Suspension Development on Daihatsu Taft (Rocky) 2 Doors 1991

English Translation

Published in JIP Magazine Indonesia Volume 34, February 2005.

Title: Masculine but has a leg of ballerina

Summary: Off-road modification. Written by Farman Bahar, photographed by Bambang Prijambodho

Usually, the term of ballerina is never associated with anything masculine. An exception is given to
this Daihatsu. It looks masculine, but it has leg just like a ballerina.

Check out this Indra Setiawardanas Taft GTS. The axles flawlessly move up and down on the trail,
without any problem. The suspension is flexible like a ballerina.

And it is not only that. When I (the writer) drive along into the trail for photo shooting, I can feel how
comfortable this Taft is. Compared to other Daihatsu Taft, this one is unbelievably soft. Just like
driving a sedan instead of a four by four. Indra admitted that the main modification is focused on the
suspension. Because the original suspension of the Taft GT is mainly stiff, really uncomfortable for
daily use.

Indra has spent a lot of time, experimenting with the suspension setup. The springs setup is
changed, and different types of dampers are used to find a better combination between them. It
was surprisingly comfortable if you can find the right damper for your four by four said Indra, who
was graduated from Trisakti University.

Almost everything was done by Indra himself. Searching for the right spring combination, and even
made new shackles for the springs. The design of the shackles was made by him, with the
consideration of the material used for it. The reason is, besides for daily use, Indra also drives it on
the trail, and even in the off-road competition, such as West Java Challenge.

Usually, if the suspension is too soft, it is a little bit risky to drive fast on road. Because, the high
center of gravity on the four by four makes the car unstable. But not for this Taft. Indra has driven
this car in and out the city without any problem.

This modification does not cost him a lot amount of money. I spent only about 150 dollar for this.
For the resident of Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, it is very cheap. Indra also said that he does not
need any unused accessories. In the second page, it can be seen that the car is still dominated by the
OEM Taft parts.

Top left picture:

The suspension setup is the focus of this modification. The first purpose is to extend the suspension
travel. Indra has searched and found that the leaf spring from Toyota Kijang Grand Extra is matched
to his idea. It has the same width, but with the length of 116 cm, it is 3 cm longer than the original.
And then, the original rear leaf spring is moved to the front, replacing the original front leaf spring,
which is only 111 cm long, explained Indra.
Top right picture:
Because the suspension is lifted, the drive shaft should also be extended. Indra uses an aluminum
spacer to extend it.
The front dampers are picked from Bilstein, which are the original from Mercedes, and for the rear
dampers, Monroe Magnum are picked. This combination makes the car comfortable said Indra
who is also active in Daihatsu Taft Club.

Middle column: Engine

There are no significant changes to this diesel engine. Indra said that he just overhauled the engine
to get the original performance. A snorkel is mounted for river crossing.

Middle left picture:

Indra built new shackles and spring correction for better performance and durability.

Middle right picture:

To optimize the suspension travel, the original traction bar is removed and rebuilt. With the new
setup, the original bar cannot be used anymore. A steering damper from ProComp is used to reduce
the steer vibration.
This car is originally a 4x2 version. An OEM front axle from Taft 4x4 is mounted.

Bottom left picture:

Everything in this car is functional. Front seats are replaced with the set he got from Singapore,
steering wheel is replaced by Sparco. Indra also put a stereo system from Pioneer. The original front
seats are moved to the back for the comfort of the passengers.

Bottom right table:

Technical specification:

Type : OEM Daihatsu Taft GTS 2800 cc, Diesel Indirect Injection
Altenator: OEM
Battery: 120 Ampere Dry Fit
Gearbox: OEM Taft GTS

Transfer case: OEM Taft GTS

Axle (Front-Rear): OEM Taft GTS
Locker Front-Rear: Lock Right
Shock absorber: Front: Bilstein Mercedes
Rear: Monroe Magnum
Leaf springs: Front: OEM rear put at front
Rear: Toyota Kijang Grand Extra
Brake OEM Taft
Tyre Simex Extreme Trekker / BF Goodridge MT
Rim Elstar 15 Inch
Seat Nissan, Singapore market
Seatbelt OEM Mitsubishi Kuda