4" Lift Springs?

dieselcruiserhead · 05-06-08, 03:23 PM

Hi there guys,
I was curious as to why you guys think so few if anyone makes 4" lift springs for 60 series trucks (unlike 40's where there are dozens of 4" options). Is there something about 60's that makes them a little more difficult to lift 4"? Seems like with 33's or even 35's possibly it would be a good market to get higher than the common 2.5" lift...

Any comments welcome...!

GLTHFJ60 · 05-06-08, 03:27 PM

Alcan is the only manufacturer that makes 4" lift springs for 60 series cruisers. Granted, every set is custom, so they can make it any height you want, but other than them, I don't think anyone else makes 4" springs.

REKCUT · 05-06-08, 03:31 PM

There are not very many 60's running around and fewer left each day. Very few retailers will spend the money developing something new for these trucks that wont translate to other vehicles. Case in point is finding a rear bumper/ tire carrier.

dieselcruiserhead · 05-06-08, 03:34 PM

BTB, a fairly obscure company, produces a 4" spring for FJ60's as well. I've also never heard anything good about them other than they did cutting edge engine conversions back in teh day... BTBProd.com - Conversion parts, 4x4 products

I am very familiar with Alcan and their approach as well...

takeitforgranite · 05-06-08, 04:55 PM

Alcan x2.... Makes fitting 35's oh-so-easy.

GLTHFJ60 · 05-06-08, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieselcruiserhead

BTB, a fairly obscure company, produces a 4" spring for FJ60's as well. I've also never heard anything good about them other than they did cutting edge engine conversions back in teh day... BTBProd.com - Conversion parts, 4x4 products

I am very familiar with Alcan and their approach as well...

I've never heard from BTB, but look legit.

I'd go with alcan, just because of their flawless reputation and amazing results. Look at granite's rig!! I'm going alcan myself, hopefully this summer.

dieselcruiserhead · 05-06-08, 05:30 PM

You should search Alcan, I am aware they make a decent quality product but there are lots and lots of mixed reviews and some downright negative...

Sixty's Guy · 05-06-08, 06:14 PM

In Aus there are Belton 4" springs available too, but they're not real popular.

landcruiserjunky · 05-06-08, 07:45 PM

Anyone heard anything about HellCreek?

takeitforgranite · 05-07-08, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieselcruiserhead

You should search Alcan, I am aware they make a decent quality product but there are lots and lots of mixed reviews and some downright negative...

Seems like all of the negative reviews have never been backed up with pictures/facts. I know for a fact that one individual on here panned Alcan in one breath (that they lost 4" of lift in a few thousand miles), and then in the next, pimped his own product. Just seems like the few who do badmouth Alcan have some ulterior motives. Also, the ones who bought early on worked with the company, who provided correct-length main leaves at no cost. This is a company whose customer service has impressed me at every dealing, and if you do use the truck how you specify when ordering, everything comes out perfect. Case in point: my shackle angle is vertical now, but will improve with the rear bumper/sliders/300lbs of camping gear that I specified I would be using when I ordered. As long as you specify that they should be made longer, and use them for their intended purpose and load capacity, there have been no problems.

Just my .02... I did a lot of research before I made my investment.

dieselcruiserhead · 05-07-08, 10:13 AM

I'm not bashing them and I do think they make a decent product, I've seen them myself, but I have also seen and heard about dozens, literally dozens of errors. Leafs chronically too short, and premature sagging.. They have made how many FJ55 and FJ60 lift springs, but chronically sending main leafs that are too short? Are they not able to learn from their literally dozens of previous experiences? They ask each customer to go out and measure his leafs for the same vehicle application? I also searched extensively (really slow at work) yesterday under "Alcan" and literally read for hours and dozens of threads on them and other 4" or larger solutions. If you simply search I don't think this is the case at all (that people have their "own agenda"...

