Yep, you heard that right - a cantilever airbag setup with locking coilover suspension using air cylinders as the locking mechanism. Sound a little overwhelming and too much like rocket science? Well, when we first approached Aaron Iha over at Chassis, he thought we were a little nuts, too. But once he sat down and thought it out, the rest was history.
Aaron really ran with the idea and figured out the perfect way to create the ultimate riding mini by integrating a lot of engineering and geometry with some good old-fashioned mini-trucker creativity. So sit back and try to keep up on this one, cuz we were right there the whole time bugging Aaron with those pesky questions every fabricator loves to hear while they're trying to work: "What are you doing that for? What's that going to do? How's that work?" (Just ask Aaron and Bobby; they'll tell ya.) Check out the source box and contact the companies listed for more information.
1.After gathering and measuring...
1.After gathering and measuring all the parts needed to pull this off, Aaron started with the coilover mount. He measured out how much clearance he would need for the coilover and then measured placement so he could mount the coils equally on both sides.
2.Once everything was set,...
2.Once everything was set, the bottom mounts were welded onto the lower control arm.
3.A quick look at the lower...
3.A quick look at the lower mount after it's been welded up.
4.Next comes the top coil...
4.Next comes the top coil mount. The arms are measured to give the Toyota 12 inches of lift in the rear using a 2:1 ratio.
5.
6.After Aaron measures and...
6.After Aaron measures and calculates the arm placement on the frame, the holes are cut for the mounting points.
7.The arms are assembled and...
7.The arms are assembled and all three mounting points are welded into place.
8.Here's a look at the upper...
8.Here's a look at the upper arms that will be moving the coil up and down.
9.The mounts for the arms...
9.The mounts for the arms are measured, and then welded onto the frame.
10.Everything is double-checked...
10.Everything is double-checked and then bolted in place.
11.Here's a quick glance at...
11.Here's a quick glance at the Bilstein coilovers sitting in their newfound home.
12.Next, the cam that will...
12.Next, the cam that will turn the upper arms is measured for placement.