35's on a FJ60

[phoenixrider]

Don't have a FJ60 yet (looking for a 85-87), but I already have plans, and am planning the budget.

Main thing I want to do is get 35's on with enough lift for good articulation. Don't want to do SOA at this point. I am told a 4 inch should do it. I'd also do the shackle reversal. From reading the board, OME Dakar would be a good choice. How about Alcan's? I've also heard that the OME shocks might be a bit short for good articulation.

I'd have a custom front bumper w/winch, rear bumper/tire carrier, and rock sliders. Would also probably be carrying 4-5 adults on many of the offroad trips. So should be looking at 'heavies'?"

Obviously, gearing would have to be changed. What are people running with 35's and the 4 speed? I'd need a pretty good crawl ratio. 4.11, 4.56..?






























m

 

[89s rule]

Alcan's are the only springs somewhat commonly used for 4" lift. You can go OME w/SR and get right at 4" as well. Some say 35's will fit with 4" some say it will rub, each truck is different. Regular (shocks with 2.5"OME lift) OME shocks wont work with a 4" but some of thier shocks can be used. I have part #'s somehwere.

I would advise you to buy the best cruiser you can afford. (The less rust the better.) Then drive it at least a year, then decide what you want to do to it. I think many on here will agree with that advice.

Alot of this info can be found by just reading for a good week on here. Good luck and keep us posted on what you end up going with.

 

[BadgerManBEN]

I gotta tell yah that when I was looking for my fj60, which I did just buy in december, I wanted 35's on it also. As you can see in my signature below it is SOA and I love it! Oh the flex is amazing. But as far as the gearing goes the 4.56 is working great for me.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Since you don't have the Cruiser yet, you have a lot of options. Fitting 35s will require a bunch of mods, and everthing being equal, SOA would be the way to go. However, 33s are almost as good, and require much less in terms of mods, and a SUA suspension will work fine. I completely agree that driving in stock or minimally modified form for at least a year is the way to go. Then decide what you want and need.

A 60 with OME Dakar suspension, 33s, and 4.11s from a 62 will get you a long way down the road for moderate $. Running 35s will get expensive no matter how you do it. 4.56 matches 35s well. That's what I run on my FJ40.

If you really plan to wheel it, invest most of your early cash in armor so you don't beat your truck up so much. At a minimum, get sliders and a front bumper.

It is my opinion (and I'm as guilty as anyone) is that most people over modify their trucks before they really know all the options, and the pros and cons of each.

Buy the truck and daily drive it. Fix all the little problems it will have. Catch up all the deferred maintanence it will have from the PO, then fix the major problems that might leave you stranded. Only then, after all that stuff is done, begin to modify it for what you want to do.

What is your budget for truck, repairs and mods?

 

[phoenixrider]

Actually, I've been using boards like this to decide what I want for my next 4x rig. A used Cherokee would have been the cheapest route (in the short run), or an older Toy PU with SA front and rear, but that was too small. I need the room for family camping, plus I am getting into offering offroad touring for the local tourists. So I need some big and capable, yet simple. That's what I'm looking at the 60

I currently have an 04 KIA Sorento (boo, hiss). Thought with a couple mods would get me where I want to go. Put on a small lift, (OME), 32 intires, fab'd the winch bumper myself, etc... But, my offroad ambitions exceeds its capabilities. Blew out another front axle. So I am done with modern, IFS rigs.

So, I know from the trails I run what I need. The FJ60 is a big rig, and on these types of trails, you need ground clearance. And I've observed, the longer the wheel base, the more ground clearance you need.

I may do a SOA sometime later, but for now I want to keep the SU. Thanks for the advice!

 

[89s rule]

I currently have an 04 KIA Sorento (boo, hiss). Thought with a couple mods would get me where I want to go. Put on a small lift, (OME), 32 intires, fab'd the winch bumper myself, etc... But, my offroad ambitions exceeds its capabilities. Blew out another front axle. So I am done with modern, IFS rigs.

Glad we could help somewhat and would love to see what type of offroading tours you give. Especially if you do it with a Land Cruiser!