And finally, Alcan has been around a long time and LC people have been using them for some time, since at least 2000 when I got into Land Cruisers... This is literally 8 years of hearing and reading about them and seeing several sets myself get prematurely flat or showing up too short (for again, the same old application)... I hope it helps, not to bash them, and it seems like they make it right, but 6 week turn around, uninstalling and reinstalling springs. Then there is also the gentleman who did ACT, had his rig loaded, and had an awful experience. They gave him him money back but it still made for a miserable experience... Just my $.02...

chukardog · 05-07-08, 03:22 PM

MAF OME FJ60 4inch suspension with shackle reversal

looks like a 4" lift to me.....

dieselcruiserhead · 05-07-08, 05:52 PM

The shackle reversal on those is unfortunately gh-eeto... It is basically the same as a shackle lift with 2.5" springs, except the angles are better... Which is not what I am after...

Wayneraintree · 05-12-08, 06:10 AM

Andre, I recently took off the same MAF "kit" from a 62 and installed it on my HJ... the plan is to cut down the reversal brackets, weld them to the bottom of the frame horn, beef the inside of the frame horn with sq. stock and bolts to improve the overall set-up.... the canadian made 2.5" springs actually ride great and are 5 years old... holding their form well too. I had this suspension on my 55 years ago and the springs, unbroken-in, were horrible... so to fit 35's, I am going to run 1" Roger B. body lift, this kit, and I should see around 4.5" lift SUA with flipped Ubolts... HTH,

BTW, I ran 4" Alcans on a 60 years ago and they performed well but did not hold the lift after 20K miles or so.... flexed like mad though...

In answer to your Q, I would say since the wagons are not so often used for hard wheeling like 40's, along with the added weight/body roll/etc. a 4" lift is more difficult to make with a high level of quality/longevity...

Micah · 05-12-08, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieselcruiserhead

BTB, a fairly obscure company, produces a 4" spring for FJ60's as well. I've also never heard anything good about them other than they did cutting edge engine conversions back in teh day... BTBProd.com - Conversion parts, 4x4 products

I am very familiar with Alcan and their approach as well...

Yeah DO NOT GO WITH BTB!!!

You will regret it if you do. Just like I am now.

dieselcruiserhead · 05-12-08, 08:39 AM

Good comments guys, also curious on the BTB issue, are those springs failing?

Micah · 05-12-08, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieselcruiserhead

Good comments guys, also curious on the BTB issue, are those springs failing?

No they are just not a true 4 inches and then my front tires suck up and I am turning the tire rubs really bad on the front of the wheel well. I am only running 32'' tires also.

Trapper50cal · 05-13-08, 12:35 AM

PO bought 5 inch Alcans and put hysteer on, the truth of the matter is they have sagged a bit but they are still over 4.25 to 4.5" and super flexy. More than enough lift for 35's and I love em. And they are the right length. They are something like 5years old. IIRC

Cruiserdrew · 05-13-08, 01:22 AM

I loved the Alcans on my 40, but I know one very reliable Cruiserhead who had a very bad experience with them on his SOA 60, so as Andre said, it's a mixed bag.

On balance, though, I'd use Alcan again given the need.

If you are thinking about a 4 inch lift, you should also consider a spring over on stock springs. It's a little higher than 4 inches, but you have most of the parts and it will work well with 35 inch tires.

Trapper50cal · 05-14-08, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by takeitforgranite

Alcan x2.... Makes fitting 35's oh-so-easy.

