77 OME Heavy Duty Extended Shackle Install Questions

[jusilver]

[FONT=Times New (W1)]Hello –
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[FONT=Times New (W1)]I have 4/77 FJ-40 and I’m in the process of installing heavy duty springs with extended greasable shackles. I was told that the standard OME lift should give 2.5” but these extended shackles should give me 3”[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New (W1)]Can anyone help me answer these questions…[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New (W1)]Will I need to install shims and if so, do I need them on the front and rear? Size/spec?[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New (W1)]I read that there is driver side sag but I don’t think I have an “A” or a “B” spring for the rear. I know my 4-runner and FJ60 both had A/B springs. If the springs are not different, should I look into a fix when I order the shims? Will I not notice it?[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New (W1)]The leaf spring bracket on the inside rear needs to be spread open so that the military end of the leaf will fit in and the pin will go through. It’s too tight at this point. I assume I will just grab some large channel locks and try to widen it ..Maybe heating it is an approach.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New (W1)]If I can get this done now, should I just complete the job than assess for any needed shims? I don’t have greasable pins so I plan to change those later too. Will it be a big pain in the ass to pull one side of the spring off again to install the shims? [/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New (W1)]I know those are a lot of questions but if anyone can help, I would appreciate it.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New (W1)]Thanks![/FONT]
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[jusilver]

In an effort to keep this post alive and for anyone else interested in how this turned out, see the pick below. I still need to investigate the options of lean and caster angle to finalize the suspension.

My custom wheels thread is posted here:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-seri...on-wheels-wanted-suggestions.html#post4711885

 

[jusilver]

Duplicate

 

[numby]

in theory it's not a big job to add shims (front or rear) but you should change out the center pin for a longer one and add one of those little washers that are the same diameter as the head of the pin. This allows the head to pass through the shim and provide a safe amount of index in the spring perch.

 

[Melloj123]

My limited experience is that shims should not be necessary for 2 1/2 lift but your extended shackles may make a difference. When shims are required it is usually just in the front to correct caster or pinion angle and not sag. I would install the springs and the shackles and drive it. If it steers normally and you have no vibration, call it good. It is no big deal to add shims after the fact. Just loosen the ubolts, jack up the axle and add the shims. 4 degrees seems to the most common fix. Also if you pull the drive shafts, make sure you mark them and keep them in phase.