Best price for leaf springs? sources?

[lunap]

I know this has been discussed, I went through a search and looked at all the posts. Just looking for an update.
I am in need of new leaf springs, do not want to ad any lift but will settle for 2.5" tops. Interested more in comfort than heavy duty off road. I have looked at all the LC parts sites listed and most advertise lifts except for BTB Legends which are just 2". They are listed at $224 each!
Any body have any success with aftermarket springs made for other vehicles, say GM, that are less expensive?
Also, I have never replaced springs or shocks, but am mechanically inclined (have replace water pumps, brakes when i was younger) - Is this do-able for the average Joe? Can it be done in the garage on jacks with standard tools? What tools will I have to purchase to get it done??
thanks for any info.

 

[fsusteve]

I know Ige just posted issues with Pinnacle so I'd avoid them. You could measure yer current springs if you wanna try the crossover attempt.

 

[fj40mayo]

Here is a link of an install that shows what all is involved. Not too hard to do. http://www.englandhouseplans.com/fj55/fj40.htm

Not sure of other types of springs working, but there are lots that are made to fit the 40. Depends on what you want to spend.

 

[ken_79-fj40]

With springs the cheapest place to buy is going to be the closest. Leaf springs are heavy, and cost a small fortune to ship. If you are looking for stock, I have heard good things about the cool cruisers replacement springs. You might want to also look into heavy truck spring shops. Sometimes they can make you springs cheaper, and could make them differently, with thinner leaves or something for a better ride.

 

[gulp3000]

Not difficult to do. Jack stands, a couple bottle jacks and remembering to think before doing the next step. I changed rear shackles on my new springs yesterday and removed a shackle bolt before I had the spring relaxed and braced. THWAAP! No injury but a good reminder to slow down when dealing with stored energy!

Removing stock springs can be a chore. I torched mine but guys do it with lots of penetrating oil and patience. I had penetrating oil...I lacked some patience.

 

[lunap]

heres another article on installation.
http://store1.yimg.com/I/coolfj40_1803_280560807
Also between Cool Cruisers and Man-a-fre you can piece together the parts you need, using Toyota shocks, after market springs, shackles etc.
Man-a-fre sells a complete kit of 4 that seems expensive - $900-1000.
They sell a Safari spring that runs $105 each for stock height.

 

[residualboulders]

I checked out man-a-fre before I bought my lift and installed it, went with skyjacker because I got so much more feedback (posotive) about their springs than any other brand. I do wonder about the safari lifts though. They looked decent. As fj40 mayo noted, you can read about my lift here: http://www.englandhouseplans.com/fj55/fj40.htm

 

[bsilva132]

My bro used the ones from CCoT (non-Hell for Stout) and they have worked well. I think it was about $200-250 shipped from TX to CA. They have been on for a while now and are keeping their shape well.
-Brian

 

[lunap]

any thoughts on shackle reversals? Does it help with bumps? Are these more for road or off?

 

[nuclearlemon]

I know Ige just posted issues with Pinnacle so I'd avoid them. You could measure yer current springs if you wanna try the crossover attempt.

after my second warranty spring has been on for five days, it's leaning like a mo'fo' again.

DON'T BUY PINNACLE!!!!

 

[Tigerstripe40]

I know this has been discussed, I went through a search and looked at all the posts. Just looking for an update.
I am in need of new leaf springs, do not want to ad any lift but will settle for 2.5" tops. Interested more in comfort than heavy duty off road. I have looked at all the LC parts sites listed and most advertise lifts except for BTB Legends which are just 2". They are listed at $224 each!
Any body have any success with aftermarket springs made for other vehicles, say GM, that are less expensive?
Also, I have never replaced springs or shocks, but am mechanically inclined (have replace water pumps, brakes when i was younger) - Is this do-able for the average Joe? Can it be done in the garage on jacks with standard tools? What tools will I have to purchase to get it done??
thanks for any info.

I have been REALLY happy with my Old Man Emu springs. I bought mine used, and so they were well broken in. The ride quality between those and my flat stock springs with add-a-leafs really made a HUGE difference.

I would do OME again in a heartbeat if I was dead set on SUA and minimal lift.

If you want more lift, than I would go with some custom Alcans.

Neither option is inexpensive. But cheap springs SUCK. You will easily spend more money in the long run replacing springs than if you got good springs to begin with.

DOing springs is a major PITA. When I put in my OME's I would have GLADLY paid the local cruiser shop to have installed them for me.

Going to chevy springs IMHO is not an option. You can spend alot of time fabbing it up, and it will end up riding like s***. OR the spring will be too soft... Or... Or... Or...

Personally, I would simply saveup for a set of OME's or Alcans, do it right THE FIRST TIME.

Just my 2 cents.

-James