45 contest

[abecker]

FJ-45 contest
Ok, now that I have everyone's attention I will issue this disclaimer: I'm a rookie. But what I lack in knowledge I make up for in luck as I fell into a '64 FJ-45 SWB (fixed roof).

So here's my problem: I tried to buy a lift kit and the dealer wouldn't sell it to me because I questioned the spring lengths. Which was a blessing (read on).

Let me start with what I want to do to avoid any unecessary responses. I ripped it down to the frame and am a working class white collar chump (with a blue collar mind) so I only have so much flow to work with. Therefore I CAN'T go SOA at this point and don't care for SR yet either. I just want to get a good trail rig on the road and running good and upgrade after I win the lottery next year. So for now I want to put 33X10.5X16s on it. My friend has a 40 with stock springs and 2.5" shackles (with 33s). Looking at his I would like about 3 more inches of clearance.

So here we go: numerous people have told me that the rear springs should be the same length as that on a 40 = the fronts on both. Well, I measured the 40 and get about 41.5" pin to pin on the fronts and backs. Makes sense. I also have a '76 FJ-55 that I am taking the drivetrain from to put into the FJ-45. So I measure those and as I thought the fronts were also 41.5" ...and the rears are 45". Measuring the 45 (which came with a short box that I ripped off) my rear springs are 49". So I checkd the SOR book and there's a diagram with dimensions for a 45 that are pretty much what I get. However the book does not mention if it is a SWB or LWB. Does that mean they should be the same for both? EVERYONE I have talked to thinks the rears should be the same as the 40 for the SWB.

So, if someone could clear that up for me I'll be on my way to my second question. The lift kit. Should I just re-arch the springs I have and add 2.5" shackles to achieve my desired clearance. The problem with that is I have a quote for $700 to do so and I've seen complete 4" kits for $1,000. So I'd rather spend an extra $300 to get a complete kit = new suspension. = The next problem, who makes a kit that will fit the longer rear spring scenario?

Third question - if I re-arch and shackle how else am I affected. Castor/pinion angle etc?

OK, second disclaimer - I did do a search of the posts on this and although I found a lot of helpful lift info, none addressed either of the first two questions.

Thanks to those that have helped so far and for those searching for the truth as we speak.

PS - the prize is bragging rights - so who knows the most about FJ-45s?

Thanks to anyone that replies,

Aaron

 

[TemeculaTim]

Come on guys, this post got 5 replies and was viewed 99 times in the 40 section. This forum 32 views and no replies?

Aaron needs some of your expert advice. I am starting to think he would be better off staying in the 40 section?

 

[bull]

FJ45 LV and FJ45 SWB share the same frame. So thusly they share the same springs.

FJ45 LPB (long wheel base) and the FJ45/HJ47 Troop carrier share the same frame, but different body mount locations. So thusly they share the same springs. I would never personally have springs re-arched due to past experiences, but that is me. I'm a ARB dealer and the only lift kits they sell are for the Troopy/LPB that I know of. I will pull their parts book at lunch.


For your lift options I see 2 possibilities.

A. Call Alcan springs in Colorado I believe and give them your measurements from eye to eye. How much weight you expect to carry and how high a lift you want. They run about $200.00 a corner. http://www.alcanspring.com/

B. Parabolic springs makes a small lift that can handle the tire size you go with. I have never used their product so I can't say. http://www.parabolicsuspension.com/

Post up some pics of your ride..

 

[treerootCO]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=119888

 

[bull]

Ahh see the search button strikes again. So it looks like you can go ARB/OME which is not too shabby.

 

[65swb45]

Alcans.

 

[abecker]

thanks temeculatim for prompting a response. I thought more of the so called 45 experts would have had some input, especially about the first and third parts of the question - re: spring lengths and pinion/castor, and even more so after you tried shaming them into answering.

thanks again. If you want you can have all the 55 parts that are left after I took the drivetrain. I also have two more 55s that are in OK condition but not running if you want one of those for all the help you offered on the PM basis.

thanks man,

Aaron

 

[pygpen]

I tried to PM you back, but was having problems. Heres what I had....

If you want the 4" springs, call Alcan spring. They should be able to answer your question about caster too. You might have to run a shim, but seriously doubt you would need a cut and turn. there a bazuillions of cruiers with 4" lifts that either have shims or nothing at all.

65-fj45 has 4" alcans, I'd do it just like his (if I was not going spring over eveantually).

if the image does not come through, try copy and pasing the url.
He might be able to give you a little better insight, but he is happy with them and they work well.
PMK