63" chevy's on a fj60?

CaliCruiser · 05-08-07, 08:34 PM

Well I searched the 60 series section and I could only find one 60 series with these springs in the back. A couple of weeks ago I was checkin' out FC Fabrication's 62 with these springs and it looked really nice and functional. Currently I have stock springs in the rear with short add a leafs, and needless to say, the ride and flex are both compromised. I have heard of a few other running the 62 series springs in place and they seem to be an improvement because of the thinner leaves. I am really on the fence about what to do and have heard nothing but positive things about 63's on 4 wheeler'ss across the board.

Thanks guys

Dylan

lowtideride · 05-10-07, 12:18 PM

Go for it man...longer springs, better flex.

tclndcrz · 05-10-07, 12:33 PM

Sounds like a good idea to me

CaliCruiser · 05-10-07, 04:46 PM

I am mainly worried about them being to soft on the big wagon.

Anyone else?

Mark W · 05-10-07, 05:00 PM

Skip the half ton springs that all the mini-truck guys like. Too soft for a Cruiser wagon. BTDT. 3/4 ton springs work great though.

Mark...

CaliCruiser · 05-10-07, 09:14 PM

Thanks for the insight Mark, are the 3/4 ton springs also 63"? Are these easily identifiable because of the extra leafs?

Dylan

Wayneraintree · 05-11-07, 05:21 AM

Do you know any details about FC Fab's 62? type of springs, etc.? I searched POR and found nothing...

CaliCruiser · 05-11-07, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayneraintree

Do you know any details about FC Fab's 62? type of springs, etc.? I searched POR and found nothing...

No I don't know much about it, other than that they were 63" chevy's. A couple of weeks ago there was a swap meet and I was checking it out. It looked like a really nice setup and Georg, (orangefj45), said it flexed like crazy. Hopefully he'll chime in and enlighten us.

Thanks,

Dylan

D'Animal · 05-11-07, 03:17 PM

Don owns FC Fabications and I think it was his rig.

He hangs in pirate a lot but on here he goes by FC187. Just PM him for the details.

Wayneraintree · 05-11-07, 03:47 PM

Yeah, I saw a pic of it on his site and PM'ed him on POR.... I am looking for some baseline measurements on installing those springs on cruiser wagons.. I have a set prepped and ready in the garage, got the rear springs pulled off the 55, and the sky kit to install the LONG springs... I measured for the front spring mount as well as the shackle hanger, just want to bounce it off another install to compare before I final weld. I am looking for a 3/4 ton set, presently I have the 1/2 tons chevy's.... I also am curious how long a shackle is used. I know all these specifics are variable but a baseline would be nice since I am not the most experienced with placement, etc.

CaliCruiser · 05-14-07, 06:36 PM

How about the guys running 62 springs in the rear?
How do you like them?

Dylan

LT · 05-14-07, 07:21 PM

I'm sure you can run the 63" springs w/o a problem. I would personally buy 4 leaf springs and run an extra leaf or two in the pack that will be on the cruiser. Seeing from pervious experience from guys on the board saying they are too soft.

Or.... you can just chop the whole rear section of your 60 off and that should be enough weight savings to run the springs in stock form

SURVEYOR CRUISER · 05-14-07, 07:45 PM

Hey-
I run these 63" 3/4 ton springs on my 85 BJ70. I run them spring under with a 2" longer than stock shackle. They work really nice, my rig is a daily driver. I do run the overload. On a 60 I would consider a spring over with these springs in the rear with a stock length shackle. Check out www.sky-manufacturing. They make spring hangers and shackles which will work with these springs, they are stout and a good price. I am thinking about spring over in the rear of my 70 going with a shorter shackle and still running spring under in the front.

Fatkidrb · 05-14-07, 10:41 PM

hey man i did the 63" on my 60 wagon not to long ago there was a tread on the 60 page but that was awhile ago. anyways the springs work great and the give a lil more lift then a normal spring over. i used the kit from sky manufacturing that they use for pick ups and 4runners and it works great.

this not even close to flexed out either

Eskimo · 05-15-07, 06:25 AM

Without getting all defensive, I have never understood why people thought those 1/2 ton chevy springs are sooo good. Yes, they're long, but they're also 3 thick leaves meant to support a 1/2 ton truck's cargo weight.