GranitE!

cut those ubolt threads down!

dodahman · 05-14-08, 09:13 PM

Has anyone tried using Alcan's leaves with the "orbit" flex joints?
What is the typical cost of a set of 4" or 5" springs.

lehiguy · 05-15-08, 10:21 AM

I had a set of Alcans on my Toyota truck. They bent. Currently, my brother has a set on his truck. Also bent. Here's the deal. The best spring will have more leafs of a thinner material. This gives more flex without sagging than a set of springs that has fewer, thicker leafs. Think about it; what will flex more, a thin leaf or a thick leaf? That is why OMEs have been so widely praised, they're built right. I have 175,000 miles on the same set. No bending, breaking or sagging. Just my two cent's worth.

exrsa1 · 05-15-08, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lehiguy

I had a set of Alcans on my Toyota truck. They bent. Currently, my brother has a set on his truck. Also bent. Here's the deal. The best spring will have more leafs of a thinner material. This gives more flex without sagging than a set of springs that has fewer, thicker leafs. Think about it; what will flex more, a thin leaf or a thick leaf? That is why OMEs have been so widely praised, they're built right. I have 175,000 miles on the same set. No bending, breaking or sagging. Just my two cent's worth.

Lehiguy, can you explain where they bent, and how your truck and your brother's truck was set up, and under what circumstances they bent. I run Alcans and am interested in how this occurred.

Thanks
Ex

lehiguy · 05-15-08, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exrsa1

Lehiguy, can you explain where they bent, and how your truck and your brother's truck was set up, and under what circumstances they bent. I run Alcans and am interested in how this occurred.

Thanks
Ex

My bottom leafs bent. My brother bent the top leafs near the eye of the spring. We both used them to the max with a suspension that made for maximum articulation. It seems the have a lower RBM than they should.

GLTHFJ60 · 05-15-08, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lehiguy

My bottom leafs bent. My brother bent the top leafs near the eye of the spring. We both used them to the max with a suspension that made for maximum articulation. It seems the have a lower RBM than they should.

I still don't understand what you mean. Do they have an "S" curve now? Did the upper leaves bend up away from the rest of the pack?

RBM??

05-06-08, 03:23 PM	#1
dieselcruiserhead IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Park City & Heber City, Utah TLCA# 9439 Posts: 2,149	4" Lift Springs? Hi there guys, I was curious as to why you guys think so few if anyone makes 4" lift springs for 60 series trucks (unlike 40's where there are dozens of 4" options). Is there something about 60's that makes them a little more difficult to lift 4"? Seems like with 33's or even 35's possibly it would be a good market to get higher than the common 2.5" lift... Any comments welcome...! __________________ - Cummins 4BTswaps.com Forums - Diesel Conversion Website TLCA# 9439 Since 1999, Wasatch Cruisers '89 Toyota Pickup V6, OME, 32's '69 FJ55 Project on locked FZJ80 Frame, Cummins 4BT, NV5600, Dana 300

05-06-08, 03:31 PM	#3
REKCUT IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Springfield, Mo TLCA# 13816 Posts: 1,091	There are not very many 60's running around and fewer left each day. Very few retailers will spend the money developing something new for these trucks that wont translate to other vehicles. Case in point is finding a rear bumper/ tire carrier. __________________ Thad Brown/ Rogersville Mo 84 FJ 60 / SROR sides and rear / beauty marks from RR, FN, & LSCR / Free bumper from GCC and Locker from LSCR/ 07 FJ 08 Tundra Rocket ship Green Country Cruisers

05-06-08, 03:34 PM	#4
dieselcruiserhead IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Park City & Heber City, Utah TLCA# 9439 Posts: 2,149	BTB, a fairly obscure company, produces a 4" spring for FJ60's as well. I've also never heard anything good about them other than they did cutting edge engine conversions back in teh day... BTBProd.com - Conversion parts, 4x4 products I am very familiar with Alcan and their approach as well... __________________ - Cummins 4BTswaps.com Forums - Diesel Conversion Website TLCA# 9439 Since 1999, Wasatch Cruisers '89 Toyota Pickup V6, OME, 32's '69 FJ55 Project on locked FZJ80 Frame, Cummins 4BT, NV5600, Dana 300

05-06-08, 04:55 PM	#5
takeitforgranite IH8MUD Regular Join Date: May 2007 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 444	Alcan x2.... Makes fitting 35's oh-so-easy. __________________ _____________________________________________ Yeah, I look like a grandpa driving it, but I still pull chicks. 84 FJ60 - 2F, 301k miles, 4.5" Alcans, 12" Bilstein 5150s, 35x12.5 XTerrains, Blazenoffroad.com winch bumper, magnaflow, rust, and an oil leak!

