Mikem Suspension for my Hilux

Post by **pietpetoors** » Mon Sep 19, 2011 10:01 pm

This is a loooong story, but first I would like to say that so far I am very happy with the Mikem rear suspension and especially with Darrell's help and advice.

Here is the Looooong stiry

After our West Coast trip (of which I still have to post a report) I saw that the rear of my trokkie was hanging. So I decided that after 408,000km on the clock she deserve a new set of springs. The choice was easy, our only truly South African performance suspension specialists, Mikem suspensions.

I arranged with Darrell to get a pack of springs.
Luckily I also bought some extended shackles from Darrell for my online shop because I needed it later on in the story.

So this morning it was time for the new springs.
On Darrell instruction I measured the distance from the bottom of the rim to the bottom of the wheel arch.
I sommer did it on all 4 wheels because I was also planning on installing ball joint spacers on the front.
Results:
Right Rear - 755mm, Left Rear 745mm, Right front 785mm, left front 775mm.

From above you can see the front was about 30mm higher than the rear

For my pack Darrell sent me the normal greasable shackles.

So we installed the springs and after we installed it was measuring 760mm, up only 5mm from 755mm.
I called Darrell he he said his data on his file show that most Hiluxes coming in for new springs measured between 720mm and 730mm so perhaps my vehicles already had aftermarket springs in.

I wanted it higher so I decided to also install the greasable extended shackles from Mikem.

We did that and the result was that the rear wheels are now 785mm, the same as the front.

During the day I also measured two other Hiluxes and they also measured 755mm from the bottom of the rim to the bottom of the wheel arch.

Then it struck me like lightning, I knew why it looked as if the rear end was hanging.
The problem was not that the rear was hanging, the problem was because the front was too high and that was because I replaced my bumper a while ago with a lighter bumper. I knew the new bumper was lighter but nether realized that it had such a big effect.

So this means that there was actually nothing wrong with my old rear springs.

We still installed the ball joint spacers in the front as well. Because I do not want the front to be higher than the back we could not adjust it upwards much more, so the height in the front is about the same as before the operation, BUT the big difference is the distance between the control arm and bump stops are now much bigger, giving the control arms much better travel.

The only thing now to do is to get shocks that is a bit longer. The shock absorbers do need replacement after 4 years of duty.

Tomorrow I am off to Bredasdorp, so I will get the opportunity to properly test it. I will make sure I take some nasty detours on my way there.

: Before

: After

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Mon Sep 19, 2011 10:15 pm

Lyk goed Pieter, gewig en spasie is jou grootste vyand....laat net ook vir JVDS weer weet asb...

Ek het myne Vrydag bestel :http://www.4x4direct.co.za/shop/index.p ... cts_id=222 en sal nog die week gaan haal

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 1:27 am

Well done Pieter

truck looks mean and ready for a war up in Africa somewhere.

I'm going a similar route, I have decided, though with uprated torsions just slightly turned (which should give a similar ride quality as standard ones but with a bit of a lift - hopefully around 25 - 30mm) then the rear will be the extended shackles like you have. Will keep OE springs for now until kitty grows

Where did you source your ball joint spacers? I'm very skeptical about ordering from these overseas companies I must say

Post by **CasKru** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 6:18 am

Lyk goed Pieter. Dit is net 'n kwessie van tyd maar my wa gaan verseker die hele Mikem en Bilstein treatment kry

Post by **pietpetoors** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 7:12 am

Where did you source your ball joint spacers?

Donkey, Once I get time to order I will be importing some and you can get from me

Dit is net 'n kwessie van tyd maar my wa gaan verseker die hele Mikem en Bilstein treatment kry

Cassie, ek probeer nog daai som maak en die duur shock regverdig. Daai Safaris het my daardie tyd R500 elk gekos en het 4 jaar gery en in daardie 4 jaar het ons baie grondpaaie en baie slegte grondpaaie gery. My opinie is dat dit beter is om elke 4 jaar nuwes te sit as om hierdie klomp geld vir fancy skokbrekers te moet betaal.

Die ander goed is glo beter, ek is nie haastig nie, daardie Safaris hou die Hilux se voete stewig op die grond tot 130 op 'n grondpad (ek ry nie vinniger as dit op 'n grondpad) , so wat wil ek meer hê, ek gaan nie rally ry nie. Met die safaris in het ek nog nooit beheer verloor oor die bakkie en hy het nog nooit sy agterent rondgegooi nie, so hulle is goed genoeg vir my. Dalk is ek verkeerd, maar op die stadium is dit nog my opinie, iemand bewys my dalk eendag verkeerd.

jacques kotze · Post by **jacques kotze** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 8:07 am

Dit lyk goed Pieter

Post by **CasKru** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 8:26 am

Myne ry huidiglik op 'n kombinasie van iron man shocks voor en gabriel safaris agter.

