suspension lift

npca-r.j. · Post by **npca-r.j.** » Sat Mar 30, 2002 11:53 pm

I once saw a patrol that had the leaf springs reversed. Instead of under the axle they were above it. I was just wondering if anyone had ever done that so I could get some sort of guidence. Thanks Patrolman

npca-jeepy · Post by **npca-jeepy** » Mon Apr 01, 2002 4:58 am

There was a Patrol for sale on Ebay recently that had done this. Rather difficult to pull off. I have never seen another one on a Patrol. Many other vehicles have them either aftermarket or stock. Aftermarket would require that you weld the spring perches in EXACTLY the right spot on the axles to avoid shaking while driving and excessive u-joint wear. Ultimately the front axle should be cut and turned. The vehicle will also drive poorly without doing a shackle reversal as well. The drive shafts will probably have to be extended as well due to the increased lift. The brake lines also need to be extended. Basically, if you do a springover you are looking at a LOT of lift and a LOT of work to do it right. This doesn't even take into account you will be running larger tires and probably breaking axles. The benefits are wonderful but the cost is high. jeepcj_6@yahoo.com

npca-grant · Post by **npca-grant** » Mon Apr 01, 2002 5:48 pm

Hey patrolman Did you check out ironmans stuff? They have some leaf springs that will give you a 2" lift. Check out the link at on our links page ie http://communities.msn.com/NissanPatrol ... links.msnw Grant

npca-daner · Post by **npca-daner** » Tue Apr 02, 2002 5:37 pm

hey patrolman: i'd have to agree with the others on the axle under conversion: by the time you reweld them(very carefully so as not to warp the axle or axlehousing), have driveshafts lengthened and have a custom steering arm made to compensate for the different ride height, you spent alot of $ and time and still haven't addressed the real problems: soft, brittle springs and axles that can only realistically handle about a 31" tire. one cheap and easy remedy (though not perfect)is a modest shackle lift. just take off one of you shackles and bring it to a machine shop(they charged me $20) and ask them to make the same thing with and extra 2" or so. a 2" extension will give you about 1" increase. i personnally wouldn't want to go much more, though i've seen some yahoos cruising their 4x4s with ridiculous and unsafe 6". i would also use the opportunity to replace the bushings, you'll notice the improvement. as for a body lift, you could use an old trick my brother did to lift his 64 landcruiser: the original body mounts were gone so he used (gasp!) hockey pucks! just drill the right size hole in them. sounds stupid but when you think about it it is the same density and as strong as expensive poly body mounts and lets face it, there isnt much aftermaket parts available for patrols. the combination of the two would give you about a three inch lift and cost about $100-$150. now i know that some safetyminded busybody will write and tell me how crazy and unsafe this is, but with new bushings and body mounts, your patrol will ride and handle better and more safely than before.

npca-shaved-ape · Post by **npca-shaved-ape** » Wed Apr 03, 2002 8:58 pm

though i've seen some yahoos cruising their 4x4s with ridiculous and unsafe 6". hmmm you dont do much four wheelin do you?? thats ok, some people are into rare 4x4's like patrols and such because they are cool rigs to have.

npca-daner · Post by **npca-daner** » Thu Apr 04, 2002 5:43 pm

Shaved ape; I too love funky old 4x4's which is why i have one of the coolest; the nissan patrol. And actually, you couldnt be more wrong about me not fourwheeling much, I am the one of the drivers for the elite forest service Hotshots. we are constantly taking our large carriers on nasty abandoned mining and logging roads in order to access forest fires. many of the roads sane people with smaller 4x4's would not consider taking, we have to take our large carriers on, during forest fires! during the six months a year there are no fires I log and cut firewood in rough and remote mountains(legally), and go to ghost towns and old mines, (some in the sirra madre of mexico)some of which no wheeled vehicle has been to in many, many, years.. I also have a cabin which can only be reached by a capable 4x4. (moab and rubicon are relatively tame-done them both)so i fourwheel roughly 3/4 days a week. I currently have six 4x4 vehicles, all of which get used and abused with the exception of my little patrol, which is used on mellow trails. the lift i described i have put on several vehicles and i feel is a safe, practicle and functional one: and i resent your "hmmm you dont wheel much" comment- duane

npca-oski · Post by **npca-oski** » Thu Apr 04, 2002 10:52 pm

its not as hard as you think, my 65' Patrol has a springover and I love it. If you were interested in doing it let me know I can give you all the info. you don't have to change much and you get about 5" of lift, not including the tires of choice you will use that will give you a couple of more inches. oskirito@aol.com

npca-oski · Post by **npca-oski** » Thu Apr 04, 2002 11:26 pm

if you were really interested in doing this I could save you a lot of money and time. I have a front axle out of my 65' that already has the spring perches welded on top of the alxle. I converted my front axle to a Dana 44 so I don't need it anymore. The axle is complete from drum to drum with working brakes.

npca-dewriffic16 · Post by **npca-dewriffic16** » Sun Apr 07, 2002 1:15 pm

Hello everyone, I was very excited to hear that they still make aftermarket leafs for the patrol! When i went to ironmans site i found exsactly what i looking for but no prices. I went to find the nearest distributor and found out that out of only two in the US one of them was in my very own town of flagstaff! Anyway as far as shackles go i have welded up some of my own for about $5 and they seem to work just fine at 6" it gave us enough room for some 31" BFGs and i also installed air shocks in the rear. If i am able to find some leafs i have some 33s i would like to try on for kicks. Anyway if you would like to see our latest project it is under patrol projects and it is mine and my fathers newest creation. This is a great site, Dave

npca-shaved-ape · Post by **npca-shaved-ape** » Sun Apr 07, 2002 2:50 pm

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