Most of the minitrucks that I've seen with good 'flex' always had some bullshit ramp-champ double shackle or 3/4 eliptic setup which tells me the springs by themselves don't work well on their own.

Someone please elighten me? I honestly don't get it, when my stock FJ40 front pack (just cleaned up and painted the leaves, SOA) with its length about 2/3 that of a Chevy, would use all of a 14" travel shock.

Is it that they also control wrap well?

Again, this isn't a flame..

Wayneraintree · 05-15-07, 06:35 AM

I undertstand running the overload leaf (even cut down a bit as needed) helps prevent wrap... also the length of the springs is conducive for a better ride thatn shorter springs.. and more capability to load the rig. The flex will be somewhat better than stock springs but moreso with the double shackle set up though some set-ups with double shackle allow an unfriendly unloading on descents...

CaliCruiser · 09-10-07, 11:08 PM

63" chevy's are on! Don @ FC Fab did the install and it came out super sweet. I'm heading up the hill this weekend to test em out on the trail. On the 50 mile trip home I noticed an improved ride compared to the stock springs with short add a leafs. The front travel improved to 31" of lift before a rear tire lifted up vs. 25" prior to the install.

D'Animal · 09-11-07, 08:08 AM

You may want to check you fluid levels. I noticed that there are no puddles under your rig, something might be low on 90w.

Looks great.

The 3/4 ton springs were the way to go after all on your waggon.

LCOwner · 09-11-07, 08:11 AM

Did you use the 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton?

boots4 · 09-11-07, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LCOwner

Did you use the 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton?

Looks like it's 3/4 ton. I count 4 leaves plus an overload which is what I picked up from the salvage yard and it came from a 3/4 ton. If it was 1/2 ton it would be three leaves plus overload (like fatkidrb just a couple posts ago). The leaves are thicker than cruiser leaves.

D'Animal · 09-12-07, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LCOwner

Did you use the 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton?

We compaired them side by side to my rear springs on my 2002 Chevy 3/4 ton HD and they were the exact springs. You will need the 3/4 tons for a wagon.

FL cruiser · 09-14-07, 09:50 PM

Me too. Thinking of replacing my worn out rear pinnacle springs with some 63" Chevy's. I would have never considered 3/4 ton over 1/2 ton. Good thing i read this thread. Never would have thought a 60 would require 3/4 ton springs.

Just to satisfy curiosity, I think I will take both my FJ60 and my 91 Z71 1/2 ton Chevy down to the scale, weigh both vehicles on the rear axles and compare weights of the two.
both Pro-Comp and Superlift sell 63" Chevy 3" and 4" lift springs reasonable. I might go this route since I'll be staying SUA.

lowtideride · 09-15-07, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL cruiser

Me too. Thinking of replacing my worn out rear pinnacle springs with some 63" Chevy's. I would have never considered 3/4 ton over 1/2 ton. Good thing i read this thread. Never would have thought a 60 would require 3/4 ton springs.

Just to satisfy curiosity, I think I will take both my FJ60 and my 91 Z71 1/2 ton Chevy down to the scale, weigh both vehicles on the rear axles and compare weights of the two.
both Pro-Comp and Superlift sell 63" Chevy 3" and 4" lift springs reasonable. I might go this route since I'll be staying SUA.

You should just do a super low SOA in the rear to give you an ass load of flex. Keep the COG low, with a bunch of droop. We did this on Jers 40....Turned out pretty awesome.

CaliCruiser · 09-15-07, 08:23 PM

I would recommend the 3/4 tons if you like to carry any kind of weight. I just got from some wheeling today and the springs work great. I think I am going to play around with the upper and lower mounts of my shocks and see if I can get them a bit more vertical, these springs are soft, plus my shocks are not in their optimal spot. The less vertical the the dampening power right?

