1966 FJ45LV restoration/buildup project

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Need help. I am installing the rear OME springs on the LV but do not know which way they should go? does the wrap part go to the front or rear of the truck?

Never mind, MAF says the longer direction is towards the back of the truck.

Next question, is there a rubber pad of some sort that goes between the rad. core support and the frame?
 
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bump, what kind of pad goes between the rad. core support and the frame?

here are some progress pics.
IMG_8668.webp
IMG_8669.webp
IMG_8670.webp
 
What do you mean by lining up?

If you look at the last three pics you will notice the centerline of the axle is about 2 inches forward of what appears to be the line of the bump stop. This is putting a strain on the shock pins and the rear stabilizer link etc.
 
Do you have both + on the springs closest to the frame?


What are the part numbers on your springs?


I'm curious if this might be do to hanging down and not being compressed by the weight of the vehicle?
 
Do you have both + on the springs closest to the frame?


What are the part numbers on your springs?


I'm curious if this might be do to hanging down and not being compressed by the weight of the vehicle?

Both + are toward the center of the truck. So the longer dimension of the spring it towards the rear.

Part numbers for the rear springs are CS003R.

There is definitely no weight on the truck. It is hard to imagine the axle going up and back this much but who knows. Steve at MAF suggested I relocate the spring pin 1" forward by drilling a new centering hole in the spring perch. Anyone done that? Thanks so much for the help.
 
I spent a lot of time taking measurements with plumb bob's etc. and comparing those to the TLC chassis & body manual. From what I can see, my axle is about 2.25" forward from that of a stock LV. Steve at MAF says that OME planed for the axle center line to be moved forward 1" from stock from his experience doing these conversions. So it looks like I am in fact about 1" too far forward. At this point we have decided to re-drill the pin hole exactly 1" forward which will result in the axle to sliding back 1" from its current position. I have been told this has been done before.
 
i would highly recommend NOT drilling the springs and moving the axle an inch backward. I would revist the rear spring issue after you have hte body on and you have driven it a month and the springs have had a chance to settle in a bit.
jason
 
Your shackles are installed upside down.


attachment.php


The idea with the anti-inversion shackle is for the angled part of the shackle to bind into the frame, preventing the shackle from folding up parallel with the frame and causing the leaf spring to get bent and damaged from the shackle inverting.

This is true, front or rear leaf spring.

Flip them over and install them so they look like this:
shackle01.webp
 
rear suspension is not lining up?



It is fine.



You do not have any load on the suspension, and the leaf springs are at full droop, which, because they are anchored at the front and are attached to a shackle in the rear, (and a longer one at that, which again, is installed upside down) it is permitting the rear axle to swing forward. The axles on leaf spring vehicles do not travel strait up and down, but rather in an arc, and are limited (and exaggerated because of the longer shackle in your case) in this travel by the shackle. And, unless you plan on getting air under the vehicle (jumping it), this is a non-factor.


When you have everything else done; body on the frame, interior installed, engine installed, front and rear bumpers installed, etc, THEN go back under the truck and attach your anti-sway bar. You will find that it will be very close to where it needs to be and that your wheels will be where they were supposed to be.
 
What about the sway bar links? Will they not need to be extended 2" bc of the 2" lift in suspension? Also, the shocks are in bind now with the axle so far forward. Is that normal? Will that be a problem? It is hard to imagine the axle moving that far back once loaded. If you measure, it looks like it could only move back one inch?
 

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