[tact]

Mr OIIIIO,

*wink* must we be so formal?

On further reading it seems that packing a coil, cranking a torsion bar, or
adjusting the "preload" on a bike or racing coil over shock (for buggies
etc) is basically "moving the spring", not preloading it at all - until the
moving suspension arm has hit its stop. After that its truly preloading.

Point is ... same whether torsion bar, or coil. Whether you call it
preload or not.

You are right in saying that when you raise an IFS suspension by cranking
the torsion bars it sacrifices droop capability. However this too is the
same whether torsion bar or spacer packed coil spring. Whether you call it
"preloading the spring" of not.

Thanks for the discussion into lengthened A arms etc. Informative as it was
its not the point i tackled.

What I disagreed with you was on the one point - that cranking a torsion
bar is bad - packing coil springs is ok cos its different (ie. your claim
that the former "preloads" and changes spring rate, while the latter does not).

Don't get me wrong. I agree that cranking a torsion bar is not so good.
Specially when overdone! You end up with reduced, or no, ability to
"droop" or articulate. And agree that this situation "sucks" on the trail.

My point is that packing coils is no different to adjusting torsion bar.
It is also not so good. Also results in reduction or loss of ability to
"droop" or articulate and also sucks on the trail. Also results in harsher
ride and stresses components due to geometry changes, etc.

That said (that its not good) I think my comment in a previous post stands:
If you MUST do it (crank or pack)....at least you can do it in 5 minutes
with a spanner with torsion bars. No need to buy packers/spacers.

[911]

Hi guys,
If the height of left and right side front suspension is not balance
(height unbalance make steering not going stright.
Can I crank the torsion bar to make them balance? Will this affect the
alignment/camber/caster of the wheel ?
To crank is to adjust the bolt at the torsion bar-pivot end ?

[unser7272]

What is the difference between local Hilux and Thailand Hilux other than
the Thai has intercooler and thus better power??

The Thai version with intercooler scoop on the bonnet sure looks
agressive.

My saliva already everywhere just looking at the Hilux.

[tact]

Hi there 911,

yep you adjust the bold at the bar's fixed end and it will change height
up/down, even or uneven.

there may be some purists that will say that when adjusting the torsion
bars you prop the driver's side slightly higher to compensate for the
weight of the driver... I think its a lot of old cobblers! ;)

Have no idea if it will make any difference to you steering not going
straight.

I generally try to get mine pretty even. there is a little process to go
thru to do the adjusting. you can search the net or ask further if needed.

[maddog74]

Thanks, OIIIIO, for the helpful info on suspension. I don't think people
who buy the new Hilux would adjust or modify the suspension. It rides
high enough as it is. Choice is hard to make really. Ford is giving a
good deal: low price, lot's of accessories, but looks dated and engine is
old generation (no commonrail) and a bit noisy. Frontier has no auto, so
out it goes. Hilux has the looks, new engine (pity no intercooler) but
costs 10k more.

One other thing is, in Sarawak, people are queueing up to pump diesel! A
trip to fill your car up is like a 3 hour excursion sometimes (if your're
lucky.) Many petrol stations run out of diesel. Any of this problem in
West Malaysia? Anyone knows what the government is going to do about this?

Also, what will happen end of 2005 when AFTA kicks in? Man, all these
uncertainties are making decisions very difficult. For RM95,+++.00 is not
cheap! Any comments or ideas on this?

[unser7272]

Maddog74

Hilux is the one but pity no intercooler. With latest diesel engine
maintenance can be a problem with all the electronics.UMW are getting
from bad to worse in terms of service render.

Ranger looks outdated and typical American style which is nothing but
rough. Engine is basic no frill type and can be maintain easily. Parts
should be reasonable price as the Mazda is the sister or twin.

By the way what kind of offer is Ranger giving you over there.

I am seriously considering a truck and my present set of wheels is near
to 5 years old.

[Apocalypse Now]

cant wait till mine arrive.... booked an auto on the launching date...
beginning of the year, went car hunting.. at that time, came to
conclusion of Storm, Ranger or Fighter..(auto ma).. had to drop storm
becos the engine not so reliable or powerful.
decided to go for fighter arista, looked so good at that time, but the
auto tranny sucks.. then luckily went for one month holiday... come back
n heard of hilux launching.. if not, booked arista aledi..

maybe can go thailand put intercooler.. :D

[GoToy]

I saw a new hilux in KL an hour ago. The tailgate is rather high and I
thought the front looked like a Vios. The inside looked `urban` to
me...more like a car....thats my fly past!.....But overall its quite
smart,be interesting to see what the offroaders do to it!

[Apocalypse Now]

i wonder if shot with bigger M/T tires, will it still run or not

[tact]

Hey there Apocalypse Now....

You sound keen to fit that intercooler. Go to Thailand some more. :)

I am keen to develop and test a new method to cool induction air without
the need for expensive alterations and adding intercooler.

You do still get a very smart lookng bonnet scoop tho. I am sure this is
one of the main sellng points of my newly invented (and soon patented) system!

It basically works like this.. (cannot give too much detailed info til I
have the patent signed!)...

Have you ever seen the ais kacang vendor at work? the machine that shaves
the block ice and makes the shaved ice?

Ok lah! now you getting the picture! *wink*

1. Mount one above the bonnet scoop (now facing UP to receive ice shavings...
2. use a drive belt up from the engine to drive the ice shaving machine.
(Wah soooo Syok! will look just like a SUPERCHARGER blower!)
3. of course like a super charger the belt drive is like a aircon drive
pully, does not drive the belt until a switch is pulled in

4. switch marked "danger" and huge red knob on the gear shifter JUST LIKE a
supercharger or nitrous switch! SYOK man! stylo even when parked!

5. hit the switch when you want cooled air going into engine...the ice
shaving machine kicks in and drops huge amounts of shaved ice all over the
intake manifold and air cleaner!

6. ice melts soon after contact and PURE environmentally friendly water is
the byproduct!

Man I sure make a million with this! Not selling just to people from Jin
Jang!

Soon people will be mounting FAKE ais kacang machines on their bonnet just
to LOOK COOL like the dudes who relly use it for POWER!

*WINK*WINK*WINK*

Send money if you want to buy into investment for this new technology based
on readily available machinery that comes with a SPECIAL MALAYSIAN ONLY
style! (Where else got ais kacang mah!)

;)

Ohh...and the device name is not "intercooler" cos its not INSIDE there..
its external cooling... ice outside the manifolds... so its called:
EXTERcooler!
keep your girly INTERcooler! :)