Dylan

Wildman · 09-15-07, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliCruiser

I would recommend the 3/4 tons if you like to carry any kind of weight.

I second this, I run a set of these on my mini truck, with a tool box, gas tank, hydro tank (for the mile marker winch) and all the gear adds up pretty quick. I also kept most of the big thick overload leaves, I cut em down, but didnt take them totaly out. I figure it helps them from going negative and bending. Skip the double shackel junk, buy the Sky kit, its a big time saver and go sprung over, youll be all set.

DWitcher · 09-22-07, 09:07 AM

OK I need pictures of that 55 behind the flexed out 60 please

D'Animal · 09-22-07, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWitcher

OK I need pictures of that 55 behind the flexed out 60 please

Which one? The Grey and White or the Brown and White?

For info on the both just PM FC187 here on Mud.

05-08-07, 08:34 PM	#1
CaliCruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pine Grove, Ca TLCA# 15987 Posts: 1,803	63" chevy's on a fj60? Well I searched the 60 series section and I could only find one 60 series with these springs in the back. A couple of weeks ago I was checkin' out FC Fabrication's 62 with these springs and it looked really nice and functional. Currently I have stock springs in the rear with short add a leafs, and needless to say, the ride and flex are both compromised. I have heard of a few other running the 62 series springs in place and they seem to be an improvement because of the thinner leaves. I am really on the fence about what to do and have heard nothing but positive things about 63's on 4 wheeler'ss across the board. Thanks guys Dylan __________________ ROTW '85 FJ60 \| SOA \| ARB \| M8274-50 \| Sliders \| Aussie'd \| H55F \| 4.7 Toybox \| 4.88s \| Custom Crap

05-10-07, 12:18 PM	#2
lowtideride Ride On... Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Florida TLCA# 14891 Posts: 6,972	Go for it man...longer springs, better flex. __________________ www.NFCruiserheads.org 1983 SR5 Hilux... has had no peers for 50 years...

05-10-07, 12:33 PM	#3
tclndcrz IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bozeman MT TLCA# 14430 Posts: 933	Sounds like a good idea to me __________________ -Thomas Crumrine TLCA #14430 88 FJ62 33x12.5 BFG A/Ts, front parabolics, ARB bumper, warn xd9000, 2badfjs sliders, aussie lockers, longfields, durabak, flowmaster, rear disks...

05-10-07, 04:46 PM	#4
CaliCruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pine Grove, Ca TLCA# 15987 Posts: 1,803	I am mainly worried about them being to soft on the big wagon. Anyone else? __________________ ROTW '85 FJ60 \| SOA \| ARB \| M8274-50 \| Sliders \| Aussie'd \| H55F \| 4.7 Toybox \| 4.88s \| Custom Crap

05-10-07, 09:14 PM	#6
CaliCruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pine Grove, Ca TLCA# 15987 Posts: 1,803	Thanks for the insight Mark, are the 3/4 ton springs also 63"? Are these easily identifiable because of the extra leafs? Dylan __________________ ROTW '85 FJ60 \| SOA \| ARB \| M8274-50 \| Sliders \| Aussie'd \| H55F \| 4.7 Toybox \| 4.88s \| Custom Crap

05-10-07, 05:00 PM	#5
Mark W IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: The Greatland TLCA# 6303 Posts: 3,525	Skip the half ton springs that all the mini-truck guys like. Too soft for a Cruiser wagon. BTDT. 3/4 ton springs work great though. Mark...

