suspension for toy powerd zuk?

toyodaaddict · Jun 6, 2014

I was given a free samurai minus the engine/trans/axles. I've been piecing it back together with left over toy parts. It's now got a 20r/l45/dual cases.
I've got a set of toy axles ready but I'm going round and round about the front suspension. The main thing holding me up is shackle reversal or no shackle reversal? I'll be moving the spring hangers to toy axle width so I can go either way, any thoughts?

For springs I have stock yj's,lifted yj's,and a few sets of toy rears. I'll figure that out as I go.

what I know for sure is I want to push the front axle 2-4'' forward, as far as possible without cutting the body all to hell. fit 33's without crazy lift, and It's gotta be streetable when I'm done. Im kinda rambling here, S/R thoughts and opinions please.

zukkev · Jun 7, 2014

Stock yj's...and even with 33's you're gonna be cutting the crap outta the leading edge of the inner fender pretty heavy if you go 4" forward...I had to cut the corners with the axle moved forward 1.5"...

zuk88 · Jun 7, 2014

I run Trail toughs YJ kit and you get a really nice ride but with 33's you still got toget the front fenders trimmed. I now run 36 Iroks and had to trim both front and back front fenders but I still have a full body and looks great.

zuk88 · Jun 7, 2014

I also run a D44/9" toy width combo so it flexes like crazy with no body rub.

toyodaaddict · Jun 7, 2014

Thanks for the input. It sounds like I'de bettter plan on placing the front closer to 2'' forward. I plan on trimming the fenders, I just dont want to be getting into the the grill erea. If I can get 2'' in front an 2-3'' out back that will be enough wheel base to start. I am a bit concerned with how the yj's will handle the extra weight of the toyota drivetrain, guess I can allways add leafs. I want to see if I can make toy rears work for the back, we'll see.
What do you guys think about the shackles? I cant make up my mind. Shackles behind the spring make sense to me but at the moment I'm leaning towerd keepin them up front because other than my scout(doesnt get wheeled) I've never had shackles up front. Ive seen alot of bent jeep springs though, so I dont know.

WHITE TRASH1 · Jun 7, 2014

Why are you worried about if the added weight of a toyota drivetrain? Realize you're using springs meant for a rig much heavier with a heavier drivetrain so it'll be just fine.

Shackles in the rear in the only way to roll. Don't do a stupid mount like all the bolt on kits, run the shackle tubes high in the frame rails so you can have a longer shackle without needing a large drop mount in the front of the springs.