do have a slight shimmy off the line but quickly smooths out, I think a one piece drive line is in the future when cash allows, this kit was a pretty penny so it may be awhile.)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vPmxzVAWcXQ/UTK5G8Nhz8I/AAAAAAAAF4M/DRP-bRmBJ2w/s908/2013-03-02+11.59.15.jpg

Difference from front to rear before torsion bar adjustment.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-k_f09O6s3xo/UTK5HA34LqI/AAAAAAAAF4Y/s0jB-RokeSM/s681/2013-03-02+12.00.53.jpg

These were the jacks the truck was sitting on and now they don't even touch the frame with the tires on the ground :D:D:D!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rHY5-LRLhlg/UTK5IEIc04I/AAAAAAAAF4s/7TJPy3aptiU/s681/2013-03-02+12.16.19.jpg

[ctracy5]

Next to Matt's 4runner

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bCgTotlufk0/UTK5Im6dGQI/AAAAAAAAF40/2P5mOv02EdM/s908/2013-03-02+12.41.41.jpg

New rear fender height (old=32.5 - new=34.5 maybe .6)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-k1-yYugy3cw/UTK5JWwHJ7I/AAAAAAAAF5E/DE2MjSma3Rw/s908/2013-03-02+13.10.20.jpg

New front fender height (old=33.5 - new=35.5+)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V37Dz1OKrC8/UTK5JtpRnQI/AAAAAAAAF5M/XGkg6e18K0A/s908/2013-03-02+13.10.35.jpg

new rear bumper height (old=24.5 - new=26.5)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-To8QGG99UH8/UTK5J5Ax3_I/AAAAAAAAF5U/1WhHooOdk3c/s908/2013-03-02+13.11.25.jpg

Very please the truck looks great can't wait for China Wall:thumb:

[Java]

Looks awesome!! I think all you need to fix your driveshaft angle would be some degree shims, they're pretty cheap. they fit between the leafpsring and the axle perch, and basically look like a really thin slice of pie with a hole for the spring pin. the asshats at 4wheelparts usually have them in stock, I'd guess 4 degrees would do it.

[ctracy5]

I was talking the guy at Indy4x when I ordered the kit and he said that its not the connection points that causes the vibration (I am still well within safe operating angles of the joints) but that fact that the two drive shafts are now at such different angles spinning that causes the vibrations. He was saying that shimming may or may not fix the problem so if I am going to put the money into fixing it I will just eliminate the carrier bearing and go to a one piece.

Like I said above it is not bad and is as in about 2 seconds of move smooths out completely so for now I am not worried. Plus I still need to get an alignment on Monday so I will see what happens after that.

[Popsgarage]

I'd agree on a small axle shim. Should fix your vibe and only cost a few bucks.

[ctracy5]

Indy4x has 4 deg (19.99) and 6 deg (29.99)

https://www.independent4x.com/merchantmanager/images/uploads/6DEGREESHIMS.jpg

They look like aluminum which I have heard to stay way from, do you guys have any other suggestions on brands.

My leafs are 2.5" inches wide if that matters

[Popsgarage]

4 degree should be fine and as long as you torque the u-bolts down to the correct spec/yield, you should be fine with the aluminum shim. Just make sure to remove the spring locating bolt, place the bolt through the shim, back through the leaf pack and tighten it back down. Again, torque to manufacturers spec/yield.

[scout man]

I might have a pair of shims kicking around in the garage still. I know I had some brand new ones around at some point. Ill see if I can find them tomorrow, and measure them. If they are right for you I will bring them up to the anni run.

[Patrolman]

I might have a random set of steel shims floating around as well in all the junk that came out of the garage. Will see if I can track them down.

[The StRanger]

At one time I had a bunch in the bottom of my tool box
If not try Any alignment shop (big 0, Peerless tyre, etc)

[ctracy5]

Thanks guys, I am going to try to go to johns 4x4 (http://www.johns4x4.com/) up here in Fort Collins for the alignment on Monday, he is doing a special for a front end alignment for only $49.99, I may ask them about and see what they say. I figured a actually 4x4 shop might be better at getting a lifted truck lined up. I will probably have him hit all my grease points at the same time.

[Fordguy77]

Looking pretty good, I agree with what everyone said above, and or to see what it would cost to have someone rotate your spring perches a few degrees. A one piece should help some with that, but right now the angle is kinda funky.

[Chris]

I didn't see anyone comment on the use of aluminum shims, I used themon my old truck with no issues at all.

[ctracy5]

I didn't see anyone comment on the use of aluminum shims, I used themon my old truck with no issues at all.

Cool I heard that in wet location ( such as Washington, where I plan on moving back to in about two years after my wife graduates) they erode pretty bad, but I am sure here in Colorado they hold up fine.