1/79 FJ40 Rear Axle Position

[aggiecruiser]

Here is a picture of my 1/79 FJ40 before I took it all apart, (another story for a different day)......

In any event, take a look at the rear axle position. Looks like it sits pretty far forward.

Chevy 350 with MARKS adapter
Transmission and transfer case sits at stock position
Old Man Emu suspension
33" Goodyear MTRs

No spring modifications, nothing out of the ordinary. Is this correct for this setup? I am trying to figure out if the fender flares are mounted just a bit too far back, or if something with the Old Man Emu has allowed the axle to move forward.

I understand the wheel will move back into the wheel well when it flexes, but is this the correct position for this setup. Does anybody have similiar SIDE view pictures to illustrate their rear axle position given a similiar suspension and tire size setup. I don't have muct room to adjust the fender flare forward given the fuel filler door....

Thanks,
Chris

 

[4x4 Station Wagon]

How far back would you like to see your rearend sitting? The reason i ask is that you have a couple options to fix this.

 

[donny paradise]

OME springs are well known for pushing the rear axle forward a bit... normal looking....

 

[aggiecruiser]

To answer your question about how far is far enough; I guess I would have to say - not much, probably less than 1.5 inches. Just enough to gain a bit more clearance between the fender flare and the forward side of the tire; as well as making it a bit more aesthetically pleasing when on the road....all the while not compromising the offroad clearances. Ya know, the perfect balance.....

To be more technical, I would have to measure the wheel stuffed, and then review those clearances in comparison to aesthetics while on the road. Guessing though, not very much...

What sort of options are we talking about for small movements?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[4x4 Station Wagon]

Easier and simpler option may be to redrill your spring pads and your ubolt plates by an inch or so..... This would save you from having to move your flare plus it shouldnt effect your driveline length enough to matter vs. stock, and if you only go an inch or so it shouldn't mess with your pinion angle much either pending how you are sitting on those springs.... Down fall is that it is only an inch we are talking but it may be enough to make you happy?

 

[TBIFJ40]

Theres more arch in your springs now, therefore the axle looks and is further forward, yep you said that. If you move the axle back, when your springs flex and straighten, they could hit the rear of the fender. You have a choice: keep the cruiser completely stock and leave it alone, or start messing with axle locations, which could require drive line mods meaning lengthening your drive shaft, which if you do that you might as well moveit back a few inches (or more) to ease the u-joint angle, which also means youd have to cut the fenders and your pretty paint job!! It all domino effect, change one thing and it continues on.

 

[aggiecruiser]

What is this forums concensus? Does the existing positon look bad? Or am I just over-analyzing this?

 

[mixerman]

I have a 78 fj40 with 2.5" ome springs and 2.5" hfs shackels and the tire sit the same.

 

[Toyoland66]

I would move it back about 1 to 1.5 inches personally. Basically put it just in front of center of the arch in your wheelwell. I doubt that you would need to worry about your driveshaft length but you would have to check. I flipped my rear springs to move the axle back about 3" and had to retube the d-shaft.

 

[rookie54]

I second the post on remember your wheel travels rearward during compression so even though they barely miss in the front they will never touch because as the springs compress the shackles swing away. check this out;
4+PLUS Axle Relocating Plate
and not worth the minor stuff unless wanting to go the whole 9yds and really change something
"do you wheel or do you dream...."

 

[cruiserjunkie]

you might might just try flipping the springs and see you like the extended wheel base. drilling the springs can be a pain for a inch gain. They will settle some if you can wait it out

 

[grant5127]

Does the existing positon look bad?

Does to me....that's why I went with Hell Creek, I want my axle centered in the wheel well @ normal stance........

 

[Rodeo]

If you only want to gain a inch or so the MAF axle relocating plate looks like the easiest way that does not involve drilling. I peronally would flip the spring though and gain three inches.


MAF Relocating Plates

 

[donny paradise]

You'll loose some height with the MAF plates