Coil Conversion on a 40 series ?

[SteelArt]

Hi Guys,

I have a 40 series Landcruiser and am interested in doing a coil conversion on it. I was thinking of using 80 series coils, links, arms etc but was just wondering if anyone had done it and if so how they went with clearance ?

I want to keep the 40 series diffs and not use 80's

Any info, comments or pictures would be great ..

Cheers

I found this website - http://www.wowway.com/~rballard2820/coilspringwriteup.htm but the pics are a bit small to have a good look

 

[poor boy pulling]

dont know if you have seen proffit cruiser kit but they make a kit for the front or rear or your rig not super cheap though

 

[SteelArt]

Yeah I had a look at the proffit kit, there was a few things I wasn't supper keen on but I understand they are a necassary evil if you want to make a kit as such.

I will go custom made on mine to make sure it fits and works. Will move the back diff back 5" and front fwd 1" so I can clear what i need to.

I saw a few 40's on here that had coil overs fitted but could never find any good info on them.

 

[LC_Hamma]

I've done it on 2 different, but similar, rigs. I've typed a bunch on different threads regarding coil springs. Search on this & if you have any specific questions, I'll be glad to assist

 

[SteelArt]

I've done it on 2 different, but similar, rigs. I've typed a bunch on different threads regarding coil springs. Search on this & if you have any specific questions, I'll be glad to assist

Thanks for that LC_Hamma, a few questions that come to mind:

1- Have you ever done it on a late model 40 with the tank under the car ? If so did it get in the way ?
2 - I will be retaining the 40 series Diff's and am just wondering how it goes for coil position in the front, did you get full size (diametr) 80 series coils in ?
3 - Did you extend your wheel base ? If so how much and any pics ?

I am very keen to keep the semis stock cruiser proportions, happy to move stuff around but I don't want to get the wheel base thing looking to long like some I have seen.

Thanks for your help.

 

[canadian bum]

I am working on this but am using 80 series axles for extra width. The stock 80 series set up is not the best. Front links hinder articulation. I am 3 linking the front. Rear I am getting rid of the Panhard bar and making a longer link 4 link set up. I have some pictures in my build up thread but none of building yet.

 

[SteelArt]

Cheers, yeah I looked at using teh 80's axles but don't want to go wider in the diffs as this will change the wheel offset and make my mags hang out the sides of my flares etc.

I am thining radius arm front with triangulated 4 link rear.

 

[canadian bum]

Yeah they hang out quite a bit. Look around in the Hard Core Section lots of 4 link stuff in there.

 

[LC_Hamma]

Thanks for that LC_Hamma, a few questions that come to mind:

1- Have you ever done it on a late model 40 with the tank under the car ? If so did it get in the way ?
2 - I will be retaining the 40 series Diff's and am just wondering how it goes for coil position in the front, did you get full size (diametr) 80 series coils in ?
3 - Did you extend your wheel base ? If so how much and any pics ?

I am very keen to keep the semis stock cruiser proportions, happy to move stuff around but I don't want to get the wheel base thing looking to long like some I have seen.

Thanks for your help.

1- Mine's a '73, so no, I haven't done a conversion w/ the tank under the tub. I wouldn't think it'd be in the way. Your rear frame link mounts can be placed away from it, mine's not even close.
2- I'm using lifted TJ coils due to they're more commonly found & relatively cheaper than 80 coils. It'll be very tight up front. I was able to do it but you'll need to raise the coils to clear the steering arms. I had to shave the frame outer sides & bottom for clearance. You'll prolly want to run spacers too. My new stup eliminates both the coil/ steering arm tightness & I'm not running spacers either
3- WB is at 105". Pics are in my sig. Older front pics are in Photobucket, so disregard those. I've redone the front suspension due to a front axle change. I didn't change the rear design so those pics are still current.

If coilovers are in the budget, that's the route I would've taken.
All my coil buckets are from a scavenged TJ & lifted coils are used from Ebay or other classified sections.
The only new items purchased were link mat'l, link ends, brakelines, shocks & misc. steel.
I definitely wouldn't use stock 80 arms as they are too light duty. 2" O.D. 3/8" wall lowers & 1 3/4" O.D. 1/4" wall uppers are what I used in the rear. Front link mat'l. is 1 3/4" O.D. 1/4" wall. All this is DOM mat'l. Also used 3/4" cromo heims at the axle mounts, panhard & JJ's at the frame.
Can't wait to see your build thread. This suspension upgrade is very time consuming but WELL worth the effort

 

[SteelArt]

LC_Hamma and others thanks for the replies.

At this stage the plan is to do the following:

Fit 60 series Power Steering in place of the current factory 40 series p/s
Fit Custom Radius Arms and adjustable panard to the front diff and run some 12 or 14 inch 2.5 Fox Coil overs with remotes.
Fit triangulated 4 link up back with coils and shocks.

Once that is done I will redo the brakes, exhaust , steering linkages, etc etc.

I have decided not to go coil over at the rear as the 40 still tow's the car trailer from time to time and I haven't actually seen anyone tow with coil overs. I figure keeping the coil and spring setup I can add air bag helpers etc when carrying a load.

I am thinking radius arms up front as they seem to have good road manners as well as offer acceptable flex and offroad handling.

I also had a good look around at options to get all these great ideas legl for road use. It seems it will be much easier if I get one of the local guys to fit up the links etc for me, approve it and then I can finish off all the time consuming stuff that nigles on.

This way I get it done quicker and approved for road use without issues.

I will keep you all posted and when I have something to show post some pics.

Cheers,