05-11-07, 05:21 AM	#7
Wayneraintree IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Eastern PA TLCA# 9720 Posts: 2,685	Do you know any details about FC Fab's 62? type of springs, etc.? I searched POR and found nothing... __________________ Jeffrey Save Tellico! TreadLightly BlueRibbon Coalition United Four Wheel Drive TLCA.org ALCA- Fledgling Cruiser group of eastern PA

05-11-07, 03:17 PM	#9
D'Animal Beagles Rule! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central California TLCA# 17104 Posts: 10,078	Don owns FC Fabications and I think it was his rig. He hangs in pirate a lot but on here he goes by FC187. Just PM him for the details. __________________ Cruiser Dan at American Toyota Phone is 1-800-432-6668 ext. 8 (I am not cruiser Dan)

05-11-07, 03:47 PM	#10
Wayneraintree IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Eastern PA TLCA# 9720 Posts: 2,685	Yeah, I saw a pic of it on his site and PM'ed him on POR.... I am looking for some baseline measurements on installing those springs on cruiser wagons.. I have a set prepped and ready in the garage, got the rear springs pulled off the 55, and the sky kit to install the LONG springs... I measured for the front spring mount as well as the shackle hanger, just want to bounce it off another install to compare before I final weld. I am looking for a 3/4 ton set, presently I have the 1/2 tons chevy's.... I also am curious how long a shackle is used. I know all these specifics are variable but a baseline would be nice since I am not the most experienced with placement, etc. __________________ Jeffrey Save Tellico! TreadLightly BlueRibbon Coalition United Four Wheel Drive TLCA.org ALCA- Fledgling Cruiser group of eastern PA

05-14-07, 06:36 PM	#11
CaliCruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pine Grove, Ca TLCA# 15987 Posts: 1,803	How about the guys running 62 springs in the rear? How do you like them? Dylan __________________ ROTW '85 FJ60 \| SOA \| ARB \| M8274-50 \| Sliders \| Aussie'd \| H55F \| 4.7 Toybox \| 4.88s \| Custom Crap

05-14-07, 07:21 PM	#12
LT Metal Tech Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Metal Tech Newberg, OR TLCA# 12989 Posts: 1,161	I'm sure you can run the 63" springs w/o a problem. I would personally buy 4 leaf springs and run an extra leaf or two in the pack that will be on the cruiser. Seeing from pervious experience from guys on the board saying they are too soft. Or.... you can just chop the whole rear section of your 60 off and that should be enough weight savings to run the springs in stock form __________________ Propane Powered 2f.

05-14-07, 07:45 PM	#13
SURVEYOR CRUISER IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 82	63" Springs Hey- I run these 63" 3/4 ton springs on my 85 BJ70. I run them spring under with a 2" longer than stock shackle. They work really nice, my rig is a daily driver. I do run the overload. On a 60 I would consider a spring over with these springs in the rear with a stock length shackle. Check out www.sky-manufacturing. They make spring hangers and shackles which will work with these springs, they are stout and a good price. I am thinking about spring over in the rear of my 70 going with a shorter shackle and still running spring under in the front. __________________ Tired of Gas Headaches? Get a Diesel Cruiser Surveyors: Mapping the World Since the Beginning of Time

05-14-07, 10:41 PM	#14
Fatkidrb IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 101	63" hey man i did the 63" on my 60 wagon not to long ago there was a tread on the 60 page but that was awhile ago. anyways the springs work great and the give a lil more lift then a normal spring over. i used the kit from sky manufacturing that they use for pick ups and 4runners and it works great. this not even close to flexed out either

05-15-07, 06:25 AM	#15
Eskimo IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Danville, PA Posts: 1,154	Without getting all defensive, I have never understood why people thought those 1/2 ton chevy springs are sooo good. Yes, they're long, but they're also 3 thick leaves meant to support a 1/2 ton truck's cargo weight. Most of the minitrucks that I've seen with good 'flex' always had some bullshit ramp-champ double shackle or 3/4 eliptic setup which tells me the springs by themselves don't work well on their own. Someone please elighten me? I honestly don't get it, when my stock FJ40 front pack (just cleaned up and painted the leaves, SOA) with its length about 2/3 that of a Chevy, would use all of a 14" travel shock. Is it that they also control wrap well? Again, this isn't a flame.. __________________ Rich in NC FJ - '73 FJ-40 Cruggy - LSx/4-wheel steer Rockwells/4-link/coilovers/42's Build thread --> http://forum.ih8mud.com/hardcore-corner/124040-keeping-low-rockwells-k-under-knife-again.html '01 Chevy 2500HD 8.1 Allison Lux-o-tow Last edited by Eskimo; 05-15-07 at 08:20 AM.

