FJ45LV Suspension options

merbesfield · 11-11-06, 08:30 PM

Ok, I thought I would start a thread dedicated to the various suspension options available specifically for the FJ45LV. I have asked this question in several threads and I have received some very mixed information. If you are an LV owner or know about their suspension systems, would you please post what you have done or plan to do for you suspension on your LV wagon or what is available on the open market. I have found that there are not a lot of vendors that sell suspension pieces that will work on the LV and many of them do not know a lot about the suspension, only that what they sell will not work. Mostly the issues seem to be with the rear. When you post, please try to be specific as to what you have done, what the results were (go bad or other) and where to get the pieces. I personally would like to have a suspension that rides nice on the road and does not shake my teeth loose. I would like to have a mild lift for increased tire size (31-33) along with a more aggressive appearance. My LV will never be a rock crawler, but it does need to be able to go off road with ease. Some owners have said they kept their original springs and we know that Matt had terrible luck with the parabolic springs. I am definitely not interested in anything like SOA or anything other than stock or replacement springs and shackles so please don't go getting all radical on me.

Thanks

cruiser_guy · 11-13-06, 09:23 AM

I have a set of LV takeouts that I got from a guy in California as well as greaseable springs and shackles and poly bushings. I just ordered them as per the Spector catalog and they all fit fine.
I had hoped the budget would have allowed for parabolics but now I'm glad it did not!
I can't comment on how well the are or if they're saggy since the truck still has a ways to go to be roadworthy. I did not rearc them or add a leaf either.

Lito · 11-13-06, 10:07 AM

I had TLC 4x4 put Old Man Emu springs, greaseable shackles, and its sits just high enough to run 33's. Rides fine (except over bridges where it can pick up a wicked oscillation if the seams are just right) both on and off road. But I don't do anything hard core with it. Wasn't a low budget deal though, if that's what you're looking for.

merbesfield · 11-13-06, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lito

I had TLC 4x4 put Old Man Emu springs, greaseable shackles, and its sits just high enough to run 33's. Rides fine (except over bridges where it can pick up a wicked oscillation if the seams are just right) both on and off road. But I don't do anything hard core with it. Wasn't a low budget deal though, if that's what you're looking for.

Yea, I thing OME is the way to go. It may cost a little more, but from what I am seeing out there, they are the only company that lists all the parts for the 45LV. Lito, what shocks did you go with? And what do you mean by oscillation and what do you think causes it? It doesn't sound good what ever it is.

FJBen · 11-13-06, 04:18 PM

I would give Alcan a look as well. Good flex, good ride and completely customizable. You can pick whatever lift you want...stock to 5" and whatever weight rating you want. If you were gonna haul a bunch, or for a winch etc...longer springs whatever you want.

I had them on my 55 and they were awesome...great ride. You are looking around ~$200 a spring.

www.alcanspring.com

Put those springs on, some Bilstein shocks and yeehaw!

I'd imagine that oscillation is just the wheelbase hitting the seems perfectly causing her to sway/rock etc...I noticed it more in short w/b

Land Cruiser Junky · 11-13-06, 06:35 PM

Stock Toyota springs from SOR. Put Toyota 1 tons (10 leaf) in the rear. Marv suggested I remove a couple leafs for a smoother ride, but I left all ten and even with the wagon empty the ride is great. Pack for 5 days of camping there's no sag. I'm not rock crawling, but they worked great for very rough cross country wheeling and they're DIRT CHEAP!

Here's a pic with 31s.

Lito · 11-13-06, 08:12 PM

My shocks are the old man emu nitro chargers, got them with the springs. The oscillation is not that bad, just a forward and backward motion (like 'dolphining'). But you wouldn't want to be sippin' on a latte at the time. (Hopefully no one will ever be photographed sippin on a latte while driving an LV, NTTAWWT).

merbesfield · 11-13-06, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Land Cruiser Junky

Stock Toyota springs from SOR. Put Toyota 1 tons (10 leaf) in the rear. Marv suggested I remove a couple leafs for a smoother ride, but I left all ten and even with the wagon empty the ride is great. Pack for 5 days of camping there's no sag. I'm not rock crawling, but they worked great for very rough cross country wheeling and they're DIRT CHEAP!

