Factory rear-end sag, or not? (4 Viewers)

[Soberacho]

I have a few questions for the 40 gurus on the forum.:

Q1- Were 40s sold from the factory (factory base specs) with a slight rear-end sag? My 76 BJ40 has slight rear-end sag, about 1.5” lower than the front snd it’s beginning to bother me a bit. I’m running 235/85R16 tires with absolutely no issues.

I’ve seen a lot of 40s that are pretty level front to rear but they’ve been typically modified with 2-2.5” lift kits, usually running 33/10.5-15 rubber.

Q2- Wondering if my truck will level nicely and give me a little more height if I install a set of front/rear 2” or 2.5” springs.? Only installing the springs as I have new (factory spec) shackles/bushings and shocks that were installed about a year ago.





Your thoughts?

 

[fireflyr]

I’m sure it will level out nicely and give you the lift you want. You have to remember that a lot of hands have been on that 50 year old vehicle and there’s no telling what someone may have done or if they are just worn out original springs. Always nice to start with fresh suspension.

I have a leaf out of the rear spring pack right now because I was chasing a rear end wobble/vibration/hop. I will eventually do the same to the front to even it out but it really doesn’t bother me right now.

This has a 4” OME lift that is way too stiff. Removing the bottom leaf drops it to a 3” lift with a softer ride. If I was to do it again I would go with the 2” parabolic springs from Valley Hybrids.

Disclaimer: I’m not one of the gurus on here; just a guy that has entertained himself for the last 22 years with this Landcruiser.

 

[fjc-man]

Are those 33” tires and (off topic) is that a SOR sliding window?

 

[1973Guppie]

I have a few questions for the 40 gurus on the forum.:

Q1- Were 40s sold from the factory (factory base specs) with a slight rear-end sag? My 76 BJ40 has slight rear-end sag, about 1.5” lower than the front snd it’s beginning to bother me a bit. I’m running 235/85R16 tires with absolutely no issues.

I’ve seen a lot of 40s that are pretty level front to rear but they’ve been typically modified with 2-2.5” lift kits, usually running 33/10.5-15 rubber.

Q2- Wondering if my truck will level nicely and give me a little more height if I install a set of front/rear 2” or 2.5” springs.? Only installing the springs as I have new (factory spec) shackles/bushings and shocks that were installed about a year ago.





Your thoughts?

You could go with a new 2.5 inch lift. Terrain Tamer @orangefj45 George provides a new style for leaf spring you might want to check out. Most likely though even with a 2.5 lift the ride will get stiffer. I would reccommend having someone simply install a long add a leaf to the rear springs to give them a little more support.

 

[fireflyr]

Are those 33” tires and (off topic) is that a SOR sliding window?

Yes on the 33’s and no idea on the window. They did have purple tint on them if that’s any help

I always wondered where they came from.

 

[fireflyr]

For some reason your pictures didn’t show when I first saw your post. Beautiful BJ40. The weight of the hard top and accessories up top aren’t helping I would guess. Love the fish antennas.

 

[charliemeyer007]

Yea at first I thought it a was the COMMO rig from Hell.

 

[bikersmurf]

A couple different things…
Whatever was stock doesn’t relate to your rig. Off hand I’d guess it’s an import from Columbia.

North American rigs didn’t come with these.

The front turn signals are correct for a ‘76, but

This fuel filler is pre ‘73.

The lack of lovers here also suggests an earlier tub.

Not having them on the passenger side is something I’ve not seen before in a steel bodied Landcruiser.

Off hand I’d suspect your truck is a mix and match of several years parts. The kick out hardtop windows didn’t show up until some point in ’78.

I’m pointing these things out to help you understand what you have. My own 40 has a ‘77 rear axle, ‘76 front, ‘76ish frame, ‘81 hardtop sides, ‘75 hatch, ‘74 windshield, ‘74 doors, ‘74 cowl… etc. it’s good to know what you are working with.

Springs for a ‘76 should work but your frame could be older or possibly newer.

 

[bikersmurf]

I don’t believe that rear sag was original, but it seems to be a common problem with many different Toyota models as they age. Much as many 40s lean towards the driver’s side… especially if the spare is also mounted on the same side.

In North America they tend to be lower on the left. I don’t know if they lean towards the right in RHD countries. Pre ‘75 would likely be the worst since they have the spare on the right side.

 

[pb4ugo]

It appears to be a later frame 74+, looking at the silhouette of the rear tail lights thru the rear pass fenderwell. It looks like the 2 windshield hinges are different, one early model on the drivers side and 1 later model on the pass side. What's the frame #?

 

[Soberacho]

Good morning, folks. I appreciate all the input and comments. I’m aware that the truck has a pre 76 tub. It has a 4spd tranny and front bench seats. My 40 came from Costa Rica and it was picked up from the port of houston 5 years ago.

The Rack, rod holder and front rubber bumpers are off, giving the truck a fresh US spec look from a far. I’m currently replacing the TREs so I’ve been busy preparing the frame and axle for a nice coat of paint.

The truck is definitely a mut but it’s been very dependable. It has a solid B engine that turns on quicker than a F1 McLaren engine! lol. It runs great on the highway but begins to struggle once I hit 62 mph so I usually just run it around 55 mph.

Anyway, Thanks again for all the comments and advice. I’m seriously looking at adding 2.5” springs snd maybe going with 285/75r16 tires (about 33” tall, 10” wide).

 

[Soberacho]

It appears to be a later frame 74+, looking at the silhouette of the rear tail lights thru the rear pass fenderwell. It looks like the 2 windshield hinges are different, one early model on the drivers side and 1 later model on the pass side. What's the frame #?

BJ40001743. Thank you.

 

[Mark Jennings]

Rear Sag Thoughts

I am of the opinion that Mr. Toyota’s design team added a bit of ‘rear sag’ to the FJ40 purposely. There are several reasons;

1. Moves the center of gravity toward the rear of the vehicle to aid in traction.
2. Moves the center of gravity toward the rear so that under heavy braking, aids in keeping the rear brakes from locking up.
3. Forces more oil toward the rear of the oil pan so that under heavy breaking, oils stays over the oil pump pick up… instead of sloshing forward (no oil pan baffles at front of the pan).

Then again, I have been known to overthink Mr. Toyota’s design choices.

I also prefer a level truck, add some lift to the rear (I did) and enjoy.

 

[Pighead]

Back in the day, I found my local blacksmith/spring shop in the yellow pages. They re-arched my springs and added a leaf or two. Perhaps these shops still exist

 

[iliketrucks]

It looks pretty good to me honestly, that's about how mine is. I havent measured but I think the front wheel openings are a little higher on the body than the rear by design-if this is true it contributes to the sagging rear suspension look without there being an actual issue