60 Series Atlas Springs

[NaluNui96]

Hi I haven't seen much written about Atlas Springs since a post I saw from 2016.

I have a 88 HJ61 currently with custom Alcan 3" lift springs. (SUA) I have a cut and turn, double cardon front driveshaft, Bilstein 7100's, and 4 plus u-bolt flip kit.
The springs ride extremely stiff , and the rear end is sagging already after a few months being installed. It is my daily driver. I do somew light offroading, but it's mostly logging roads and light trail riding.

I am looking for a new set of leaf springs. I talked with Deaver, and they told me they won't make custom leafs for Land Cruisers. Anyone had any luck with Atlas Leaf springs? I see they have a progressive and expedition pack on their website.

I have considered OME, but they do not provide the full lift I would like. I do not want to use very long shackles to make them work, or to use extended spring hangers. Also, I would like USA made components.

Anyone like their Atlas springs or have any experience with Atlas?

 

[RUSH55]

Did you order the Alcans?

 

[Cruzerman]

Have you contacted Alcan to discuss this issue?

 

[NaluNui96]

Yes I have. Originally after installing, the Cruiser was very stiff, and the front shackle angle was incorrect. The rear angle was fine. They originally told me to take a leaf out of all leaf springs. I did this and it did not fix the issue. They did send me new replacement main leafs for the fronts. I installed, and then the shackles were resting on the frame. I measured and had a local spring shop check my work. They were 2" too long. I had the local spring shop make me the correct length main leaf and reassembled. It sat with a parallel stance for a while, but now the rear is starting to sag.
This is my daily driver. These springs have cost me too much work in labor and redo work (regardless of the free advice and replacement main leafs, even if they were the wrong length). I simply cannot keep pulling these springs in and out, changing leafs, and trying things. I cannot have the Cruiser down for all this time. I need a spring supplier to make me 3" over stock springs that will ride as suppose to, and settle evenly.
I am not down talking Alcan, but I cannot continue to trial and error with their springs.
This is why I am looking for another experienced Land Cruiser spring builder to build me a set for my daily driver.

 

[RUSH55]

Welcome to leaf spring suspension fun!
I’m surprised though, that the Alcan’s were that far off the second time.
Your best bet would be to find a set of stock springs and go back to stock height, if you have no time to play with it. Otherwise there are several aftermarket manufacturers that make replacement springs in several lift heights, or OEM replacement.
Old Man Emu is still around AFAIK,
Cruiser Outfitters, Cool Cruisers of Texas, etc...

 

[NaluNui96]

I wish it were that simple for going back to stock. I have a cut and turn set for a 3" lift. Driveline angles are perfect right now. I think I'll look for the aftermarket options. I had seen Atlas made them 60 series. Just haven't seen many reviews.

 

[RUSH55]

Try em out and do a review. You can be the guinea pig

 

[John McVicker]

This might be too simple, but why not just go with OME...the cut & turn won’t allow it??

 

[NaluNui96]

I've had (2) 60's with OME. They both ended up for me with 2" of lift. I like the ride of OME, just hoping for 3"

 

[RUSH55]

Longer shackles. Rule of thumb is 1/2” of lift per inch of increased shackle length. Don’t know how true that is, but you need to work out the mechanics of it before just buying any shackle. If the springs are just arched stock length springs, then go an inch or so longer. If going aftermarket or custom and the springs are longer than stock, then you’ll need longer shackles for sure. Not certain if OME springs are longer than OEM, but good lift springs should be. The increase in arch necessitates an increase in overall length. In turn, as they flatten out when flexing, they will flatten out to their tru length, thus the need for a longer shackle OR shackle hanger relocation, as is the story with Cruiser Outfitter springs.