55 springs on a 40

[TemeculaTim]

Does anyone have a picture of a FJ40 with 55 springs. I want to see a side shot how it looks with the extra length. SOA or SUA , does not matter.

Also if you have done this mod, was it worth the extra effort to increase the wheelbase a few inches?

Thanks,

Tim

 

[cruiserbrett]

Tim,
I might have a pic somewhere, as I had done this on my FJ40 I built a few years ago. (got stolen or else i'd show you in person)...

As for the question regard whether its worth it, yes and no. Wheel base gain is nice, but its going to require a longer driveshaft, and possibly brake line. Also factor in the effort to move the rear shackle hangers, and figuring out a way to get the shocks to mount to the rear of the tubular crossmember on the frame. Also, the military wrap on the front of the FJ55 springs is bigger than the Fj40 spring, and consequently the military wrap banged on the spring hanger a bit, which to me was an annoyance on a rig that saw street duty too.

FJ55 springs are soft, which is nice, but I absloutely had to build a wrap bar, and would have had to add an add a leaf or the sag would have been too much, had I been able to get to that point(again, got stolen before I worked out all the bugs.)

 

[mr_manny]

rear fj55 2 1/2" lift springs x4

let me know if you want any more

 

[mr_manny]

Let me try this again,
I picked up a set of front rancho 2 1/2" lift-springs...so I started looking for a rear set.
Morgan (local cruiser-head) had a set of rear used MAF fj55 2-1/2" lift springs for sale...sold

Once I installed the 55 rear springs, the difference was Immediate.

old rancho/55 combo:

You know that section of your daily commute that you avoid...no longer an issue
I'm not sure if it was the increased WB or the improved rear shackle-angle, but the combination was a definite improvement.

After a while, I started looking at my front shackle-angle...pretty much straight up-and-down.
Adding another set of rear fj55 springs took care of that


gatekeeper RIP:

As Brett stated, you are going to have to address your brake-lines and drive-shaft lengths.
Your brake-lines may appear long enough, but the increased droop from the 55 springs has to be addressed.

Longer shackles will allow you to keep your upper-hangers in there stock locations
I'm running 4.5" in the front, with 5.5" in the rear.

Rear shock upper mounting was easily addressed by simply attaching them behind the cross-member (originally in front).
Front shocks were taken care of with the addition of ford-towers. Tim, you didn't say anything about the front, but if you did add 55 springs in front, you would be limiting your suspension system without the ford towers (or equivalent).
Whenever you change your lift, your shocks should complement your suspension compression and extension lengths.

SOR makes special leaf-spring bushings, so stock 40 hangers are not an issue...thank you SOR.
Anti-Wrap bar is not necessary if SUA...not with a powerful 2F that is

current WB = 92"
manny


Brett,
I'm sorry to hear about your rig...truly sucks.

 

[MD11Fr8Dog]

Wheel welll was trimmed

Other side with TJ flare

Mock up with TJ flare prior to wheel well trimming

 

[TemeculaTim]

Thanks to all for the replies, You all gave me much to think about.

Brett, Still holding those 55 doors for you. And when you get a chance, Noah can show you how to get lost finding my house .

Tim