N70 Hilux RG (D-Max/Colorado) Leaf Pack Conversion Guide

N70 Hilux RG (D-Max/Colorado) Leaf Pack Conversion Guide

Running D-Max or RG Colorado leaf packs in an N70 Hilux is a solid, cost-effective way to get a stronger rear end with better load carrying capacity. Here's what's actually involved to do it properly.

Shackle length

As a general rule of thumb:

  • 190mm shackle for a 2 inch lift
  • 210mm shackle for a 3 inch lift

Measure bolt centre to bolt centre — this is very important. Getting the shackle length wrong will throw out your ride height and pinion angle, so don't guess this off overall length or eye it up, measure the actual bolt centres.

Caster wedges

You'll need 3 degree caster wedges to correct the pinion angle after the leaf pack swap changes the axle's resting angle. Skipping this leads to driveline vibration and premature UJ wear.

Brake line

An extended brake line is required to cope with the extra suspension droop from the taller leaf pack and shackle combo — the stock length will be over-stretched and can fail.

Shocks

Your shocks need to be rated for the extra travel this conversion introduces. You want shocks with 660mm open as a max, matched to the 190–210mm shackle range above. Running shocks that are too short for the travel will either top out and become the suspension's limiting factor, or get damaged.

We run Bilstein Platinum N70 RG conversion rear shocks (660mm open) for this exact application.

Quick summary

  • 190mm shackle (bolt centre to bolt centre) — 2 inch lift
  • 210mm shackle (bolt centre to bolt centre) — 3 inch lift
  • 3 degree caster wedges to correct pinion angle
  • Extended brake line
  • Shocks rated to 660mm open max

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