Hoekom ek graag vir die kompleet pakket sal wil gaan is dan is die suspension en die shocks a perfekte match vir wat ek wil doen. Die Bilsteins is 100% serviceable so dit is net die aanvanklike prys wat so erg is, daarna kan jy dit so gereeld as wat jy wil oor doen teen 'n baie beter prys as nuwe shocks.

Onthou... ek speel hard as ek speel :)

louis fourie · Post by **louis fourie** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 8:50 pm

Dit is net 'n kwessie van tyd maar my wa gaan verseker die hele Mikem en Bilstein treatment kry

Cassie, ek probeer nog daai som maak en die duur shock regverdig. Daai Safaris het my daardie tyd R500 elk gekos en het 4 jaar gery en in daardie 4 jaar het ons baie grondpaaie en baie slegte grondpaaie gery. My opinie is dat dit beter is om elke 4 jaar nuwes te sit as om hierdie klomp geld vir fancy skokbrekers te moet betaal. [/quote]

Ek het Mikem op met die Billstein Shocks, soos gesê is - fully servicable. Ek stem saam met Pieter oor die Safaris, maar dit kan nie met die Mikem/Billstein kombinasie vergelyk word nie. My niere bly binne

. Oor die laaaaang termyn dink ek die Bilsteins gaan hulle self terug betaal - tyd sal leer.

Post by **pietpetoors** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 9:33 pm

Ek het nou die Safaris vir 4 jaar gehad, miskien moet ek nou iets anders probeer om te vergelyk?
Besluit nog!

By the way, did about 700km of travel for the day and all I can say about the Mikem suspension is WOW!

Makes a HUGE difference, especially on corrugated roads. Must have done this LOOOONG time ago.
Had anything from fast open road, mountain pass (tar) and gravel for the day. In the mountain pass handling was tops.

I also got feedback from Gabriel about the shocks. I know somewhere we discussed that one should use Cruiser shocks for the Hilux since they are longer. The guys from Gabriel informed me that apparently my Hilux use the same rear shocks as the 70/75 series Cruiser. So by going Cruiser I wont get longer shocks I already have the right shocks. So if I want longer I might end up going for something special

Post by **CasKru** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 10:13 pm

Pieter... maak net seker altwee jou agter shocks is ewelank. Ek weet op die IFS is die regterkant langer as die linker kant

Post by **pietpetoors** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 8:07 am

maak net seker altwee jou agter shocks is ewelank.

hhuhh? Hulle moet mos juis nie ewe lank wees nie? As ek niks langer kry nie kan ek dalk seker maak ek sit ten minste die langste een aan albei kante in.

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 8:18 am

Meer hier sien Legend35 se comments:
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=19265&hilit=shocks" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
en Louis s'n:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=18887&hilit=shocks" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Post by **CasKru** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 8:24 am

pietpetoors wrote:
maak net seker altwee jou agter shocks is ewelank.
hhuhh? Hulle moet mos juis nie ewe lank wees nie? As ek niks langer kry nie kan ek dalk seker maak ek sit ten minste die langste een aan albei kante in.

Wat ek probeer se het (my pille ht klaar uit gewerk) is jy moet net seker maak dat die shocks wat jy jou huidiges mee vervang is dieselfde as die wat jy uithaal. Die rede is jou agter shocks het verskillende lentes

Post by **george** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 8:30 am

Gaan jou post dop hou.moet self nou shocks insit.
Het gister met Midas gepraat en hulle het my gequote R1300 vir al die shocks.Dis darm baie goedkoop :problem:
Het sommer my hoogte gemeet en die bakkie is ook 775-780mm(voor en agter).
Wat se voordeel gee die ball joint spacers?

Post by **pietpetoors** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 8:56 am

Ja George, dis juis daai prys wat my laat wonder. Midas Saldanha het my kwoteer R1256.00 vir al vier, dit is vier shocks vir minder as die prys van een performance shock. 4 jaar terug het die 4 my R1,000 gekos. My somme sê vir my dat ek dus vir die volgende 16 jaar Safaris kan insit teen die prys van een stel performance shocks nou, die vraag is gaan 'n performance shock dus 16 jaar hou en dan natuurlik, gaan ek die Hilux oor 16 jaar nog hê? Selfs as jy pessimisties is en die 16 jaar halfveer na 8 jaar bly dit steeds 'n vraag om aan te dink.