05-15-07, 06:35 AM	#16
Wayneraintree IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Eastern PA TLCA# 9720 Posts: 2,685	I undertstand running the overload leaf (even cut down a bit as needed) helps prevent wrap... also the length of the springs is conducive for a better ride thatn shorter springs.. and more capability to load the rig. The flex will be somewhat better than stock springs but moreso with the double shackle set up though some set-ups with double shackle allow an unfriendly unloading on descents... __________________ Jeffrey Save Tellico! TreadLightly BlueRibbon Coalition United Four Wheel Drive TLCA.org ALCA- Fledgling Cruiser group of eastern PA

09-10-07, 11:08 PM	#17
CaliCruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pine Grove, Ca TLCA# 15987 Posts: 1,803	63" chevy's are on! Don @ FC Fab did the install and it came out super sweet. I'm heading up the hill this weekend to test em out on the trail. On the 50 mile trip home I noticed an improved ride compared to the stock springs with short add a leafs. The front travel improved to 31" of lift before a rear tire lifted up vs. 25" prior to the install. __________________ ROTW '85 FJ60 \| SOA \| ARB \| M8274-50 \| Sliders \| Aussie'd \| H55F \| 4.7 Toybox \| 4.88s \| Custom Crap

09-11-07, 08:08 AM	#18
D'Animal Beagles Rule! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central California TLCA# 17104 Posts: 10,078	You may want to check you fluid levels. I noticed that there are no puddles under your rig, something might be low on 90w. Looks great. The 3/4 ton springs were the way to go after all on your waggon. __________________ Cruiser Dan at American Toyota Phone is 1-800-432-6668 ext. 8 (I am not cruiser Dan)

09-11-07, 08:11 AM	#19
LCOwner Hudson's Dad Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Madera, CA Posts: 539	Did you use the 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton? __________________ If you’re not part of an organized volunteer group working on the trails, YOU are the problem.

09-14-07, 09:50 PM	#22
FL cruiser IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: St Petersburg, Florida Posts: 633	Me too. Thinking of replacing my worn out rear pinnacle springs with some 63" Chevy's. I would have never considered 3/4 ton over 1/2 ton. Good thing i read this thread. Never would have thought a 60 would require 3/4 ton springs. Just to satisfy curiosity, I think I will take both my FJ60 and my 91 Z71 1/2 ton Chevy down to the scale, weigh both vehicles on the rear axles and compare weights of the two. both Pro-Comp and Superlift sell 63" Chevy 3" and 4" lift springs reasonable. I might go this route since I'll be staying SUA. __________________ 81 HJ60 Costa Rica Cruiser 82 FJ60 Trail Rig. Convertible, 2F, H55, Toybox, SUA, 37" MTR's 83 JJ60. Daily driver, OME, 33's, 6.2 diesel, NV4500, WVO http://mysite.verizon.net/sbutman1/LC.html

09-15-07, 08:23 PM	#24
CaliCruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pine Grove, Ca TLCA# 15987 Posts: 1,803	I would recommend the 3/4 tons if you like to carry any kind of weight. I just got from some wheeling today and the springs work great. I think I am going to play around with the upper and lower mounts of my shocks and see if I can get them a bit more vertical, these springs are soft, plus my shocks are not in their optimal spot. The less vertical the the dampening power right? Dylan __________________ ROTW '85 FJ60 \| SOA \| ARB \| M8274-50 \| Sliders \| Aussie'd \| H55F \| 4.7 Toybox \| 4.88s \| Custom Crap

09-22-07, 09:07 AM	#26
DWitcher IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bakersfield CA. Posts: 222	OK I need pictures of that 55 behind the flexed out 60 please __________________ Student of the PIGG '68 FJ55 '72 FJ55 '73 FJ40< newest addition "Fish on!".