However, I may get bashed for this, and I dont knwo your terrain. But not all modern IFS are crap. Some are very capable. (A hint though, KIA isnt one of them.) But in the grand scheme I think a solid front axle is a better choice for offroading.

Good luck with your search. Where are you located? SOme of us might be able to keep an eye out for you.

 

[fowldarr]

Sounds like you need to get it up and running as soon as possible due to conditions and business considerations. So while in a perfect world you could drive it for awhile and figure out all the problems it doesn't sound like you have that luxury.

It is just important to understand that the Land Cruiser is a very capable off road vehicle. However you are looking at a 20 year old vehicle, and stuff will eventually break. Considering what you are using it for, I would make sure to buy the nicest you can find. It will probably save you money in the long run.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I know this is the 60 forum, but if off-road touring is really what you want to do, and 80 series is nicer, more capable, more reliable and cheaper to modify. Then your guests can sit on nice leather and actually be able to hear the stereo.

 

[89s rule]

I know this is the 60 forum, but if off-road touring is really what you want to do, and 80 series is nicer, more capable, more reliable and cheaper to modify. Then your guests can sit on nice leather and actually be able to hear the stereo.

All personal opinion

At least if you get a 60 it wont look like a soccer mom's ride

Stick with a 60 or 62 and have a real expedition vehicle.

 

[soggy60]

My 85 FJ60 has the MAF Safari 2.5 inch spring kit (SUA . . .) and 35s (BFG ATs) and 4.11 gears.

Works OK unless I bounce hard w/ wheels turned...inside of wheel wells are rubbed clean, bolt heads on front of front wheel well are shiney.

4.11's are, IMO, a minimum: stock 3.70 is not too good....

Pete

 

[89s rule]

When talking about regearing b/c of 35's I would certainly regear. I have a 62 so its a little diff (As I already have overdrive.)

But, this if the biggest hurdle for me going to 35's that and I dont want to have to worry about breaking things on the trails. (going to longfields) 4.56 for a 60 with 35's and 4.88's on a 62. Is what I have heard.
-For now I stick with the 33's and see how I like them.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

All personal opinion

At least if you get a 60 it wont look like a soccer mom's ride

Stick with a 60 or 62 and have a real expedition vehicle.

It's not personal opinion, it's the truth. Believe me, I love my 60. I drive it almost every day of my life. But, if I were going to take paying guests on a tour of the back country, they would likely be more comfortable in an 80. Most people who want to take "tours" want to be pampered while they do something "adventurous". Would you take a helicopter tour of Hawaii in an unmodified Vietnam surplus Huey? (Ok, I might too, but I have a different idea of adventure )

Built up 80s don't look like a soccer mom would be caught dead in one, but I certainly agree, the 60s have better cool factor, but if that's your criteria, shouldn't you be taking an FJ40?

I am looking forward to the day my 60 gets to go SOA + Toybox, and gets the 35s and 4.56s from my FJ40. All told though, that is $10K or more of work and parts. A locked 80 could do the equivalent with a $700 suspension and the cost of new tires. Sad, but true. That's why I originally asked about the proposed budget.

BTW-I'm not dissing 62s. I think I posted before I am trying to get my neighbor to sell his to me. My son turns 16 this year and needs a nice Cruiser of his own.

 

[Tapage]

35" IMOP = SO and 4.88 to get a " good " Crawl Ratio .. with 5 adults inside. I thought 5 adults means 1000 lbs ..

 

[89s rule]

It's not personal opinion, it's the truth. Believe me, I love my 60. I drive it almost every day of my life. But, if I were going to take paying guests on a tour of the back country, they would likely be more comfortable in an 80. Most people who want to take "tours" want to be pampered while they do something "adventurous". Would you take a helicopter tour of Hawaii in an unmodified Vietnam surplus Huey? (Ok, I might too, but I have a different idea of adventure )

Built up 80s don't look like a soccer mom would be caught dead in one, but I certainly agree, the 60s have better cool factor, but if that's your criteria, shouldn't you be taking an FJ40?