Post by **george** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:44 am

ja Pieta ek het self daai sommetjies gemaak.Ek dink ek gaan maar eers gaan vir Gabriels.Ek het nog agter shocks wat ek van Johannes gekry het.Wil hulle nog toets.
Die ander ding is 'n ou wil nie 16 of 8 jaar sit met dieselfde shock nie. oor 'n ruk bring hulle dalk weer 'n ander super duber shock uit.
Laat weet as jy op die regte lengtes besluit het

Post by **pietpetoors** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 6:42 pm

George, the ball joint spacer story
Some people us the ball joint spacers to lift the vehicle.
I did not use it for that. If your torsion v=bars are adjusted so the height is 780mm at front, do yourself a favor, jack up your vehicle and see how much the wheel can travel down before it lifts off the ground. I learned this new wonderful word from Darrell , they call that the "droop" or downward stroke. I bet you yours will be between 35 and 45mm (not me being clever, Darrell's stats says so). The thing is if you adjust the height with torsion bars you sacrifice downward travel which means on a trail your wheels will lift off the ground quicker.

With the ball joint spacer the front now measure from bottom of the rim to bottom of fender flare 780mm , the same as yours, but the big difference is that my droop is 65mm. If you look at the picture below you will see the space between the bottom and top bump stops are almost the same. On a vehicle without spacers with torsions screwed up to the same height the one stop will be much closer to the control arm than the other. The 38mm spacer must give you 25mm lift (same as 50mm extended shackles) but in my case I opted for 25mm more "droop" instead.

: Bump stops

Word of caution when measuring: (I would like to hear if my reasoning on this is correct please)
I doubt that the plastic fender flares is a very accurate thing to measure against so I double checked the height in front. After adjusting the two side to be the same height on the flares, I measured the chassis to ground distance. To be more accurate I've put the tape measure's back securely against the chassis just behind the stabilizer bar (so I can measure both sides at the same spot) and then pulled the tape down to the ground. I took my measurement where the tape comes out of the casing of the tape measure. While the height measured the same on the fender flares, the height from chassis to ground differed 7mm. So I ended up doing my final tuning from the garage floor to chassis instead of from bottom of rim to bottom of fender flare. My neighbor has a nice clean tiled garage floor which is perfectly level.

: Put the tape here

Post by **pietpetoors** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 6:50 pm

Oh, about the shocks, I might add here that part of my decision to stick to the Safaris is because I do not do a lot of serious 4x4 ing. Only once in a blue moon.

I think if I did more serious trails and one day when I tour around Africa then I will most definitely go for a more serious shock.
In the case of touring around Africa, if I have to do that today I will go for the Bilsteins which is serviceable and have a very good track record.

But at the moment, because I do more overlanding than trails, I will stick to my Safaris. I am so satisfied with the rear Mikem springs that I would rather spend the extra money to upgrade the front torsion bars to Mikem's torsion bars.

Post by **george** » Thu Sep 22, 2011 8:24 am

Thanks Pieter.That is a good explenation

I had a look at my top bump stop and it is very close to the control arm.
I will definitively have less travel. When do you think you will have these spacers or where did you get yours?

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Thu Sep 22, 2011 8:27 am

Hi Pieter

Donkey, Once I get time to order I will be importing some and you can get from me - this is a October month end project for me.

Just to add to what you were explaining about the droop, the biggest advantage with uprated torsions is that they have more teeth than standard and so when turned up they will give the suspension lift (25 - 30mm give or take) without compromising on the droop and possibly the ride quality - this is how I understand them, I could be wrong and will accept correction,

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Thu Sep 22, 2011 8:40 am

Went yesterday to collect my 'extended shackles' from Mikem.....oh nooooo, says Daryl, pull your van in we are gonna fit 'em :!:

So while we were chatting the job was done and gained 35mm lift rear and 10mm up front

Tx Daryl

PS THIS MAN KNOWS HIS STUFF

Mikem1 · Post by **Mikem1** » Thu Sep 22, 2011 8:55 am

Hi Tumelo.
On the torsion bars uprated torsion bars are only thicker which provide more stability for extra load being added eg winch or aftermarket bull bar etc.
The spline stays the same and still has the same number of teeth so you can only adjust up as much as you can considering you must have at least 60mm droop or downward travel on the shock.
Lots of people think the aftermarket bars give you extra height but it does not the rate is increased eg orginal bar diameter in centre is 22mm and aftermarket 25-26mm so it has given you increased load.This allows you to add extra weight and still be able to have good road handling etc.
Regards
Darrell
Mikem Suspensions

