Hey all, I'm looking for some information about doing a Spring Over Axle conversion for a 78' FJ40. I'm pretty new at all of this, and looking to help my dad switch from stock 40 axles to 80 axles. The axle conversion doesn't seem too hard to do, however, I am looking at doing a SOA conversion while everything is ripped out. The cruiser currently has a 4" lift with Old Man Emu Springs. The front has a shackle reversal. I'm planning on ripping out the 4" lift as people say that the SOA will add about 6" of lift. We would like to ultimately run 37"s at the end of this. Having about 8" of lift overall seems like it would be the best for running the larger tires, so I am looking at putting in Pro Comp 2.5" lift springs with the SOA.
Now, onto some questions. Does a SOA seem to be a good choice for something like this? I've been doing some research, and people say that they like the handling much better with the SOA conversion. Converting to a coil setup would be nice, however, my dad would like to run springs and it seems to be a lot more work to convert to coils from an 80. How much lift would be the best for running 37" tires and still keep good articulation? Would you need to have the 2.5" lift springs to comfortably flex without rubbing? If not, what springs would run well with this? The stock 40 springs seem to be a good choice, but are there any other springs that would work well with this? With the SOA conversion, what are the things to look out for? I've read that an improper conversion can really mess with the handling and make it an unworthy road vehicle. What shocks are recommended? We currently have Rancho 9000s on there now, and coupled with the OME springs, the ride is really stiff.
Any information is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Now, onto some questions. Does a SOA seem to be a good choice for something like this? I've been doing some research, and people say that they like the handling much better with the SOA conversion. Converting to a coil setup would be nice, however, my dad would like to run springs and it seems to be a lot more work to convert to coils from an 80. How much lift would be the best for running 37" tires and still keep good articulation? Would you need to have the 2.5" lift springs to comfortably flex without rubbing? If not, what springs would run well with this? The stock 40 springs seem to be a good choice, but are there any other springs that would work well with this? With the SOA conversion, what are the things to look out for? I've read that an improper conversion can really mess with the handling and make it an unworthy road vehicle. What shocks are recommended? We currently have Rancho 9000s on there now, and coupled with the OME springs, the ride is really stiff.
Any information is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Last edited: