Taking your HiLux off the road usually implies lifting it a bit in order to make it more capable. However, those who install an independent front suspension instead of a full body kit will usually run into a few issues. Whether you've decided to give your HiLux an independent front lift suspension for additional ride height, better ground clearance for larger tyres, for the looks or anything in between, it's crucial to note that your suspension system plays a big role in your road comfort, off-road performance and the reliability of the driveline parts.
That being said, in this article, I'll talk about how to improve the reliability of your HiLux' driveline parts using a HiLux diff drop kit. A HiLux diff drop kit can minimise the CV shaft angle, which is increased when implementing a suspension lift. As the suspension of your HiLux is raised higher, the coil overs and struts push the lower control arms down, which puts the hub in a lower position relative to the front differential housing that remains in its fixed position on the HiLux' cross member.
As a result, this increases the operating angle of the CV shaft assembly which can result in premature wear on the CV joint, premature wear on the rubber CV boot ribs and it increases the odds of the CV shaft getting out of the inner joint. In other words, you risk a CV joint failure, which can lead to costly repairs at the mechanic's, unless you're handy with the tools yourself.
Worth knowing is that not every lifted vehicle needs a diff drop. Generally, suspension lifts with over 2" of width do need a diff drop, while lifts below 2" can probably get away with it. However, this doesn't mean that even a lower than 2" lift won't benefit off of a diff drop. This is especially true if you have aftermarket upper control arms and long travel coil overs, and you want to make use of the extra open suspension travel without overbearing the CV shaft, in which case a diff drop will provide you that travel. Simply put, every setup is specifically designed to accommodate the customer, and there are many options available to choose from.
So whether you need a diff drop kit to maintain driveline reliability, a strength upgrade in a non-diff dropped application or you want to open up as much travel as your HiLux can muster, there's a diff drop kit that will suit your needs. It's highly recommended that you get the diff drop installed at a qualified and experienced mechanic, as some of them can be tricky to install in a home garage.
