Lifting a Daihatsu

[JRinTX]

What kind of lift kits are people using? What types of problems are you encountering? Any clever ideas or discoveries on lifting these trucks, particularly Daihatsus?

[jimstractors]

All the trucks I sell are 4x4. I don't lift them more that 2" in the front or else the front cv joints may bind or make noise. I have tried the lift kits from eBay and they work well. They are offset to help with the camber problem. See the item here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Diahatsu-hijet-lift-kit-2-inches-mini-truck-kei_W0QQitemZ180124678341QQihZ008QQcategoryZ33585Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Jim

[JRinTX]

Jim,

I have had the same experience. 2" is about all you can lift one of these trucks (Daihatsu or Suzuki) without causing the CV joints to bind when the suspension is fully extended.
If the offset between the top and bottom flange is correct, there will not be a camber problem.

[Acerguy]

What do you suppose the folks that are lifting the trucks 6" or even more are doing? Like these guys.. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/8-miztubishi-mini-truck-lift-kit_W0QQitemZ200116603100QQihZ010QQcategoryZ43974Q QrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

[JRinTX]

Acer,

These guys are doing exactly what I have been talking about in the Suzuki lift kit thread. It looks like they are building spacers and brackets to space the entire front drive components down from the frame. The control arms, differential, and struts are all spaced away from the frame. I believe this is the only way to do it correctly, and maintain the original geometry of all the suspension components.

This is the same concept as the lift kits that are being used on full size, independent front suspension trucks. I believe these guys have a superior solution to lifting these trucks...I am doing my own research and design along this same concept....I'm just not as far along!

If anyone has tried one of these kits, give us a report on how well they work.

[MonsterMini]

Acer, If anyone has tried one of these kits, give us a report on how well they work.

Just ordered a 8" lift kit for my HiJet. Hope it works without problems.

MM

[YellanMan]

Let us know how the installation goes on the 8" lift. I have a Jumbo with the 3" lift and I am experiencing the moaning and groaning of the front axles. I am very interested in getting the same 8" lift to correct the problems.

[MonsterMini]

I got the 8" lift in today and have to report.

The lift kit is well thought out except the parts must of been made in the dark with the guys doing the welding blindfolded. The quality of most of the parts is what disgusts me. Holes that do not line up, holes off center, bent/twisted parts, welds that look like crap, etc.

The instructions are pics, no written instructions at all.

Save your money, buy someone elses kit instead.

Sorry for the rant.

MM

[texagswin97]

where did you get the 8" lift??

[MonsterMini]

where did you get the 8" lift??

Extreme Machines.

Like I said in the post above yours, don't waste your money on the kit.

The only good thing that has come out of this purchase is that I have something to go by. I will end up fabricating new parts that will fit properly without all of the issues that I previously mentioned.

MM

[swoop]

I also bought one of there "Extreme Machines" 8" lift kits. Same story . . . grade school shop class workmanship. Don't waste your money!

Here's my post from the Suzuki Carry forum . . .

"Quote:
Originally Posted by texagswin97
Anyone installed one of these 8" suspension lifts from extreme machines in Louisiana that they are selling on ebay?? If so please share your thoughts!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/8-lif...spagenameZWD1V

STAY AWAY!!! I made the mistake of buying one of those kits. Absolute junk! The welds looked like the guy forgot to remove the lens cover from the welding mask. The brackets were all basically garbage. They were crooked with misaligned holes. Spring perches were uneven. Completely amature workmanship.

I am planning to fab my own lift somewhere between 6" & 8". I'm trying to fit 27" tires on my Suzuki. I'll post some pictures when it's finished."

I've since backed-off a bit and settled on a 5" lift w/26" tires. Also planning to add some weight to the rear end of the truck.

[Diver06]

Hi where did you get the 5' lift kit and how is it working out thanks.
heard of any good 6-8 inch kits around that work great??

Cliff

[greg0187]

I have been looking at the Extreme Machine lifts. I plan to fabricate my own 8" using some of the techniques EM is using. I did notice that they are not offering longer brake lines. From looking at my 99, one would think that you would need them with that large of a lift. Anyway, my main concern at this point is the rear lift, I mean, It just seems that the driveshaft angle would be too extreme with the very short driveshaft ("Approx. 10-12" in length), I was thinking of lowering the engine/trans a couple of inches to alleviate such a harsh angle. Heres a question. Is the driveshaft of the pre 99 models longer or do they share the same basic running gear? One thing I do not like about the EM lifts is the extended knuckle bracket, I was thinking that I could find a longer strut off of a late model honda civic or similar auto. Mine is going on jackstands today. I'll try to document my progress with photos as I go along. Any other thoughts are appreciated.

-Greg

[greg0187]

Has anyone looked at using THESE (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/92-93-94-95-HONDA-CIVIC-COILOVER-LOWER-SPRING-KIT-BLUE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33582QQihZ002QQite mZ120206362288QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW) coil overs to gain additional lift on top of what they have. I was thinking that I might be able to use the sleeve w/ the stock spring. They're cheap enough.

[JRinTX]

Greg,

I have lifted a 91 and a 96 Daihatsu. The really short rear driveshaft is a problem. Lowering the engine/trans is the way I went, but I was only installing a 3" lift. For a larger lift you will probably have to tilt the engine/trans down more in the rear and then roll the rear end to keep the input and output shafts parallel. Before you do this you might want to research driveline angles. The angles of the u-joints must be right (the same, but in opposite directions) in order to keep from destroying them and causing vibration.

Also, check the front CV joints for binding after installing the lift. If you go over 2-3" you will need to lower the front differential to maintain the original driveline angles. Jack the front of the truck completely off the ground and make sure you can rotate the wheels and driveshafts freely. You will also have to maintain the same length on the tie-rods in order to avoid bumpsteer.

Just a few things to watch for, I've been there and learned these lessons! But working on these little trucks is alot of fun.

[GR.mike]

We lift our Daihatsu with a 2 3/4 lift kit with no problems at all.

[greg0187]

Thanks for the Got-chas. I thought about tilting but then I noticed that the front output shaft is already angled upward. I guess I could try to equalize the front and rear shaft angles while lowering the engine/trans at the same time?

Greg

[buzzz]

jr I lifted a 91 diahatsu with a 3 inch lift and have a binding problem

would like to have some info on how you lowerd your engine and trans.

thanks.

[MINITRUXSUX]

Hello guy's new to site ,i own a polaris ranger not a mini truck(but i do think they are neat)take a look at site called High Lifter ,...or Gorilla Axles,this might be a source or ideals on lifts or new controll arms and better axles for your trucks.

[buzzz]

I have traded my 91 diahatsu for a pinzgauer. I ordered and installed a 2 and a half in lift with the same binding problem. I love theses trucks and plan to buy another later this summer but will not lift it in any way.