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Thu Sep 22, 2011 9:03 am

adrenalind wrote:Hi Tumelo.
On the torsion bars uprated torsion bars are only thicker which provide more stability for extra load being added eg winch or aftermarket bull bar etc.
The spline stays the same and still has the same number of teeth so you can only adjust up as much as you can considering you must have at least 60mm droop or downward travel on the shock.
Lots of people think the aftermarket bars give you extra height but it does not the rate is increased eg orginal bar diameter in centre is 22mm and aftermarket 25-26mm so it has given you increased load.This allows you to add extra weight and still be able to have good road handling etc.
Regards
Darrell
Mikem Suspensions

Hi Darryll, tx for the fruit salad and custard

Have a super day :wink2:

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Thu Sep 22, 2011 9:07 am

I can see clearly now the rain is gone

The pressure is now on Pieter me suspect with the spacres then, yoh

Thanx

Post by **george** » Thu Sep 22, 2011 9:10 am

Donkey wrote:I can see clearly now the rain is gone
The pressure is now on Pieter me suspect with the spacres then, yoh

Thanx

x2

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Thu Sep 22, 2011 12:20 pm

Ok we sommer gonna hi-jack your post then Pieter.
Ball joint spacers on order (IFS shape):

1. Donkey
2. George
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Who else is in guys?

louis fourie · Post by **louis fourie** » Thu Sep 22, 2011 6:50 pm

Ok we sommer gonna hi-jack your post then Pieter.
Ball joint spacers on order (IFS shape):

1. Donkey
2. George
3. Louis Fourie (Maar ek het die prys nodig - wil nie my bande verkoop om spacers in te sit nie

)
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Who else is in guys?

Post by **Polarbear2008** » Thu Sep 22, 2011 9:37 pm

Hi Pieter and all the other folk on this thread.

I did the Mikem rear leaf spring exercise a while back, and opted to fit Monroe Gas Magnum shocks at the same time. Must say the it was MUCH cheaper than the "other" yellow body shock, and works wonderfully - bodyroll is gone, and overall handling on gravel is much improved. AFAIR it cost about R950 for 2 - fitted?! In my books that was not too expensive if you consider that the new Gabriel "green" shock is +/- R1300 EACH!

Bilstein is good, but NOT at the price they want, and the PT to have it "Serviced" means your shocks off, loan shocks on, yours sent away, loan shocks off, your shocks on = too much effort and for what?

This is just my 2c. :)

Post by **CasKru** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 6:19 am

Ek voel nou dom maar wil iemand nie asseblief 'n fodie van 'n ball joint space post nie?

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 7:06 am

Hi Cassie

The torsions connect to the A frame at uppermost part of the suspension, don't know the actual names of these components. The ball joint spacer then fits between the upper A frame and the "arm" that then connects it to the hub/CV joint assembly, but the experts will correct me.

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 7:09 am

Cass sent you an email on the installation of the spacers.

Post by **CasKru** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 7:13 am

Donkey wrote:Cass sent you an email on the installation of the spacers.

Thank you sir

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 7:15 am

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=21064" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Post by **CasKru** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 7:21 am

And for those in the dark like me.....

Donkey wrote:viewtopic.php?f=3&t=21064

Hilux 1 · Post by **Hilux 1** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 11:08 am

WAT KOS SUKE GOED EN WAAR IN DIE KAAP LAAT MENS SO IETS VERVAARDIG

Post by **CasKru** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 11:20 am

Hilux 1 wrote:WAT KOS SUKE GOED EN WAAR IN DIE KAAP LAAT MENS SO IETS VERVAARDIG

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 11:36 am

1. Donkey
2. George
3. Louis Fourie (Maar ek het die prys nodig - wil nie my bande verkoop om spacers in te sit nie )
4. Tertuis

5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Tertuis you're looking at about $99 but Pieter will be ordering for us some time soon,

Hilux 1 · Post by **Hilux 1** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 11:47 am

JAMMER kassie, ek skryf so op die forum so tussen my werk deur en by die werk TIK EK NET CAPS LOCK.

seker n bietjie.

Hilux 1 · Post by **Hilux 1** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 11:48 am

Donkey wrote:1. Donkey
2. George
3. Louis Fourie (Maar ek het die prys nodig - wil nie my bande verkoop om spacers in te sit nie )
4. Tertuis
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Tertuis you're looking at about $99 but Pieter will be ordering for us some time soon,

= R 792?? en sente of R99/set?

Hilux 1 · Post by **Hilux 1** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:02 pm

CasKru wrote:And for those in the dark like me.....

