Just wanted to see if anyone decided to go with Calmini's suspension lifts. I know darlington and independent 4x also make lifts but was looking for owners of calmini lifts. Is calmini better(more complete), worse or the same as the others and what is it that seperates the three manufacturers. I know most prefer darlingtons and indy but why? Im at newb at these things <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />.

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

I've got the full calmini 3" lift kit. It was actually installed when I got the truck. The only problem I've had with the kit is some contact between the upper control arms and the shocks. That was only after I switched from the thinner Calmini shocks to some thicker ProComps. I did just switch out the calmini add-a-leaves for some Darlington Spring upgrades, which I would definitely recommend.
The heavy duty torsion bars will be nice when I add a winch and bumper. For just a lift, stock t-bars should be fine.

Bottom line is that if I had to do it from the beginning, I would got with Darlington or Independent. They're a simpler install for the same result.

edit/
The main differences are:
-the Calmini comes with new A-arms to correct wheel camber - The other kits use ball joint spacer & flip = same result

-The calmini comes with a new center cross member, which is not really necessary and gets in the way of oil changes.

-Calmini comes with the heavy duty t-bars, which are optional (I beleive) from the others. Only needed if your going to be adding weight up front.

HIH
Andre

Darlington and Independent4x have ball joint spacers that go on between the balljoint and the a-arm, after the ball joint flip. Does pretty much the same thing as Calimini's a-arm. Probably the biggest thing that I have read why people prefer Darlington and Independent4x over Calmini is the customer service the first two provide. There are many stories of them going above the call of duty for their fellow Zu lovers. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Also, Darlington and Indy are a lil more frinedly on the ol' wallet. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, like Andre said. I've had my Calmini lift for about half a year now, on the same vehicle as you've got. No problems or regrets. Although Calmini doesn't have a good rep for customer service, I was able to purchase it at a discounted price from Offroad Unlimited and they (Calmini) let me pick it up from their headquarters to avoid shipping costs. I was also able to get the kit without their shocks. The install was easy, but you'll probably need to have your spindles removed by a shop, and have the new bushings pressed on. The cost is minimal. If I were you, I would get a thin tube shock, like Bilstein, to avoid rubbing against the tie rod sleeves. As for quality, Calmini's stuff is top notch. Do a search and you'll find alot more info.

That said, Matt and Joe are both extremely helpful and have helped me out on more than one occation. While Calmini has discontinued all of their product line, except lift kits, Matt and Joe continue to develope more and more cool stuff for our rigs.

I purchased and installed the Calmini complete lift kit about 1997 or 98 and I'm happy with it. When I purchased my kit I wasn't aware of Darlington and Independent 4X. I only learned of Calmini because it was featured in one of the 4X4 magazine with their kit being installed on a Rodeo. The quality fit and finish of their parts is stellar. I'm not sure I would purchase the kit again if I had to just because of customer service. I expected better service from a company that I made a purchase from just for repeat business. The installation instructions were not that great but I was able to get it installed in a long weekend with the aid of the magazine article and pictures to help guide me. I had no problems having it aligned at a local shop.

P. Lowe

I got the pre-runner a while ago and like it. The heavy duty torsion bars are a must in my opinion. They make it handle more like a truck. The shocks are pretty good, i don't have much to compare them to for the troop other than the awful stockers but theyre good for 100 bucks i'd say. I never had a problem with customer service so can't comment on that but can say that Matt at indy4x is great and will help with any probs or whatnot. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> you'll like it anyway you go.

Andrew

I had one on my Rodeo once.

Liked it a lot - the problems I eventually ran into with it: shocks too big (rubbing, etc like what has been mentioned), crossmember super beefy but totally in the way for oil changes, and too-stiff torsion bars.

For what it's worth, I still run the Calmini 3" lift shackles in the rear of my rig. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The difference between the companies...hmmm

I would have to say that with JoeD amd Matt, you will get more peronsalized servive, as they are very involved wiht our little comunity...

And I happen to know personally, that both of them will out of their way to help you out...

Never had an experience with CalMini, But then again, living so close to Matt and Joe...

MY 2 cents
Chase

wow, my 900th post.. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

After the new torsion bars, the ride is a little more truck-like. I never really minded, however, and never even considered putting the old ones back on. I do think that my Rodeo handles a bit worst, compared to what others here have said. This may be due mostly to the alignment, as my wheels are/were set dead straight, as per Calmini's instructions.