A thread about a white bread, stock 1976 FJ40.

[cbmontgo]

After years of debate on whether to keep this rig's suspension stock, the 40 finally went under the knife today for a new HFS 4” setup. I have been very happy with this same lift on Pikachu. With the 2.5' over stock shackles in the rear, the HFS has a clean and level stance. The OMEs that I have installed all sit ass high, which drives me crazy. Even the OME folks told me that there's no way around it, so HFS it is.

I am working on it a little at a time, but hope to have it wrapped up in a couple of days.

Naturally, I am keeping all of the original suspension in case I ever go back to it one day. For now though, I’m going to enjoy the better ride and look.

 

[Honger]

What do you do for shocks? And are those the new wheels and tires in the background? =)

 

[cbmontgo]

What do you do for shocks? And are those the new wheels and tires in the background? =)

I’m installing the whole kit, including their shocks, greasable shackles, bushings, etc. Also running shims in the back.

Those powder coated wheels are tires are going on the HJ47 and the KM2s and new gray OEM wheels will go on the ‘76. Gonna shelve the original wheels and tires.

 

[cbmontgo]

Lift is done. Got everything torqued and tightened, topped off gear oil and she’s ready to go. Turned out beautifully.

 

[brian]

what shims in the back?

 

[cbmontgo]

what shims in the back?

I went with 6* shims.

 

[Dunbar]

Good call on the lift. I don't think it takes away from the stock look at all.

 

[brian]

I went with 6* shims.

What about the front axle?

 

[Honger]

Beautiful!

Man I'm dying to lift mine...

 

[Catching Neutral]

Man that looks so good. I have the same lift cannot wait to get Grey steelies and muds.

 

[FJBen]

Fantastic! Thats the right call.

Not helping my 40 series desire at all.

 

[cbmontgo]

Thanks, guys. I debated it for a very long time, and now I can’t believe I waited this long. It rides soooooo much better too.

@brian I ran 6* shims in both the front and back. I haven’t driven it over 50 MPH yet, but there was no driveline vibration at all up to that point. My understanding is that a 4” lift ideally needs between 4 and 6 degrees.

 

[cbmontgo]

Couple more shots. Is there anything more classic than an FJ40?

 

[brian]

Thanks, guys. I debated it for a very long time, and now I can’t believe I waited this long. It rides soooooo much better too.

@brian I ran 6* shims in both the front and back. I haven’t driven it over 50 MPH yet, but there was no driveline vibration at all up to that point. My understanding is that a 4” lift ideally needs between 4 and 6 degrees.

in the front to correct pinion angles, no need for anything in the rear. but you actually want to check the angles so you put in what you really need, anything more just makes the armstrong steering require more strong arm.

 

[DangerNoodle]

How is it that I never manage to run into you on the roads? I'm always driving past your turn. The lift looks great.

 

[cbmontgo]

Did a valve adjustment this morning, as it had been several years since the last time. Rig is doing great as always.

 

[TheHardWay]

With or without engine running?

 

[airon23]

After years of debate on whether to keep this rig's suspension stock, the 40 finally went under the knife today for a new HFS 4” setup. I have been very happy with this same lift on Pikachu. With the 2.5' over stock shackles in the rear, the HFS has a clean and level stance. The OMEs that I have installed all sit ass high, which drives me crazy. Even the OME folks told me that there's no way around it, so HFS it is.

I am working on it a little at a time, but hope to have it wrapped up in a couple of days.

Naturally, I am keeping all of the original suspension in case I ever go back to it one day. For now though, I’m going to enjoy the better ride and look.
View attachment 2305272

I installed the HFS 2.5" lift on my 76 as well and I love it. I love how it sits and the height is perfect for what I wanted from it. Never experienced the OME, but after reading between several different lifts, the HFS seemed to be best for me. I'm not disappointed.

Your FJ40 looks down right beautiful. It definitely has been well preserved and now gone to a wonderful new family to carry on it's legacy. That thing's gonna be around for a long time and will have many stories to tell and plenty of memories.

 

[cbmontgo]

With or without engine running?

I’ve tried both ways and without engine running seems to be the best for me.

I installed the HFS 2.5" lift on my 76 as well and I love it. I love how it sits and the height is perfect for what I wanted from it. Never experienced the OME, but after reading between several different lifts, the HFS seemed to be best for me. I'm not disappointed.

Your FJ40 looks down right beautiful. It definitely has been well preserved and now gone to a wonderful new family to carry on it's legacy. That thing's gonna be around for a long time and will have many stories to tell and plenty of memories.

Thanks, man.

Glad you are happy with the HFS. I’ve had two leaf spring rigs with HFS and two with OME. HFS is very underrated in my opinion.

 

[cbmontgo]

Happy Fall from a crisp and cool 9,100 feet in Divide, Colorado. Just installed new OEM points and tightened up the HFS suspension after a couple hundred road miles.