How to Strenghen you front Saddles on a SFA

[LouisZ]

When Evert stopped in the workshop the first thing that we recorded was the height from the underside of the Rim to the wheel arch, this is done that the tape measure also half the middle of the wheel. The 1st measurement Left/Right were 815mm/810mm in Pic 1. The Other measurement is the distance between the bumpstop and chassis. Left/Right were 87mm/85mm.

We then pulled up the handbrake, jacked the front up, used 2 nice tressils on the chassis to rest the Lux on. Take the wheels off. Then we removed the bottom Shock Bolt as in Pic 2.

The whole Execise is done to stop the W Shape that most SFA Hiluxes have like will see in Pic 3. Most of the time the cause of this is taht with age of the Luxes and occasional 4x4 these saddles work hard and the bend down on the front and back ends. This cause the W shape you see. Most then Fit aftermarket suspensions and 3-6months later the W shape leafsprings form again. Just because off the saddles.

The outcome will vary between different aftermarket suspensions, like Ome, Ironman and Mikkem if will show a greater improvement as on Dobbinsons. Reason simply is that the dobbinsons have Rounder Arch against the other that Arch runs flat over the saddle and Arch again.

Back to Pic 4, you then loosen the Control arm between the chassis and Axle.(2) Then loosen the steering arm at point 3 & 4 in Pic 4. Take the spiltpin out(3), then with a very large flat screwdriver turn out the locator screw(4). Note how the collet and spring come out for refitting. Press down on the tip and it will come loose.

Will continue...

[Hannes.S]

This is going to be helpfull! our hilux is doing the same (badly). looking forward to next posts!

[LouisZ]

Contunue...

Pic 5 to 8.

After 2 and half Hours.

Continue...

[LouisZ]

Continue...

With all the bolts removed, the calipers off. Remove the axle to a spot where you can work freely. Take the ruler and place it over the lenght of one saddle. Check for high points, mark them. typically the idea will look like as in Pic 7, the middle will be higher as the marked(a&b) ends. Mark it with Tipex on the high points. Start hammerig on the high points, checking with the ruler to id more high points. As you finish the saddle will be as in Pic 9.

Recheck the saddle with the ruler, it will be right if it look like in Pic 9. Sometimes the middle will be lower than the ends, it is ok, but try to get both saddles like that.

Place the saddle correction plates, front and back of right hand side(driver side) like in Pic 10, weld them into place. Then do the left hand side(passenger side) like in Pic 11 and weld into place (Pic 12).

If this is done let the welding cool and take black spraypaint and spay the exposed metal saddles and correction plates.

Now move the axle back again under the front and jack it up into place(Pic 13 and 14) and let it rest on extra tressils. Reconnect the the Control Arm to chassis and the Steering Arm. Then refasten the shocks. Refit the Calipers and bleed the braking system.

Put back the wheels, the leafsprings should look as Pic 15 shows, an improvement in the arch.

Push the Lux forward and them backward on take it for a spin around the block to let the front suspension settle, park it again on a level surface.

Measure again from bottom of the rim to wheel arch, and between the bumpstops. You will see in Everts case it is now Left/Right 830mm/833mm and between the bumpstops Left/Right 106mm/106mm. About 20mm gain. Now, why do so much work to gain 20mm ave.

The main reason will be your blades will last longer! Won't sag more than it should. Plus you gained a bit more height.

Thanks Evert for your Hilux to make this work!

Louis

[Family_Dog]

Louis, Bulldog also requires some TLC. How long does an exercise like this take?

When did you say you were coming to visit again...


-F_D

[LouisZ]

Usually with the axle on the SFA six hours. With the Axle out we took 4 hours. Love to visit you Eric, maybe we can help out, just to get the timing right.

[CasKru]

Usually with the axle on the SFA six hours. With the Axle out we took 4 hours. Love to visit you Eric, maybe we can help out, just to get the timing right.

No Louis... Bulldogs timing is perfect... no adjustments needed.....

[Spartan]

Myne was plain weg na die ander kant toe om gebuig toe ek die bakkie gekry het, maar dit was na 11 jaar en die vorigge eienaar het nie van beter geweet nie. Hy het ook die bakkie nuut gekoop.
Oja Louis jy het so pas vir jou en Evert n ou GROOT UIL badge gewen baie dankie dit is baie insiggewende en bruikbare inligting die, baie dankie

[Dadz Toy BFI]

Nice article Louis

This prob has been puzzling a few of us for quite some time nou, great to see that you tackled it so competently

[LouisZ]

If there is more questions, just ask.

