BJ42 sprung over, best springs to use?

[BJ70BOY]

I’m currently putting a full floater into the back of my BJ42 that I had sprung over years ago. The springs were shot, plus they were 40 series springs and only 2.5” wide not 2.75”. I tried a set of BJ70 newer stock springs I had, but with a 6” shackle they laid right out. I would need to put an even longer shackle on, which would be getting to long.

I’m running 37” tires, just wondering what people’s thought are for what spring would be the best to purchase?

 

[charliemeyer007]

Do you have a local spring works, they can make you anything. When I got my 72 FJ40 back in 82, Jack the guy I got it from, wanted to have International Travelall leaf springs shortened with new eyes rolled on, re-arched with a few leaves thrown away. He didn't like the OEM springs because they wouldn't break - "proper spring steel will break". I have a kink in the passenger front as proof the steel is too soft.

The local spring works is still here. When I was in high school I would stop by the shop on the way home and watch them oil quench white hot steel. Reading the temperature by color is a art.

 

[POPO AGIE]

Try Alcan Springs in Grand Junction, CO. They made a set of springs for my build.

 

[MatthewMcD]

Two questions about leaf springs, I hope it's ok to ask here rather than start a new thread.
1. How do I know if I need new ones? Can I measure and determine that the springs are "shot"?
2. What is the "standard lift" I should expect?

Comparing prices of "factory spec" springs to the full kits there is a vast difference. I don't think I'll ever be a rock crawling junky, so $2400 on a new suspension seems like more than I would need. I do know I'll need new rubber all around.

I have seen lift from 1.5" to 4". I don't need 4" (insert joke here), but I'd like good tire clearance.

 

[Mark W]

I’m currently putting a full floater into the back of my BJ42 that I had sprung over years ago. The springs were shot, plus they were 40 series springs and only 2.5” wide not 2.75”. I tried a set of BJ70 newer stock springs I had, but with a 6” shackle they laid right out. I would need to put an even longer shackle on, which would be getting to long.

I’m running 37” tires, just wondering what people’s thought are for what spring would be the best to purchase?

'40 series springs are 2.75 wide. Always have been. Just like any other Cruiser leaf spring.

If you are looking for springs that will bolt right in and go... You are pretty much stuck with 40 series springs ('42s are '40 series). I seem to remember that I put a set of '45 rear springs under one of my '40s a few years back without relocating hangers or shackles. Don't remember for sure and that rig has 56 inch Chevy 1 ton rear leafs at all four corners now.

As to what's "best to purchase", without knowing how you use the rig, what else has been done to it, how much fab you are willing to do and your preferences for ride and handling (and the state of your wallet), no one can really tell you what is best.

I am a strong proponent of longer sprigs over shorter ones. Noting earth shattering there. But longer springs will not be a straight bolt in either.


Mark...

 

[MatthewMcD]

'40 series springs are 2.75 wide. Always have been. Just like any other Cruiser leaf spring.

If you are looking for springs that will bolt right in and go... You are pretty much stuck with 40 series springs ('42s are '40 series). I seem to remember that I put a set of '45 rear springs under one of my '40s a few years back without relocating hangers or shackles. Don't remember for sure and that rig has 56 inch Chevy 1 ton rear leafs at all four corners now.

As to what's "best to purchase", without knowing how you use the rig, what else has been done to it, how much fab you are willing to do and your preferences for ride and handling (and the state of your wallet), no one can really tell you what is best.

I am a strong proponent of longer sprigs over shorter ones. Noting earth shattering there. But longer springs will not be a straight bolt in either.


Mark...

Good points, I don't have metal fabrication capability, so, knowing nothing about suspension, was thinking I'd unbolt the old stuff and bolt on the new stuff.

I am looking for a good ride around town and any 4 wheeling will likely be dirt roads and ranch fields in Texas.

I'll measure the ones I have now, but how do I know if they need to be replaced? I assume these are original, but I know the front end was rebuilt with mini-truck components and disk brakes. So the PO may have put on newer leaf springs. The shocks are Bilstein (spelling? silver and blue) no idea the age but the truck say for years.

 

[jim land]

If your bump stop are at 1.5" of the axle or less ,spring are old and flat , get new one

 

[jim land]

2" spring and 33x9.5 is a popular combination , good for driving on or off road

 

[POPO AGIE]

I had Alcan in Grand Junction make me a set for my 78 FJ40 with a 4" lift in the rear and 3" lift for the front.
They take the time to talk with you on the use you plan and if you want to increase the weight capacity and if you will have heaver bumpers and a winch.

 

[Mike Shull]

X3 for Alan Spring. I had them on a SOA setup for 20+ years and they were amazing, both on off road.

 

[MatthewMcD]

If your bump stop are at 1.5" of the axle or less ,spring are old and flat , get new one

Thanks! I'll have a look this weekend.

2" spring and 33x9.5 is a popular combination , good for driving on or off road

I appreciate the tips, thank you.

 

[MatthewMcD]

Thanks! I'll have a look this weekend.

I appreciate the tips, thank you.

Measured, 2" on the rear passenger and 1.5" on the other 3. Looks like I know what I'm getting for Christmas. Mine has Bilsteins now, are they "the standard" for '40s? Based on the rust, these have been on a while.