FJ55 Springs

78 One owner · 06-09-04, 04:55 AM

Used FJ parts are nearly nonexistant in S. Utah, so I was thinking about going with new springs when I go SOA. I've decided to follow the trend and put FJ55 springs on both ends of my truck. My questions are:
1) Do I really need FJ55 springs, or just springs the same length as '55 springs.
2) If I need '55 springs do I need used springs so they're nice and limber, or will new springs do.
3) What about custom springs? Alcan gave me a ballpark estimate of $210 per pair. I like the idea of custom built springs. How does that sound to you guys. Do I want them built to FJ55 specs, or to FJ55 length and my FJ40's wt. and load distribution? Alcan's estimate form is pretty detailed: http://www.alcanspring.com/order.htm

I would greatly appreciate some input on this.

woody · 06-09-04, 06:15 AM

IMO, length is critical more than anything....check into Waggoneer front 7-leaf springs too. The FJ55's have a center pin, I went so far as to redrill my spring perch and u-bolt plate to offset the front axle forward another 1-1.5". New would be fine, if not better....custom better yet, since Alcan can build in a traction leaf in back plus keep the spring eyes/double wrap slightly smaller so you can use the stock solid hangers.

With custom packs, most of your work is measureing for what eye-pin lenghts you can fit in (assume they will be flat, or nearly so) and finding a spring pack that will flex-ride well. The Waggies and the FJ55's have both proven themselves on many rigs, but there are other options. Know a guy locally running Durango rears on his CJ7....WAY long leaf, extends past the rear frame, and looks quite odd, but it DOES work well.

AZFJ · 07-06-04, 01:48 PM

I thought 55 front springs where the same as 40 fronts??????

woody · 07-06-04, 02:04 PM

this is all with regards to FJ55 rears.

55 fronts do = 40 fronts

AZFJ · 07-06-04, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody

this is all with regards to FJ55 rears.

55 fronts do = 40 fronts

Thats what I was thinking..I was just trying to figure out why he was putting them on fornt and rear!

woody · 07-06-04, 03:17 PM

the question was regarding running FJ55 rear packs on ALL locations of the FJ40....

AZFJ · 07-06-04, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody

the question was regarding running FJ55 rear packs on ALL locations of the FJ40....

..uuhh...oh..Duh!!..me..srong back,weak mind!

Mace · 07-06-04, 05:48 PM

I was under the impression that FJ55 fronts were center pinned...

72cruiser · 07-07-04, 08:12 AM

they are

also, woody, how far back did you move the rear shackle mount when you put the 55s on?

i'm goin round asking so that i can get a ballpark figure for when i do mine later this summer

malphrus

woody · 07-07-04, 08:15 AM

Basically, I spun it around...the shackle is held on by two rivits and a couple small stitch welds. Drill/grind those free, spin it on the same holes, and see how your shackle angle looks. I used two 3/8" bolts to hold mine on for years, no welds, and never had a problem.

If the shackle is too steep (mine was) then move the bracket forward one hole, and redrill the frame for the 2nd one.

either way, piece of cake. (and all well document in the TECH article section)

72cruiser · 07-07-04, 08:18 AM

ahhhh, tech section....just found it

thanks

06-09-04, 04:55 AM	#1
78 One owner IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Veyo, Utah (near St.George) Posts: 331	FJ55 Springs Used FJ parts are nearly nonexistant in S. Utah, so I was thinking about going with new springs when I go SOA. I've decided to follow the trend and put FJ55 springs on both ends of my truck. My questions are: 1) Do I really need FJ55 springs, or just springs the same length as '55 springs. 2) If I need '55 springs do I need used springs so they're nice and limber, or will new springs do. 3) What about custom springs? Alcan gave me a ballpark estimate of $210 per pair. I like the idea of custom built springs. How does that sound to you guys. Do I want them built to FJ55 specs, or to FJ55 length and my FJ40's wt. and load distribution? Alcan's estimate form is pretty detailed: http://www.alcanspring.com/order.htm I would greatly appreciate some input on this.