[Mud Dog]

Thanks Louis, the point you've demonstrated has been overlooked by most of us. Definitely food for thought as to whether it's neccesary in our individual cases and to plan a time to do it all. I particularly like the idea of welding gussets in so as to strengthen the pedestals and prevent a recurrence of the problem. Even though mine look OK, I would like to whip it all out to check but primarily to weld the gussets in. Will check out the back axle as well.

[Dadz Toy BFI]

If there is more questions, just ask.

Yes :!:

When you gonna hit the road and kom fix Dadz

Psssss..... you kan change your Avator nou, you're home

[Dadz Toy BFI]

We're doing this next mod' week (I hope)

Dadz RH Front is leaning so bad nou it's unsafe :evil: :evil:

[Brolloks]

Is there any reason for not welding another piece of flat bar onto the saddle itself for added strength?

[Dadz Toy BFI]

Is there any reason for not welding another piece of flat bar onto the saddle itself for added strength?

None other than you'd have to do it to both sides, then they should be slightly tapered (wedge shaped) to correct drive train angle :Geek:

I'll take peekchaz next week nê

[Mud Dog]

Is there any reason for not welding another piece of flat bar onto the saddle itself for added strength?

None other than you'd have to do it to both sides, then they should be slightly tapered (wedge shaped) to correct drive train angle :Geek:

I'll take peekchaz next week nê

Watch out for wedge shaped spacers! There are two factors to consider, the first being king pin inclination. Check first where it is in relation to spec and that will give you an idea of how many degrees / minutes you have to play with. The second factor is the torque rod. No spacer will change much of anything without the appropriate length adjustment of the torque rod (standard rod is non-adjustable), but you may well end up putting a lot of undue stress on the rod and it's mountings. This could result in a mount failing / breaking, especially under articlation. M½CW

[ThysdJ]

No spacer will change much of anything without the appropriate length adjustment of the torque rod (standard rod is non-adjustable), but you may well end up putting a lot of undue stress on the rod and it's mountings. This could result in a mount failing / breaking, especially under articlation. M½CW

I agree with Andy. If you have not adjusted the length of the torque rod after raised the suspension etc, that would be the reason why it is now sagging on the right. Google it.

[Dadz Toy BFI]

We're not inserting spacers, just as per Louis solution.

So are you saying that when OME fit there system (same lift as Mikem) they cut, lengthen and re-weld the torque rod :wth:

Think my Lux is sagging 30mm due to the convex RH Saddle not solely because the torque rod is now too short

What say other manne please

[Mud Dog]

Rich, just to check it out, park the van on a level surface, run it back and forth a meter or two in a straight line to settle. Measure both sides from th ground up to the fender. Jack up the front, release the torque rod, let it down and settle the same way as before. Then re-measure and see if there is a difference between first and second measurements.

More than likely you will find a slight difference (improved) but I would'nt shelve Louis' idea. What he said and did make perfect sense, and if you have the 'bow shape' in your springs, I would do it and once done, alter the torque rod length to suit. Just whatever you do, remember that the king pin inclination is an important factor to work around.

[Dadz Toy BFI]

Thanks Andy

Ps.. it was also leaning badly with the old OEM Toyota Leafs in, I guess the increased height has accentuated the prob mos :roll:

[LouisZ]

Your right Andy. The plates will cause more stress on the torque rod. The reason for not welding anothe plate on the saddle is that if you do it your chances of the steering rod will foul on the rear driver side u-bolt, the one in the back. Then you either have to get an flattened u-bolt, or bend the steering rod or grind the u-bolt away that the seering rod can move pass it.

Well, on the torque rod I have an idea, get a good 2nd hand one, cut it in half, thread the on side right hand and the other left hand tread, get a looong bolt with 2 lock bolts(left and right hand tread to lock the big one). Put it all together and onto the Hilux. Now you can set the angle yourself. Drive and set, the reason sometimes if the Hilux get lifted it sometimes also cause the Sfa to swerve to the left or right when you brake(Sometimes we blame the brakes, sometimes it is) But the Torque rod play another imporant role.

Just to get time to get it turned by a Turner.