Donkey wrote:viewtopic.php?f=3&t=21064

sit n bietjie mates by asb, wil by n passer en draaier bietjie hoor wat dit hom sal kos om te vervaardig

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:15 pm

Ninety nine US dollars

Hilux 1 · Post by **Hilux 1** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:26 pm

goodness, i almost swallowed my pen... i will keep it in mind. Now for that measurements???

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 1:51 pm

Eazy now soldier, eazy...

According to their site, it is a 38mm spacer which also yields 38mm in height, the ones Pieter is gonna source I'm not sure from who or how tall they stand.

Hilux 1 · Post by **Hilux 1** » Sun Sep 25, 2011 7:07 pm

has anyone got the measurements on the ones in the pictures? just so i can find out the costs for manufacuting locally. jus rough estimates will do too.

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Sun Sep 25, 2011 7:13 pm

Post by **CasKru** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 6:44 am

Hilux 1 wrote:JAMMER kassie, ek skryf so op die forum so tussen my werk deur en by die werk TIK EK NET CAPS LOCK. seker n bietjie.

Lol..... nay ek het sommer net gespeel.

Hilux 1 · Post by **Hilux 1** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 8:16 am

Cassie, daai het ekke gewiet.

Hilux 1 · Post by **Hilux 1** » Wed Sep 28, 2011 2:38 pm

Hey Tumelo, SO when are you ordering this goods? and does it fit the IFS pre facelift? that is a good price. Had it to an acquaintance and for ONE to be machined R 683.00 so that $99 is a bargain if it is for a set.

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Fri Sep 30, 2011 8:36 am

Hi Tertious, I'm waiting on Pieter to order and I get from him,

hence I started the list with the hope to show him the order numbers.

Earth calling Pieter!

Post by **pietpetoors** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 8:35 am

It is on its way, do not know how long US Priority Mail takes but got the notification this morning:

Your item was accepted at 5:39 pm on October 03, 2011 in SANTA CLARA, CA 95051. Information, if available, is updated periodically throughout the day. Please check again later.

Gunta · Post by **Gunta** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 10:52 am

louis fourie · Post by **louis fourie** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 1:19 pm

pietpetoors wrote:It is on its way, do not know how long US Priority Mail takes but got the notification this morning:
Your item was accepted at 5:39 pm on October 03, 2011 in SANTA CLARA, CA 95051. Information, if available, is updated periodically throughout the day. Please check again later.

Pieter

Wat is die prys van die spacers? :roll:

Hilux 1 · Post by **Hilux 1** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 1:25 pm

$99 was dit, weet nie of dit verander het nie.

Post by **pietpetoors** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 1:31 pm

$99 plus courier plus invoerbelasting en plus VAT
Ek sal eers kan sien as die goed hier aangekom het en ek gesien het hoeveel invoerbelasting ek moet betaal.
Die posgeld was $55 vir die 4 stelle.
So vat $99+$13.75 x R8 = R902 plus 20% invoerbelasting = R1082 plus VAT = R1233

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/Bal ... acer.shtml

Hilux 1 · Post by **Hilux 1** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 1:45 pm

ek kan nie wag nie, en ek weet nie eers of ek kan bekostig nie, sal n blerrie nice to have wees

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 8:52 pm

Post by **george** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 12:26 pm

Hi Piet.
Did you manage to find suitable Gabriel shocks yet

Post by **pietpetoors** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 12:45 pm

I fitted the standard shock and they are just long enough.
If you look at the part numbers our IFS Hiluxes use the same shock at the rear as the 75 series Land Cruisers.
Front - G56189
Left Rear - G56167
Right Rear - G56174

Right rear is longer. After we fitted the spring I saw that the shock was too short, well that was because the same shock was previously fitted to the right as on the left. So if you get the right numbers they should be fine.

Post by **george** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 1:06 pm

pietpetoors wrote:I fitted the standard shock and they are just long enough.
If you look at the part numbers our IFS Hiluxes use the same shock at the rear as the 75 series Land Cruisers.
Front - G56189
Left Rear - G56167
Right Rear - G56174

Right rear is longer. After we fitted the spring I saw that the shock was too short, well that was because the same shock was previously fitted to the right as on the left. So if you get the right numbers they should be fine.

Thanx Piet. Mine will also be done this week or next.

Johannes van die See · Tue Oct 11, 2011 2:51 am

OOOOMS wrote:Lyk goed Pieter, gewig en spasie is jou grootste vyand....laat net ook vir JVDS weer weet asb...

Ek het myne Vrydag bestel :http://www.4x4direct.co.za/shop/index.p ... cts_id=222 en sal nog die week gaan haal

Mark, een van die dae gaan jy die woord "Top Heavy" by las in daai se dink van jou.........
As ek nog so 50mm kan lig sal ek bly wees,