I am looking forward to the day my 60 gets to go SOA + Toybox, and gets the 35s and 4.56s from my FJ40. All told though, that is $10K or more of work and parts. A locked 80 could do the equivalent with a $700 suspension and the cost of new tires. Sad, but true. That's why I originally asked about the proposed budget.

BTW-I'm not dissing 62s. I think I posted before I am trying to get my neighbor to sell his to me. My son turns 16 this year and needs a nice Cruiser of his own.

I tried to put a few up for you. I know an 80 is a nice truck, but it just doesnt have the expedition type look I would expect. It does suck about how cheap an 80 can be lifted (To be honest my lift wont be much more than $700 when I am done with it.)

I guess if we want to truely be more expedition like he should buy a troopy!

I think he is looking at the right things in looking into it b/f he purchases, which is one thing I have tried to do. But not always followed through enough.

 

[PolkLandbruiser]

funny thing when i bought my cruiser, i was searching for a yota truck! Then i saw my fj62 sitting on the side of the road for less than i was about to pay for a truck!
No doubt, go with the cruiser! Bought a 2nd one, but already sold it...
Deciding you want 35s over 33s can be somewhat of a difference...not too many places 35s go that 33s wont, if same driver/truck.

SOA is best bet, but if you dont want that, then go with an add-a-leaf & shackle reversle w/ extended shackles (1"-2"). Much less $$$ than OME. Body lift also consideration, 1"-2". Doesn't sound like you'll be on the extreme 4X4 list, so be moderate and decide what works best for you.
As soon as i saw my 62, let alone drove it, i knew i wanted it on some big treads and off the pavement.
good luck

 

[Mike S]

When you are buying a 60, the FIRST BUDGET ITEM = ALL DEFERRED MAINTENANCE.

Then suspension, tires and gearing.

M

 

[meigsrock]

If you buy a FJ60,

4:56 gears will match the 35's close and should be similar to driving with stock tires with the stock 3.70's.

4:11 should be OK for 35's and will give you a slight overdrive (about 10%) if you plan on doing any amount of highway driving, but you will loose a bit of low end grunt. (The stock 3.70's with 33's would be the same as above but without the cost of re-gearing ).

4.88's would give you more of an under drive which would be good if you do not do a lot of highway driving.

Good luck.

 

[phoenixrider]

Wow - a bunch of great advice! Also, forgot to mention, my good wheelin buddy is a Toy mechanic, owns a shop, and knows Toy's inside and out. Plus, knows where to get all the deals. He also wheels in a Toy truck with IFS - lift, 35's, Marlin Crawler, ARB front and rear - believe me, I know what a IFS Toy truck properly modified can do! Shows up Jeeps on many occasions!

I'm in Arizona, and the trails are pretty rugged. The type of touring I'm planning on doing would be more for the 'adventure seeker' There are more than enough Pink Jeep and Hummer tour companies out here that take you out on baby 2wd roads and call it off roading And, tourists out here like the 'real deal' the rugged, old west theme. I know the type of tourist I'm seeking would want the experiance of the rugged expedition vehicle. Besides - I think the 60 is one of the coolest looking rigs out there (when properly fixed up)! And, I've moved beyond offroading with auto trannies and all the 'plushness'. I guess I want old school!

Besides the suspension lift, I'm also going to do a body lift to help clear the tires. I'm figuring about 10k will get a vehicle in decent shape, then upgrade the suspension, rebuild axles, upgrade birfs, etc... Remember, labor only costs me a few 12 packs!!

This link is to some pics of me and KIA in Moab last summer. http://www.shadowlakes.com/moab/

 

[89s rule]

cool pictures! $10K will get you there if you shop and look around. I have a little under $4K in mine and have lots of rust I need to get rid of. (Buy something as rust free as possible.) And I still have a good $5K in wanted mods I could spend on it not including getting rid of the rust. (It wont for quite some time though, as I am really cheap.

 

[phoenixrider]

hey 89

How do like the Alcan springs? I've been researching and they are on the top of my list, besides the OME Dakkar