Caliper rubs upper A-arm

Discussion in 'Suspension/Chassis' started by TruckerDennis, Apr 25, 2016.

  1. TruckerDennis

    TruckerDennis Newbie

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    Hi all.

    I just lowerede my truck 3" blocks in the rear and 2" drop spindles in the front. Everything looked good
    20160422_175507.jpg
    until I drove the truck for the first time.
    I noticed that the steering was "binding" I revmoved the front wheels to see if I could locate the problem. Unfortunatley I saw that the calipers were rubbing the upper A-arm

    20160425_124915.jpg 20160425_124919.jpg
    Have any of you ever experienced this issue with dropspindles?
    any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Dennis.
     
  2. Frinzo

    Frinzo Toyotaholic

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    Ive never heard of this issue, what drop spindles did u get?
     
  3. TruckerDennis

    TruckerDennis Newbie

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    Thank you for your reply.

    I have searched and searched for hours now, with no luck. So no wonder you never heard of it.

    I used Belltech #2000. Note that this is the jap spec 1-ton hilux.
    I dont know if it has bigger rotors/calipers than the ½ ton ADM stuff? Perhaps this could be the reson?

    I used to run with crancked torsions but i drive the truck 55 miles a day, so tire wear was kind of an issue.
     
  4. TRUCK ACTION

    TRUCK ACTION Grand Toyotaholic

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    I'd guess that the 1-Ton rotors are larger & that is the problem!! Find the specs for both to confirm that!!
    And I'd that care of all that rust I see, with that much on suspension parts you may have other problems!!
     
  5. TruckerDennis

    TruckerDennis Newbie

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    Thank you.

    Yes, rust is another problem that I am looking in to. Thank you for pointing that out though :waytogo:
    I live in Europe where these trucks are close to extinct. Parts must be ordered eather from the USA or Japan.
    Shipment and import charges are slowly killing me. But I do love the truck and I will not compromise on safety

    Back on toppic. The US half tons have much shalower calipers, so this is in fact the problem:verdict_in:.

    I will look into how I can resolve this, without downgrading brakes.
    Maybe drop lower A-arms with stock spindels? (added benefit of resolving some of the rust)
    Do any of you know if the DJM lowering arms effect camber?
    Also is the angle-change on the upper arm effecting handling and/or ride "quality" (Quality in captions because of the super stiff leafs of the 1-ton. Might as well have welded the axle to the chassis :silly:)
    As previously mensioned I crancked the torsions once but tire wear was to severe to my liking

    Dennis
     
  6. Frinzo

    Frinzo Toyotaholic

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    I do think the rotors / calipers are different sizes. If u need a fix, u can get longer bolts and make a spacer for the upper a arms. I would do this as a temp fix unless there is no way around it. I do know they make spacers for this year gen for the 4x4 guys. But this will raise up the front alittle. Hope u figure it out, keep us posted. If anything i can take some measurements of my belltech drop,spindles on my truck jutmst to make sure thrme one u recieved were cast correctly..

    When u get a chance post up a few pics of the truck. The 1 tons are few here in the states also. Even more rare is a dually in this gen.
     
  7. TRUCK ACTION

    TRUCK ACTION Grand Toyotaholic

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    Pro-15 is the answer for your rust!
    I was more concerned that that may have a effect on the components, as in metal wearing away causing movement in moving parts!!
     
  8. Frinzo

    Frinzo Toyotaholic

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    I just completely finished POR-15 my whole chassis.
     
  9. TruckerDennis

    TruckerDennis Newbie

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    Thangs guys.

    I am now surtain that the calipers are different. The upper slider is way long.
    s-l500.jpg
    The picture above is the 1-ton. note the long slider.
    $(KGrHqEOKnIE44R2dbwLBOUcdppJVg--_1.JPG
    This is the ½-ton. Sliders are much shorter.

    I think my solution will be to crank the torsions with stock spindles and see if I can craft something (oversize shims perhaps) to adjust the camber on the upper control-arm.

    About the duallys. I was thinking of importing one before I bought this.

    Dennis
     
  10. MrDinkleman

    MrDinkleman Addict

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    Are you planning to haul a lot of heavy loads or go racing? If not, why not just convert to 1/2 ton brakes? I've never felt mine was under-braked...
     
  11. TruckerDennis

    TruckerDennis Newbie

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    It is used to haul stuff sometimes. Also I have read bad things about the ½-ton brakes.
    Some guy mentioned that they were of a poor design that caused warped discs. The smaller size could not dissipate the heat.

    Yesterday I found a thread on this forum about the DJM LCA. Apparently they fit this gen also if the ball joint is replaced, with the ball joint from the next gen. Can any of you confirm this?

    That might be a better path to go for me. Eventualy I am going to switch to 15"x8" wheels with 195/50r15 and 4x4 fenders so I will want to go lower than the 2" drop the spindle provide.

    Dennis
     
  12. Frinzo

    Frinzo Toyotaholic

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    Yes, DJM LCA work on 84-95. I havent heard about lower ball joint though, but wouldnt be suprised if it does, considering the djm drop spindles are the same for both gens also. I cant comment about brakes, but there is abunch of threads for other brakes to switch to for these trucks.
     
  13. TruckerDennis

    TruckerDennis Newbie

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    Thanks Frinzo.

    I will consider DJM LCA.
    I just bought new front calipers, rear cylinders, upper and lower ball joints and steering rods.
    So I am not considering brake upgrades at this moment ;)

    Dennis
     
  14. Frinzo

    Frinzo Toyotaholic

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    Let us know if the new brake stuff fix ur issue.
     
  15. White Trash

    White Trash Toyotaholic

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    I'd simply take a grinder to the lower lip of the a arm and be done with it.
     
  16. Geedorah

    Geedorah Newbie

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    This Is the same issue im having at the moment. I've done some research and the only easy(ish) fix i have found is to flip the left brake to right and vise versa, so the calipre is upside down. That way the long slider is on the bottom.
    Seems as though bleeding the brakes might be an isssue though?
    Think im going to give it a go anyway..
     

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