If I were going to do it again, and do it right, here's what I would do.
Make new upper and lower shock mounts. With the longer can on the LC shocks it is impossible to mount them in the stock location without causing some harm. First off, you have to compress the heck out of the shocks to get them in place. I beleive this is the main reason why they are so stiff. (although I thought they rode great, I never complained)Also this is probably why the one Steve sold me had a leak. They bottomed out and the seal bursted. Basically, you would need to fab up a metal rod that would be welded in between the frame rails and allow you to mount the upper shock mounts. This way they are not as compressed as they are in the stock location. Also you would need to weld on some lower shock mount tabs on top of the axle, in the center. Here is a pic of what I'm talking about:
<img src="http://www.toyotaoffroad.net/afertig/posts/shockmounts.jpg" alt=" - " />
And I probably would go with a different shock than the LC ones. Something maybe a little longer with eye mounts on both ends. Maybe Rancho 9012's that can be adjusted.
Next I would somehow raise the gas tank as much as possible, and build a new skid plate for it. I havent looked under a 3rd gen lately, so I'm not sure it would be possible. On a 1st gen, with a body lift, you can simply cut off the old mounts and weld on new ones, higher up. This requires a body lift though. Search Roger B's website for this method.
I would also drop the panhard bar with a bracket like Steve made.
Also a set of the spidertrax control arms like Steve has.
Also make sure you secure the coil springs in the mount. They will fall out if you dont. Maybe some longer, progressive rate, custom coils would help here.
I would also explore fenderwell mods. Find someway to inconspicuously cut away at the inner fender to allow the tire to stuff further in the wheel well.
Ditch the swaybar completely. You don't need it.
Hope this helps, ask if you have any more questions.
<small>[ February 11, 2003, 12:35 AM: Message edited by: Adam F ]</small>
