Lift Question...

[grober02]

My VX is going to be lifted tomorrow with the Calmini kit. I have a quick question--I raised the front 2 inches by cranking the torsion bars just to get bigger tires on. Should the torsion bars be adjusted to their normal position before the Calmini kit is installed?

[ZEUS]

That is a good question. I don't know the answer but if I had to guess... and apparently I do... I would say........... maybe!



I could see a small potential for problems but I am not sure the order of events matters too much, really. The stance will have to be fine tuned after the lift anyway, so I think the shop will just take care of it at the time they need to. I think I would let it ride. Sorry, I know it's not much help...

[Cyrk]

grober02 did you sell your 22's?
How was the ride on them?

[kpaske]

I'm not 100% sure, but I think the Calmini kit just lifts the rear with springs and the front by cranking the torsion bars. So my answer would be no, you should just be able to install the kit. The question is, why Calmini? If you've been searching here, you'll find the consensus is that replacing the springs (usually with OME spings), rear shocks, and cranking the torsion bars is a better option than the Calmini kit.

Check out this article for more information about the Isuzu suspension: http://www.4x4wire.com/isuzu/tech/amigolift/?

[JHarris1385]

Yeah OME is a quick self install, and will only run you $62ish per spring. I am still riding on the stock shocks and find no problem with them. In fact I like them alot.

[grober02]

Yes, I know Vx r's here do not think highly of the Calmini kit. But, out of convenience, I decided to go with the Calmini kit because I do need front and rear shocks and shops around York, PA will not install equipment unless it's explicitly spec'd for the VX. My VX suspension took a major beating from my 22-inchers and low-profile tires--the ride has been compared to a roller coaster ride at Hershey Park. I probably could tackle the rear mods myself, but this is all besides the point anyway. My question is just whether the shop is going to be "smart" enough to figure out that I already cranked the torsion bars 2 inches so they don't crank them excessively. This shop has never worked on a VX before, and they were hesitant to begin with even installing a kit built for the vehicle. Not being a mechanic, I don't know if they check manufacturer's specs before making these modifications to ensure that someone didn't already make previous adjustments. As for the Calmini springs, maybe I'll take monthly pics to document their gradual sagging; then everyone can tell me I told you so ...I'm not known for making smart purchases, but I do have a VX! Seriously, though, if someone could answer my question, it'd be appreciated.

[etlsport]

if it were me, id go ahead and lower the torsion bars back to their original position, if the shop then installs the lift and things dont look right, they can raise it back up the 2 inches.. then its their fault if somethin goes wrong

[Ldub]

OR...you could tell the shop to adjust the suspension so that there is an equal distance between the top of each tire & the top of the fender well.(after the new parts are installed)
That ought to be real close, & you could tweak the T-bars later if you wanted a little more or less clearance in the front.

[grober02]

So LDUB, you are saying that the distance between the fender and the top of the wheel should be the same for all 4 corners? Makes sense. I really don't want to tell them that the T-bars just need adjusted another 1 inch to equal 3 inches total (w/ my adjustments), incase my measurements are off a little. I'd rather they figure it out on their own, so maybe I'll just make LDUB's suggested request. At this point, re-adjusting the T-bars before taking it to the shop is not an option. I did this to test fit my 33" Interco Super Swampers which I did manage to fit--I won't have time to pull them off and turn the t-bars tonite after work. With only 2 inches of front lift, they only scrape minor with 3/4 turn. At full turn, I have no fender scraping. I figured if I could fit them with minimal lift, I should be fine with 3 inches of lift later. Yes, I hacked away a good bit of plastic and metal, but I think it looks okay. My only other question would be that I've seen a few VX'rs have raised the front 3.5" instead of 3". For someone who does not do a lot of off-roading, do you think I could get away with this and not stress the CVs too much.

[kpaske]

So LDUB, you are saying that the distance between the fender and the top of the wheel should be the same for all 4 corners? Makes sense.

That's a good baseline to start with because then the body would be level. However, I think most lifted VXes actually sit a little higher in the rear because cranking the torsion bars too far is not good for the CV joints. I never measured mine, but I'd say the rear is about an inch higher, and IMO it looks good that way.

My only other question would be that I've seen a few VX'rs have raised the front 3.5" instead of 3". For someone who does not do a lot of off-roading, do you think I could get away with this and not stress the CVs too much.

I'd leave yours right where they are and tell the shop to only crank them more if the front end looks like its sitting too low or if you need more clearance to turn the front wheels. They'll probably make you sign a waiver for modifying your suspension anyway, so I don't see why they would have a problem with you having cranked your T-Bars prior to bringing it into the shop.