Here's a pic with 31s.

And what did you do for the front to have a level ride with 10 leaves in the back? what shocks are you running? I sent an email to SOR and asked about the Marv 1 ton special, but they were pretty clueless. I guess I did not speak to the right person. Any help would be appreciated. I would think they would have to be cheap to have them shipped from CA with what they must weigh. thanks

merbesfield · 11-13-06, 08:59 PM

Does anyone know if these shackles would work with a set of OME springs? As for Alcan, I figure if i was going to spend that much, I may as well go with OME, as they have done the calcs. for weight and all. I would have no idea what to say about weight etc. I am worried that if I piece a system together, it might end up uneven from front to rear?

merbesfield · 11-13-06, 09:01 PM

Here are some comparison pics complements of Koji. I see a big difference and value for money spent.

Luthier · 11-13-06, 10:19 PM

The OME is the only aftermarket 45LV suspension I can recommend. It is a very nice suspension.

The question is will the existing suspension be OK.

I liked the suspension on this truck when I was driving it with the exception of the shocks which were not the best when I got the truck.

I like the Rancho 9000 pretty well because they are cheap, easy to adjust, and you can "tweak" & customize the valving a bit to your preference.

Having said all of this however.... and from what you have told me about your plans for this truck. I would suggest the OME option. The OME suspension is more civilized a ride than the OEM suspension was and would be if you were to refurbish it completely.

Regards
-- Eugene

FJBen · 11-14-06, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merbesfield

As for Alcan, I figure if i was going to spend that much, I may as well go with OME, as they have done the calcs. for weight and all. I would have no idea what to say about weight etc. I am worried that if I piece a system together, it might end up uneven from front to rear?

There really isn't any calcs so to say for the springs, they have all the stock specs. You can just customize them more. Say if you want 300lbs over stock weight if you are going to be carrying a bunch of stuff all the time. And any inch height you want.

You would just order the stock springs, tell them whatever height you wanted in inches and if you would be carrying extra weight....

just a thought, nothing at all wrong with OME, great stuff!

merbesfield · 11-24-06, 10:36 AM

How about shocks? Bilstein only lists front shocks for the LV. But I know others have used them? Someone said the number was 5125 I think, but that is a general number for an off road shock with many sizes listed under it, so which one. What about other brands of shocks? What about the gas shocks that come with the OME spring kit? Is anyone running OME sprigs with Bilstein shocks?

Landpimp · 11-26-06, 12:22 PM

I run OME shocks with stock springs, works great......I know its not what you asked

pretty sure I just used Fj40 OME shocks, so Blistens for a 40 should work fine

Quote:

Originally Posted by merbesfield

How about shocks? Bilstein only lists front shocks for the LV. But I know others have used them? Someone said the number was 5125 I think, but that is a general number for an off road shock with many sizes listed under it, so which one. What about other brands of shocks? What about the gas shocks that come with the OME spring kit? Is anyone running OME sprigs with Bilstein shocks?

merbesfield · 11-26-06, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landpimp

I run OME shocks with stock springs, works great......I know its not what you asked

pretty sure I just used Fj40 OME shocks, so Blistens for a 40 should work fine

that helps. what size tire are you running with stock springs? didn't i see a post of your where you were thinking about a small lift on your LV? if you were to do a lift, what would you do?
'

MarcoPolo · 01-26-08, 10:42 AM

Quote:

"Good fathers keep their sons off the pipe and daughters off the pole."

My quote of the day

Thanx Lito

Marco

LT · 01-26-08, 12:02 PM

Spring Over rear and 3 link in the front with 12" Sway Away Coil Over

with FJ62 axles.

bull · 01-26-08, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LT

Spring Over rear and 3 link in the front with 12" Sway Away Coil Over

with FJ62 axles.

this means nothing without pics

LT · 01-27-08, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bull

this means nothing without pics

The rear is sprung over. I am currently building the tube fenders for the front right now. After that I will be doing the 3 link. I have all the brackets and 4 link material ready. Need to calculate the correct spring rate for my coil overs.