05-06-08, 05:30 PM	#7
dieselcruiserhead IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Park City & Heber City, Utah TLCA# 9439 Posts: 2,149	You should search Alcan, I am aware they make a decent quality product but there are lots and lots of mixed reviews and some downright negative... __________________ - Cummins 4BTswaps.com Forums - Diesel Conversion Website TLCA# 9439 Since 1999, Wasatch Cruisers '89 Toyota Pickup V6, OME, 32's '69 FJ55 Project on locked FZJ80 Frame, Cummins 4BT, NV5600, Dana 300

05-06-08, 06:14 PM	#8
Sixty's Guy IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Tasmania, Australia Posts: 329	In Aus there are Belton 4" springs available too, but they're not real popular. __________________ 1983 HJ60, 2H Turbo, 33/35" BFG MT, Twin Lock Rights, other stuff 1975 FJ55 Stock Standard

05-06-08, 07:45 PM	#9
landcruiserjunky IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: In Between Worlds Posts: 933	Anyone heard anything about HellCreek? __________________ 1984 baby blue fj60- SOA with 35's Expedition One Front Bumper with 8k winch Trail Gear Sliders Safari Snorkel with Toyota GPS Locater Next Mod being considered: -4.88/4.56 gears

05-07-08, 10:13 AM	#11
dieselcruiserhead IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Park City & Heber City, Utah TLCA# 9439 Posts: 2,149	I'm not bashing them and I do think they make a decent product, I've seen them myself, but I have also seen and heard about dozens, literally dozens of errors. Leafs chronically too short, and premature sagging.. They have made how many FJ55 and FJ60 lift springs, but chronically sending main leafs that are too short? Are they not able to learn from their literally dozens of previous experiences? They ask each customer to go out and measure his leafs for the same vehicle application? I also searched extensively (really slow at work) yesterday under "Alcan" and literally read for hours and dozens of threads on them and other 4" or larger solutions. If you simply search I don't think this is the case at all (that people have their "own agenda"... And finally, Alcan has been around a long time and LC people have been using them for some time, since at least 2000 when I got into Land Cruisers... This is literally 8 years of hearing and reading about them and seeing several sets myself get prematurely flat or showing up too short (for again, the same old application)... I hope it helps, not to bash them, and it seems like they make it right, but 6 week turn around, uninstalling and reinstalling springs. Then there is also the gentleman who did ACT, had his rig loaded, and had an awful experience. They gave him him money back but it still made for a miserable experience... Just my $.02... __________________ - Cummins 4BTswaps.com Forums - Diesel Conversion Website TLCA# 9439 Since 1999, Wasatch Cruisers '89 Toyota Pickup V6, OME, 32's '69 FJ55 Project on locked FZJ80 Frame, Cummins 4BT, NV5600, Dana 300

05-07-08, 03:22 PM	#12
chukardog IH8MUD Addict Join Date: May 2007 Location: Snohomish, Wa Posts: 699	MAF OME FJ60 4inch suspension with shackle reversal looks like a 4" lift to me.....

05-07-08, 05:52 PM	#13
dieselcruiserhead IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Park City & Heber City, Utah TLCA# 9439 Posts: 2,149	The shackle reversal on those is unfortunately gh-eeto... It is basically the same as a shackle lift with 2.5" springs, except the angles are better... Which is not what I am after... __________________ - Cummins 4BTswaps.com Forums - Diesel Conversion Website TLCA# 9439 Since 1999, Wasatch Cruisers '89 Toyota Pickup V6, OME, 32's '69 FJ55 Project on locked FZJ80 Frame, Cummins 4BT, NV5600, Dana 300