06-09-04, 06:15 AM	#2
woody Admin Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Appleton, WI TLCA# 1548 Posts: 7,687 Blog Entries: 2	Re:FJ55 Springs IMO, length is critical more than anything....check into Waggoneer front 7-leaf springs too. The FJ55's have a center pin, I went so far as to redrill my spring perch and u-bolt plate to offset the front axle forward another 1-1.5". New would be fine, if not better....custom better yet, since Alcan can build in a traction leaf in back plus keep the spring eyes/double wrap slightly smaller so you can use the stock solid hangers. With custom packs, most of your work is measureing for what eye-pin lenghts you can fit in (assume they will be flat, or nearly so) and finding a spring pack that will flex-ride well. The Waggies and the FJ55's have both proven themselves on many rigs, but there are other options. Know a guy locally running Durango rears on his CJ7....WAY long leaf, extends past the rear frame, and looks quite odd, but it DOES work well.

07-06-04, 02:04 PM	#4
woody Admin Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Appleton, WI TLCA# 1548 Posts: 7,687 Blog Entries: 2	this is all with regards to FJ55 rears. 55 fronts do = 40 fronts __________________ Brian 'woody' Swearingen 1974 FJ40 'The Raisin' - Pitbull Rockers, 30-spline Longfields, SOA - 1/4 ellip 1996 FZJ80 'Gretchen' - MetalTech, ARB, OME, IPOR, 4x4Labs 2003 2500HD Duramax - Edge/Juice/Attitude, 285 Nitto Terra Grapplers, 4" exhaust Forum Questions? Click Here! 'America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.' Abraham Lincoln

07-06-04, 03:17 PM	#6
woody Admin Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Appleton, WI TLCA# 1548 Posts: 7,687 Blog Entries: 2	the question was regarding running FJ55 rear packs on ALL locations of the FJ40.... __________________ Brian 'woody' Swearingen 1974 FJ40 'The Raisin' - Pitbull Rockers, 30-spline Longfields, SOA - 1/4 ellip 1996 FZJ80 'Gretchen' - MetalTech, ARB, OME, IPOR, 4x4Labs 2003 2500HD Duramax - Edge/Juice/Attitude, 285 Nitto Terra Grapplers, 4" exhaust Forum Questions? Click Here! 'America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.' Abraham Lincoln

07-06-04, 05:48 PM	#8
Mace what he said Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 11,207	I was under the impression that FJ55 fronts were center pinned... __________________ I am kinda gay....... My Myspace http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...endid=75712409 "Mary Poppins: In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and - SNAP - the job's a game."

07-06-04, 01:48 PM	#3
AZFJ IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Kingman, Az. Posts: 134	I thought 55 front springs where the same as 40 fronts??????

07-07-04, 08:12 AM	#9
72cruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: nashville, tn TLCA# 13842 Posts: 2,565	they are also, woody, how far back did you move the rear shackle mount when you put the 55s on? i'm goin round asking so that i can get a ballpark figure for when i do mine later this summer malphrus __________________ jonathan malphrus -- 72fj40 the only pinstriping i'll ever have on my cruiser will be after i hit a ny yankee 'these are my awards, mother, from army. the seal is for marksmanship and the gorilla is for sand racing.' ...build-up here (stalled)...

07-07-04, 08:15 AM	#10
woody Admin Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Appleton, WI TLCA# 1548 Posts: 7,687 Blog Entries: 2	Basically, I spun it around...the shackle is held on by two rivits and a couple small stitch welds. Drill/grind those free, spin it on the same holes, and see how your shackle angle looks. I used two 3/8" bolts to hold mine on for years, no welds, and never had a problem. If the shackle is too steep (mine was) then move the bracket forward one hole, and redrill the frame for the 2nd one. either way, piece of cake. (and all well document in the TECH article section) __________________ Brian 'woody' Swearingen 1974 FJ40 'The Raisin' - Pitbull Rockers, 30-spline Longfields, SOA - 1/4 ellip 1996 FZJ80 'Gretchen' - MetalTech, ARB, OME, IPOR, 4x4Labs 2003 2500HD Duramax - Edge/Juice/Attitude, 285 Nitto Terra Grapplers, 4" exhaust Forum Questions? Click Here! 'America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.' Abraham Lincoln

07-07-04, 08:18 AM	#11
72cruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: nashville, tn TLCA# 13842 Posts: 2,565	ahhhh, tech section....just found it thanks __________________ jonathan malphrus -- 72fj40 the only pinstriping i'll ever have on my cruiser will be after i hit a ny yankee 'these are my awards, mother, from army. the seal is for marksmanship and the gorilla is for sand racing.' ...build-up here (stalled)...

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