BDS suspension and fj60

[85fj60]

I purchased a BDS lift kit for my fj60. An interesting phenom I've encountered is the presence of spring pads surrounding the center of the rear leaf springs. My questions are as follows for those who have installed BDS on their rig:

What have you (anyone) encountered with this issue?

Is there a compatability issue with the BDS springs and existing spring pads?

Are the u-bolts that come with the kit long enough? ( suppose I could use the old ones).

I know there's a tech article in the tech section that touches on this issue, but didn't answer all my questions.

Thanks!

 

[jwest]

From what I recall, not all FJ-60's were equipped with the rear spring pads and housings. I believe US models used them as a way to dampen ride and road noise. When I changed my springs (not BDS) I chose not to use them. I have a SUA setup and I was concerned that the pad and housing would have lowered the rear ride height 1/2 to 3/4 in. The difference is marginal and I may or may not decide to use them later.

First, compare the width of the two springs. They should be fairly close, but if the BDS's are significantly wider, you won't be able to fit the pads or the housings. Then compare the thickness of the spring packs. If the BDS's are thinner, that would account for the shorter U-bolts (if that's what you're seeing), and you may not be able to use the housing because of clearance issues. You can check these things before you even start, and the decisions might already be made for you. I wouldn't use the old U-bolts.

 

[cruiser_guy]

When I did my lift kit using BDS on my '82 BJ60 everything bolted right up and I reused the rubber spring pads. Just make everything real tight.