Louis

[Mud Dog]

True Louis! I did'nt actually think of that earlier, but it's already a tight clearance. The better option is to weld gussets in over the open ends of the pedestals (saddles as some call it).

[Dadz Toy BFI]

Louis - do you normally adjust the length of the Torque Rod when you do an Old Man Emu fitment on an SFA

[LouisZ]

the torque rod can get too short if you weld a too thick plate into position. this can cause that your caster goes out and affect a wandering from left to right over the road at speed as low as 80km/h. then you have to get or make an adjustable torque rod to get it the right lenght again

and if you go too thin again on the plate that you want to put on the saddle then it wear premature or bend again and the problem start again.

The way I just is longterm but harder work but it works.

If we fit Ome in the front with 5 blades it is not a case, but I think the 6 blade pack it becomes an issue to have an adjustable torque rod.

Louis

[Dadz Toy BFI]

the torque rod can get too short if you weld a too thick plate into position. this can cause that your caster goes out and affect a wandering from left to right over the road at speed as low as 80km/h. then you have to get or make an adjustable torque rod to get it the right lenght again

and if you go too thin again on the plate that you want to put on the saddle then it wear premature or bend again and the problem start again.

The way I just is longterm but harder work but it works.

If we fit Ome in the front with 5 blades it is not a case, but I think the 6 blade pack it becomes an issue to have an adjustable torque rod.

Louis

Interesting - all food for thought before we fix Dadz next week mos

[Mud Dog]

At the time I fitted OME I experienced a difference in the steering dynamic. There was a very slight tendency to wander but at low speeds on a sharper turn there was also a tendency to 'dive' into the turn. All the result of an altered castor (king pin inclination). Fortunately it settled in a bit and I got used to it the way it is, but from those years back already I toyed with the idea of an adjustable torque rod. Perhaps I will still do it, but I'll build it on the same adjusting principle as the steering track rod (turn-buckle style).

[sir shrek]

CAN ANYONE TELL ME IF CASKRU STILL SELL THE DIFF BREATHERS AND AT WHAT PRICE ? OR WHERE CAN I GET

[wim]

Louis ek wil net dankie se . Wimblik het die selfde gedoen ,nadat ek dit hier gesien het het ek gaan kyk en dit was ook die geval met my Lux.Ek het toe jou instruksies gevolg en siedaar Wimblik staan weer mooi en reg vir die volgende trail.Gaan juis die naweek DRIE Provinsies Echo Trail ry saam met Pietretief se 4x4 club.

[Dadz Toy BFI]

Did this to Dadz today

Your instructions were spot on Louis, piece of cake

Once I'd got over the wrongness feeling of klapping my Hilux with a ball-pein, it all fell into place :roll:

Dadz front right recovered by a whooping 65mm after this mod

Thanks again Oom Louis

[Buff]

You guys post such informative articles that you make me want to go out an buy old SFA just so that I can fix it

[pietpetoors]

Hi Louis, thanx for a great article. I posted it at http://www.hilux4x4.co.za/strengthen-hilux-sfa-saddles/ for easy reading.

[Mud Dog]

You guys post such informative articles that you make me want to go out an buy old SFA just so that I can fix it

So what's stopping you, Brett! You'd be dumping the 2.7 in no time at all anyway if you had an old SFA!

No, seriously they're awsome vehicles, even in this age ... I'll take mine to the grave with me (hopfully not the other way around). The beauty is that they were so popular that spares are still not a problem some 20 odd years later after they were first introduced. Their capability and reliability is legendary and the shape is still attractive by today's standards.

The stuff memories are built around.

(My daughter [youngest] was only about 6 yrs old (now almost 21yrs), and she almost broke down in tears when I mentioned a few mnths back that perhaps it was time to sell it since Swamb's & I are getting a bit long in the tooth and don't really utilise it that much off-road anymore .... more for Swamb's sake of getting in and out than mine. My son of 25yrs just grinned and said "Nah, no ways you'd ever sell it, dad!" .... and of course he's right.)

[LouisZ]

Thanks Pieter,

Rich, I am glad it lifted so far. Just shows you some Luxes need more attention than others.

Louis

[Dadz Toy BFI]

Thanks Pieter,

Rich, I am glad it lifted so far. Just shows you some Luxes need more attention than others.

Louis

I'm really appreciative Louis, thank you for daring to think "outside of the square"

no intentional reference to FM or Mark Ritual purposely inferred Brethren

see:

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=7945

for full report.