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Hello from PA

Discussion in 'Introductions' started by soro, Jan 18, 2021.

  1. soro

    soro New Member

    Hi, Just got a 1993 Suzuki Carry Dump. Have been wanting one for years. Almost had one 5 years ago but deal fell through at the end (things got sketchy and I got cold feet).
    After our last snow storm I recommitted to finding a mini truck so I can put a plow on it (I have a 600 foot asphalt driveway with large pad).
    That's when I found my truck. Previous owner did it up nicely. Mechanically great and really clean machine (body, frame, interior, etc). Super happy.
    I've been lurking on this forum for years learning from all you experts.
    Thank you! IMG_9199.jpg
     
    Adam C Spry likes this.
  2. Jigs-n-fixtures

    Jigs-n-fixtures Well-Known Member

    Welcome aboard
     
  3. AttackCRX

    AttackCRX Member

    Looks like a solid truck! I'm also in PA with a long, steep driveway. I was debating looking into a plow setup at some point down the road.
     
  4. soro

    soro New Member

    I love that you’re hauling a bike in the back. I like 80’s Japanese motorcycles and that’s one of the things I want to use for. Did you street reg your truck?
    I got a front bumper/ hitch for the plow from http://mini4x4.ca/
    Fast ship and mostly a decent price. Have not put it on yet.
     
  5. ed nap

    ed nap Member

    I bought that same bumper/ hitch assembly to use on my Suzuki Carry. It was a couple of pieces that bolt together, and then the whole assembly is only held onto the chassis with 2 (two) bolts. I upgraded the 1/2" bolts that came with it to 5/8's" bolts for better piece of mind. The holes in the brackets were already 5/8's" , but you had to scrape the paint out of the ID first. I also welded new 5/8's washers on either side of my chassis as the chassis is only formed sheet metal and I wanted something more substantial to bolt through. I bought a new Black Line hydraulic plow and mounted that last night. I also bought (but did not yet install) the new progressive front springs yet. They'll get mounted tomorrow, but with the stock springs and someone sitting in the drivers seat, the lower plow edge is only about 2 inches off the ground in the most upright position of the hydraulic actuator. The plow assembly is somewhat adjustable up and down, but I have it raised up to the max upright position. I took the front bumper assembly off just to reduce the weight on the front springs another 40 or 50 lbs but either I gotta lose some weight or those new springs better perform a miracle. I also have a 55 gallon water bag (400 lbs) that I intended to carry in the bed during the winter for extra traction, but I don't know if that will help bring down the rear end and raise the front up slightly or not.
     
    soro likes this.
  6. soro

    soro New Member

    Thank you! That’s some really great info/ advice on mounting the bumper/ hitch. I will copy you on upgrading the bolts and reinforcing the connection points.
    Your set up is exactly what I want to do (hydraulic black line plow and upgrade to progressive front springs).
    Where did you get the springs from if I may ask. There seems to be a few choices out there.
     
  7. ed nap

    ed nap Member

  8. Limestone

    Limestone Well-Known Member

    Welcome!
    I love the look of your Mini!
    Limestone
     
  9. AttackCRX

    AttackCRX Member

    I did, and she's already on the road without a hiccup. The bike in the back is '15 Grom, it's like these vehicles were made for each other. It's the perfect hauler for small(er) motorcycles.
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2021
    soro likes this.
  10. soro

    soro New Member

    Thank you! The previous owner had it sprayed matte grey. I did the black wheels :)
     
  11. Jigs-n-fixtures

    Jigs-n-fixtures Well-Known Member

    I add 300-lbs of concrete to mine as ballast to offset the weight ofthe plow assembly and keep things balanced.

    i ran the truck over the scales, and with me sitting in the drivers seat, I’m at a fifty-fifty weight distribution without the plow attached. So, when I first mounted the plow, I. Did run back to the scales, and the rear was 320-lbs lighter than the front. Went from the scales to the hardware store, and bought 6@50-lbs bags of SackCrete, then poked a few holes in the tops of the bags and added some water. They should be fully cured by spring. And, I’ll be able to take them out as six blocks, with the bed ridges cast in.
     
  12. ed nap

    ed nap Member

    Jigs, did adding weight then change the plow height from the ground (in the fully upright position)? Your signature says you have a 2 inch lift, but was that only as a result of the front spring change , or did you also add a lift to the rear springs as well? I measured the front wheel opening when the plow was off ( with the standard springs still on ) and it measured 24.5 inches from the ground. So I am waiting until tomorrow to get my truck back from the shop with the new springs installed to see how much it raised up. Every little bit helps . I really am trying to avoid doing the body lift in the front if at all possible. Most folks said that just adding the springs is usually enough. I think the front struts are fine as I only have about 25 K miles on her and it doesn't bounce at all.
     
  13. AttackCRX

    AttackCRX Member

    You will greatly benefit from the springs rather than doing a body lift, especially if adding a plow. My Acty has a 2" body lift (will be removing for 275lb springs) and I can still easily bottom the front end out. My truck is has 68K on the clock and the front shocks are still in working order.
     
  14. Jigs-n-fixtures

    Jigs-n-fixtures Well-Known Member

    I have 2-inch lift, plus the springs. My bumpers are pretty heavy, and load it down quite a bit, and I have larger tires/wheels. Plus I play around on trails during the summer, and wanted the ground clearance.
     

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