05-12-08, 06:10 AM	#14
Wayneraintree IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Eastern PA TLCA# 9720 Posts: 2,536	Andre, I recently took off the same MAF "kit" from a 62 and installed it on my HJ... the plan is to cut down the reversal brackets, weld them to the bottom of the frame horn, beef the inside of the frame horn with sq. stock and bolts to improve the overall set-up.... the canadian made 2.5" springs actually ride great and are 5 years old... holding their form well too. I had this suspension on my 55 years ago and the springs, unbroken-in, were horrible... so to fit 35's, I am going to run 1" Roger B. body lift, this kit, and I should see around 4.5" lift SUA with flipped Ubolts... HTH, BTW, I ran 4" Alcans on a 60 years ago and they performed well but did not hold the lift after 20K miles or so.... flexed like mad though... In answer to your Q, I would say since the wagons are not so often used for hard wheeling like 40's, along with the added weight/body roll/etc. a 4" lift is more difficult to make with a high level of quality/longevity... __________________ Jeffrey TreadLightly BlueRibbon Coalition United Four Wheel Drive TLCA.org ALCA- Fledgling Cruiser group of eastern PA

05-12-08, 08:39 AM	#16
dieselcruiserhead IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Park City & Heber City, Utah TLCA# 9439 Posts: 2,149	Good comments guys, also curious on the BTB issue, are those springs failing? __________________ - Cummins 4BTswaps.com Forums - Diesel Conversion Website TLCA# 9439 Since 1999, Wasatch Cruisers '89 Toyota Pickup V6, OME, 32's '69 FJ55 Project on locked FZJ80 Frame, Cummins 4BT, NV5600, Dana 300

05-13-08, 12:35 AM	#18
Trapper50cal IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Durango, CO TLCA# 15812 Posts: 730	My Alcans PO bought 5 inch Alcans and put hysteer on, the truth of the matter is they have sagged a bit but they are still over 4.25 to 4.5" and super flexy. More than enough lift for 35's and I love em. And they are the right length. They are something like 5years old. IIRC __________________ 83 FJ60-5" ALCANS-HYSTEER-80 TRE's-RICEBUILT RODS-AUSSIELOCKER-ARB DeerSlayer-LONGFIELDS-35" MTR's-BILSTEIN 5150's-Thanks Ige!

05-13-08, 01:22 AM	#19
Cruiserdrew KI6MIE Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA TLCA# 11734 Posts: 6,536	I loved the Alcans on my 40, but I know one very reliable Cruiserhead who had a very bad experience with them on his SOA 60, so as Andre said, it's a mixed bag. On balance, though, I'd use Alcan again given the need. If you are thinking about a 4 inch lift, you should also consider a spring over on stock springs. It's a little higher than 4 inches, but you have most of the parts and it will work well with 35 inch tires. __________________ Andrew 1971 FJ-40 Rubicon tested 1976 FJ40 RIP 1984 FJ-60 H55f, 4.11, OME, Daily Driver 1997 FZJ-80 Factory sub-tank, and other tricks

05-14-08, 09:13 PM	#21
dodahman IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sandy, UT Posts: 6	Has anyone tried using Alcan's leaves with the "orbit" flex joints? What is the typical cost of a set of 4" or 5" springs.

05-15-08, 10:21 AM	#22
lehiguy IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 290	Springs I had a set of Alcans on my Toyota truck. They bent. Currently, my brother has a set on his truck. Also bent. Here's the deal. The best spring will have more leafs of a thinner material. This gives more flex without sagging than a set of springs that has fewer, thicker leafs. Think about it; what will flex more, a thin leaf or a thick leaf? That is why OMEs have been so widely praised, they're built right. I have 175,000 miles on the same set. No bending, breaking or sagging. Just my two cent's worth. __________________ 1985 FJ60, 300HP SBC, NV4500, NP241, 14-bolt semi floater, 4.56 gears, four wheel disk brakes, 35" BFGs, 350,000 happy miles and still going.