First I would like to be sure to let everyone know that I have extensively searched these subjects including the FAQs. Hours of good reading but with few questions answered…
My FJ40 currently sits on a 2.5 inch lift springs with 33x10.50 x15 BFG MTs. I should have listened to friends who said that 4 inch lift springs and 35s would be on my wish list within a year. I would like to list a few mods that could be combined to provide the Ultimate SUA Suspension. SOA is currently not an option. The intended use of this FJ40 is a general all-around rig. It will see a good deal of street use, non-paved roads, mud, and one to two TLCA Events per year usually crawling rocks. My goals are good articulation, maximizing ground clearance, and a reasonably comfortable ride. If you have direct experience with any of the below listed mods, please chime in with your ideas, opinions and pictures if possible. Thanks in advance.
The starting point is a 6/77 FJ40 with 4 inch lift leaf springs running 35x12.50x15 mud tires. Please assume the brand of 4 inch lift springs or tires are not up for debate. I am willing to trim the rear fenders, but prefer to keep the fronts uncut.
1) SHACKLES/ANGLE – Considering +1.5” for additional fender clearance and spring flex. +2.5” in the rear to level if necessary. Greaseable hardware will be used. What vendor has the best prices? What mods are recommended to correct shackle angle if necessary. Mud posts and web sites I have seen recommend 4 degree shims for +1.5 to +2 inch shackles and 6 degree shims for +2.5 inch shackles for caster correction. Any need to shim the rear axle to improve the driveshaft angle? Other than removing/relocating the shackle hangers, can anything be done to improve shackle angle?
2) SHOCK MOUNTING LOCATIONS – Longer shocks equate to longer travel if done correctly – right? Extended front mounts are available via F250 towers. Where is the optimal front lower shock mount? Assuming stock lower mount, what shock are you running with F250 towers? Rear lower mounts range from the U-bolt plate to the axle housing. What’s best? Rear upper mounts on the crossmember result in an angled but longer shock. Is there a better place? What is a good shock on a tight budget?
3) U-BOLT FLIP KIT – Opinions? With 4 inches of lift on 35s a little extra clearance would be nice. Other than Man-A-Fre, who makes a kit? What are the opinions on rear lower shock mounts with this kit? Do these kits require a shorter shock?
4) FLIPPED REAR SPRINGS – Adding 3.5 to 4 inch wheelbase for better on-road handling and off-road departure angle? Other benefits or drawbacks? It also has the added benefit of centering the wheel in the rear which I think looks better. I do realize that the rear fenders will need to be cut. Do any flares fit after the flip? TJ flares? Pics?? What should a re-tube to lengthen my existing driveshaft cost? I was quoted $150 locally and thought that was high. Any OEM shaft bolt right up? Other than drilling and welding new upper shock mounts to the rear of the crossmember, are there other shock mounting options? Can I swap and spin spring plates side to side and mount the shocks in front of the rear axle using stock upper shock mounts?
5) What am I forgetting? Please don’t say skip all that and go SOA!
Thanks very much for the shared knowledge on MUD.
My FJ40 currently sits on a 2.5 inch lift springs with 33x10.50 x15 BFG MTs. I should have listened to friends who said that 4 inch lift springs and 35s would be on my wish list within a year. I would like to list a few mods that could be combined to provide the Ultimate SUA Suspension. SOA is currently not an option. The intended use of this FJ40 is a general all-around rig. It will see a good deal of street use, non-paved roads, mud, and one to two TLCA Events per year usually crawling rocks. My goals are good articulation, maximizing ground clearance, and a reasonably comfortable ride. If you have direct experience with any of the below listed mods, please chime in with your ideas, opinions and pictures if possible. Thanks in advance.
The starting point is a 6/77 FJ40 with 4 inch lift leaf springs running 35x12.50x15 mud tires. Please assume the brand of 4 inch lift springs or tires are not up for debate. I am willing to trim the rear fenders, but prefer to keep the fronts uncut.
1) SHACKLES/ANGLE – Considering +1.5” for additional fender clearance and spring flex. +2.5” in the rear to level if necessary. Greaseable hardware will be used. What vendor has the best prices? What mods are recommended to correct shackle angle if necessary. Mud posts and web sites I have seen recommend 4 degree shims for +1.5 to +2 inch shackles and 6 degree shims for +2.5 inch shackles for caster correction. Any need to shim the rear axle to improve the driveshaft angle? Other than removing/relocating the shackle hangers, can anything be done to improve shackle angle?
2) SHOCK MOUNTING LOCATIONS – Longer shocks equate to longer travel if done correctly – right? Extended front mounts are available via F250 towers. Where is the optimal front lower shock mount? Assuming stock lower mount, what shock are you running with F250 towers? Rear lower mounts range from the U-bolt plate to the axle housing. What’s best? Rear upper mounts on the crossmember result in an angled but longer shock. Is there a better place? What is a good shock on a tight budget?
3) U-BOLT FLIP KIT – Opinions? With 4 inches of lift on 35s a little extra clearance would be nice. Other than Man-A-Fre, who makes a kit? What are the opinions on rear lower shock mounts with this kit? Do these kits require a shorter shock?
4) FLIPPED REAR SPRINGS – Adding 3.5 to 4 inch wheelbase for better on-road handling and off-road departure angle? Other benefits or drawbacks? It also has the added benefit of centering the wheel in the rear which I think looks better. I do realize that the rear fenders will need to be cut. Do any flares fit after the flip? TJ flares? Pics?? What should a re-tube to lengthen my existing driveshaft cost? I was quoted $150 locally and thought that was high. Any OEM shaft bolt right up? Other than drilling and welding new upper shock mounts to the rear of the crossmember, are there other shock mounting options? Can I swap and spin spring plates side to side and mount the shocks in front of the rear axle using stock upper shock mounts?
5) What am I forgetting? Please don’t say skip all that and go SOA!
Thanks very much for the shared knowledge on MUD.
) on the road........
(the good Aussie type
