My Autozam

**charlesshoults** · 10-04-2011, 08:19 AM

Right now, the thing has 23x8.0x12" tires on it, presumably on 12x8 wheels. I don't see the markings on them. It has no lift at all right now, but I'll be putting on silver 10" Afco springs. Before I put the big tires back on it, I did some work to the wheel wells to fix a couple things. Whoever had the truck before me did some trimming to the body, which left a couple large holes at the front fenderwell. It's had some rust since then, so I cleaned it up as I could then primed and painted with white Rustoleum. Also, as a result of the body mods, there was a nice knife-edge piece of metal sticking out that was cutting grooves in the left front tire. I cut out part of the metal and pounded the rest of it flat, so hopefully no more cuts. I rotated the tires to put the tires without the cuts on the front.

With no lift at all, the drivers side tire rubs slightly when turning, more so when taking a bump and the mud flap rubs when in reverse. After the 2" lift, I don't expect rubbing unless I hit a large bump.

**charlesshoults** · 04-09-2012, 07:14 PM

It's been a while since I've been on here. I did some work with the truck this past weekend. I also broke my hand, but that's another story...

The battery in the truck went dead from sitting over the winter. I bought a battery charger and tried to bring it back to life, but it didn't work, so I had to buy a new battery. The cables have seen better days, so I might find myself replacing them as well. I changed the oil, the first time I've done that since I've had it, but I also haven't driven it more than 300 yards. I took the front wheels off to have a look and the brakes don't look so good. Has anyone done a brake conversion on one of these things to something that's a little easier to source? I've been needing to get new springs for the thing to try to raise the front end a couple inches, but before I buy new springs, I decided that I'd try to shorten the spacers I already have. These things look seriously tall, and they measure about 3 1/2". I have one finished and I'll get the second one done tomorrow night. I found it easiest to cut off the flange, then measure about where I wanted the new height to be, weld the flange back in place, then cut off the excess. I just hope I get the second one the same length. I brought it down to 2 1/4" before bolting the other plate back on.

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**TRAX and HORNS** · 04-09-2012, 07:32 PM

Looking at the pictures brake pads have plenty of life. The rust on the outside of rotors is pretty common. As for the brakes in general drive the truck they'll clean up.
Cutting down the lift kit was a good ideal. Several yrs. ago I started having my welder build 1 3/4" lift kits for Daihatsu and 2" for Suz/Mazda's. You'll be ok with 2 1/4". I would certainly not go over that.
If you read a little more about the springs you might do away with the lift and just stay with the new heavier springs.

**charlesshoults** · 04-10-2012, 06:57 PM

I got the second spacer finished and painted today, then installed the one I made yesterday. I'm surprised how much difference a 2 1/4" - 2 1/2" lift made. It's noticeable standing next to it as well. My 165 lbs brings it back down a bit but I think it looks pretty good. No more fender-well rubbing.

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