60 suspension

[MrMoMo]

Ok folks, what do you think... I have a few broken leafs in the front packs on my '84 BJ 60. I want to replace all the springs as the rears are flat, and as I said, fronts have issues. I'd replace with stock, but I'd prefer to get a slight lift. Most usage is street, but I'd be more adventurous with a little more height. (currently running 33 x 10.5 MT) I hope to do a frame off next year. Is there a difference between the BJ springs and the FJ springs?

A) Replace front only with stock and be happy with it because it was cheap. - live with it.

B) find a good set of used, and replace all 4, because it will lift the truck slightly from flat springs. - be happy it is better than it was before.
B2) Get replacement stock springs, with extended shackles...

C) Just go for it and buy some real springs, shut up, quit thinking about it and do it. Don't think about the money because you can't take it with you when you die anyway...

D) Wait until you do the frame off, and go all out then.


Now, if you chose C or D, which kit would you recommend - there are a bunch out there and I'm sure they all have better sides and worse sides... I've read a bunch of threads of people doing swaps, but honestly can't really see any real difference - maybe I just wasn't paying enough attention.

I don't want to go SOA, I just want a little lift.

Thanks!

 

[mwalls54]

I just went with OME heavy lift. here is a pictrue of it in the back of the truck. it should be heavy enough to support that diesel.

IH8MUD™ Forums - View Single Post - Just picked up FJ60

 

[iggi]

Personally I'd go with C.
If you're going to do a job then you might as do it right the first time.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Look for some used FJ62 springs in decent condition for the right price and you'd save about 1000 dollars compared to lift springs.

 

[cfdlighthouse]

big ome fan

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I like cheap stuff that works.

using some used springs is good, IF you can get some that are not beat and from the sunny southern USA. Otherwise, new springs will be more satisfactory. You could consider a set of custom springs with more load carrying capacity and minimal lift.

 

[Tofudebeest]

Bargain hunt.

 

[lovetoski]

Two options for me:
1. Lower milage used springs, but with a long add-a-leaf. The AAL's should cost $100, and prolly the springs would be similar. New u-bolts + new shackle bushings, should be rolling again for under $300. Will have a slight lift, better load carrying.

2. Go OME. More money, but you won't regret it every time you drive it.

Only you can decide if the extra grand or so is money well spent or wasted.

 

[lehiguy]

OMEs!!!!! I put mine in back in 1996. I have driven the rig for about 170k since that time. They are virtually indestrucable and provide a GREAT ride! That was the best money I have ever spent on the 60. I would put that at the top of the list, ahead of 5-speed, ahead of V8, ahead of desmog or any other performance oriented mod.

 

[Rigger]

If you want a budget fix, I have a free set of fronts from my totally rust free FJ62. One leaf on the DS is tweaked a very very tiny bit, but they are serviceable springs with lots of life left. FREE if you come get 'em in Billings, MT. I think I even have good bushings that could go with 'em.

Now, if you are in the money-spending mood, go OME heavy/heavy. I did and I am happy with it.

That's my $0.02

Edit: I just figured out from your GPS coordinates where you are. Yeesh, you are a long ways from me!

 

[GLTHFJ60]

If you were planning on buying good springs for the frame off anyway, then go with the OME. If not, then buy stockers with AAL's.

 

[sirenmoses]

FWIW, when CDan quoted me stock replacement prices it was more than I'd paid for the truck, and I live close enuf to him that I don't have to pay shipping.

Another for OME when you do the frame-off. No sense in taking stuff apart once you've got it installed.

 

[MrMoMo]

OK, looks like a lot of votes for OME, or stock.

Now, for those stating OME, what are the advantages of OME over CCOT HFS or others?

OME - Prices seem to be all over the place... from $1100 to $???

Thanks!

 

[1972FJ40]

I will say that the MAF OME 4inch lift is what i went with on my 87 FJ60 and it has performed perfectly. My FJ40 on the other, I built years ago and wish I had put the OME lift springs on and ended up with a cheap lift I think Rough Country and it doesn't flex at all.

 

[High Desert]

For info on HFS go to the ccot forum and do a search..there use to be a lot of threads up on the HFS springs. In that most of them were not favorable, (maybe only the guys with problems posted up?) they may not be on there anymore.

 

[trimmertrail]

I put BDS lifted springs-ome shackles in about 4 years ago and the springs a somewhat flat in the rear. It still drives better than stock setup