Dumb question about doing a lift...

[John E]

making some future plans for my FJ62. This is probably a pretty obvious question but if I want to install an OME or another type of suspension lift I need to be able to hoist the FJ using the frame members right?

I'm assuming that I have to take the pressure off of the entire suspension already on the FJ in order to remove and replace it.

Thanks

 

[Sethro60]

Yes, you will need to take all the weight off of the suspention, but only one end at a time. Make sure to be safe and get some good jackstands as you will have to pull/push/beat on the leafsprings and other bits to get them apart and put them together.

 

[slacker24-7]

yea get a couple good jack stands to put under the frame in front of the spring hangers, then 2 more to go under the axle, pull both tires. best to just do one corner at a time. the other side kinds holds things in place.

 

[FJ60Seth]

And make sure you have someplace flat to work.

 

[KLF]

...and firmly block the other tires. When doing the front axle, set the e-brake. When doing the rear axle, lock the front hubs and put the truck in 4WD.

 

[StevoJonesFJ60]

Heavy wood blocks work well.

Also if you plan on doing a springover, make sure you have a good welder.

 

[John E]

Thanks guys...

I'll be referring back to this when I'm ready to make the swap. In the meantime, what about a safe place to use a floor jack to work on the front brakes? Where can I put the lift pad on the jack without doing any damage to the FJ? Front diff?

John E

 

[StevoJonesFJ60]

Its pretty hard to damage these trucks with a jack, I usually place it right under the ubolt holder or diff.

 

[John E]

Thanks....

again, got some new brake pads and SS brake lines to install this weekend.

John E

 

[lovetoski]

Get 6T jackstands at a minimum. They have a wider base (more stable) and have more vertical height to them (essential for a lifted truck).

 

[slcfj62]

I always jack the truck up using my floor jack under the spring perches on the axle, and then place jack stands under the frame right behind the bumper. When working on the front end, I also place jackstands under the frame behind the leading edge of the front doors. Belts and suspenders. Then I let the floor jack down so the vehicle settles onto the jack stands. Before I get under it, I shake it really hard to make sure it is going to stay put. I have 8 jack stands--four 6 ton, two 12 ton that reach way up, and two 2 ton that I use for axles. I would ruin your day to have 4500 lbs of Landcruiser come down on you or someone you care about.

 

[Granite Grinder]

Actually, I put the jack stands right behind the solid spring perch, on the frame. I find this frees up the entire front end for moving around springs and such. I do have the frame lightly resting on a jack stand, centered, as a safety, but never did the truck feel unstable. It's pretty much the same set up when using a two post hoist, and we always put stands on the end frames for safety. Heck, sometimes we strap the entire truck to the hoist arms, especially if your removing the rear axle housing and springs.

 

[alaska60]

Heavy wood blocks work well.

Also if you plan on doing a springover, make sure you have a good welder.

.........and a good machine too!

 

[alaska60]

again, got some new brake pads and SS brake lines to install this weekend.

John E

SS lines are a waste of $ IMO. just go to napa and order two stock lines for each side and screw them together for your extended brake lines....Only $6 for extended lines!

 

[John E]

Too late...

already got em onhand...

You're probably right, I've been known to overbuy replacement parts at times.

On the other hand, they look really nice...;^)