I searched for a good hour and got some info on coils, but all was about the Amigo and Rodeos.

Im planning a SAS Swap. How hard would it be to go with a coil setup? Obvisiouly id like coils in 4 corners if I could. What about picking up an Isuzu D44 w/ Coils from a 98+ Rodeo?

For the front (Using a Waggy 44) wouldnt it be just putting in buckets for the coils?

this is the easy part. the more tricky part is deciding on the placement/length/geometry of the links that will hold the axle in place. making a spring bucket, thats just a simple fab task. but with links, there are many different options and your choices here will greatly effect how your truck rides. the placement of leaf springs eliminate most of those angles, thats why their the easier choice for the first time SAS'er.

As far as picking up a 2nd gen D44, this doesn't help much IMO, other than making a few axle brackets. you're still going to have to determine link placement. Though having a D44 instead of a 10-bolt may open up your options in terms of lockers and gears, I don't see this easing your workload much in terms of suspension design.


-Rob

Rob you missed it, you could have just said, "It's NotSoSimple".

Maybe I'm ignorant but I don't see why its such a big deal as long as you build adjustability into the link attachments at the frame side and axle side.
Granted its a little more complicated than that, but if you're building a link set-up for the first time it makes sense to build it with as much adjustability as you can come up with.
When I get to that stage I don't know which configuration it will be with, but it will be adjustable. I don't see someone doing it on their own & getting their "perfect" ride characterisitics the first time, but you've gotta start somewhere. Don't burn it all in on the first set-up and expect everything to be right.

If a link set-up is where you want to be, going with a leaf spring set-up isn't getting you there.

Read as much as you can about it and then make your decision. This thread will either scare you away or make you feel incredibly educated: link

This is all coming from someone who hasn't done it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Someone save this post for a fantastic "told you so". <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

well, like you said, it is a little more complicated than that. length of the links is only one part. just as important are the angles and seperation they are mounted at. adjustability in the links isn't going to help you if your geometry isn't good from the beginning.


I'm not saying it isn't possible for a first timer... but there's no arguing that tackling a link design right off the bat introduces many more angles, making your homework and research all that more important. so i'm only laying down caution about the typical reaction to jump right in when you're looking at a link suspension.

-Rob

Well I see it as im a newb to suspension tech as it is, why not learn linked suspension first? That way my mind wont default back to good ol leaf sprung technique.

Im not doing this tonight, next week, or anytime soon really. Just trying to do as much homework as possible.

Im assuming with the responses no one has done this before?

Hmm after reading quiet a bit between tonight and last night I ran into this comment: "Links are great but there's more to it than the links. It's the steering that's the hard part. It will binds easy unless you have full hydro or have a really complicated bell crank set up."

Anyone agree or disagree?

agree... unlike leaves, link suspensions have basically unrestricted droop thus making steering setups difficult to accomodiate a full range of motion. Thats why limiting straps are common on many link setups.

but, on the other than, a mild coil setup like the one I assume you're talking about shouldn't be a problem. being forced into full hyrdro really only comes about with the flexiest of link suspensions, such as running long travel air shocks or dual rate coilovers common on rock buggys.

-Rob

Yeah its tough finding stuff say on Pirate4x4, since everything is geared towards balls out rock crawling.

What about looking at the design used for the Rodeos/Passports? They have a linked setup, correct? Should it be the same basic design for my application?

well, the fronts are still IFS, like your trooper, but yes, the rear is a 4-link. you could base a design off of it, but you don't want to copy it as that geometery is pretty well maxed out at a 32-33" tire. If you're adding lift and larger tires (as most do with SAS), you'll want more than what the stock 4-link of a 2nd gen has to offer.

-Rob