FJ40/coil spring conversion
- Thread starter jrsatter
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Try the FAQ section a the top of the 40-55 Series forum (this one) and click on IH8MUD Tech Links. You will find all sorts of suspension and driveline mods, including coils on an FJ40.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
dont do it. thats the best advice youll get.
if you want a linked truck.... get a heep.
cruisers have springs for a reason. springs are super reliable with minimal moving parts.
if you want to be replacing suspension components every time you take it out then id totally recommend coils. '
good luck!
LC_Hamma
The Anti-Leafer
dont do it. thats the best advice youll get.
if you want a linked truck.... get a heep.
cruisers have springs for a reason. springs are super reliable with minimal moving parts.
if you want to be replacing suspension components every time you take it out then id totally recommend coils. '
good luck!
What first hand experience do you have either building or driving a Land Cruiser that has been converted to coils? It's typical purist, head in the sand thinking, that keep new ideas from being created.
As for the OP who's a "novice", I'm assuming your going to farm out this work to a local reputable fab shop? If not, you have much research to do about welding, fabricating & suspension design. There are many variables to consider about which link system fits your needs best. So search up & enjoy your new venture.
Hi...novice working on a 71 FJ40 frame up restoration.
If you're doing a frame up RESTORATION that would mean, by definition, RESTORING the truck to original factory new condition, right?
That aside, actually, doing a coil spring conversion is one of the easiest, simplest jobs you can do. You just unbolt and remove the license plate and bolt it to the back of a new Jeep...
Honestly, how can one say they have frame up restored an FJ40 Land Cruiser if they have bastardized one of the qualities that make it such a world class vehicle? Not to mention ruining the truck's value...
Dude, it's your truck, do what you think will make you happy!
If you're doing a frame up RESTORATION that would mean, by definition, RESTORING the truck to original factory new condition, right?
That aside, actually, doing a coil spring conversion is one of the easiest, simplest jobs you can do. You just unbolt and remove the license plate and bolt it to the back of a new Jeep...
Honestly, how can one say they have frame up restored an FJ40 Land Cruiser if they have bastardized one of the qualities that make it such a world class vehicle? Not to mention ruining the truck's value...
Dude, it's your truck, do what you think will make you happy!
Wow... pretty negative on the coils... Why don't you guys bitch this much when people swap a SBC into their 40s? The leafs actually hold back what a 40 can do depending on the need of the owner. The strength comes from the axles, frame, driveline, and engine. Plus I don't hear too many 80 owners complaining or having to replace things all of the time...
To the OP. Coil swaps and links are not easy and should be done after a lot of research, or by hiring the right fab pros. The benefits are great if done right...
Good luck with your rebuild.
To the OP. Coil swaps and links are not easy and should be done after a lot of research, or by hiring the right fab pros. The benefits are great if done right...
Good luck with your rebuild.
no experience at all driving a linked land cruiser.
tons driving a long arm 4 link HEEP though.
im not a purist in the slightest. i converted to Land Cruisers for just that reason there simple in design and hold up under constant abuse. UNLIKE a 4 link setup!
by all means if you like the 4 link and love working on your suspension every week then thats the setup for you! but if you like to actually wheel and keep doing it week after week without limping your rig home.... then a leaf setup is your best bet!
LC_Hamma
The Anti-Leafer
Apples & oranges.
Comparing your factory Jxxp 's setup w/ light duty brackets, link bars, & bushings isn't the same as a custom built heavy duty 4 link w/ thick walled bracketry, DOM or heat treated 1/4" wall links & cromo link ends. A *properly designed 4 link system will far out preform any leaf setup all day & get you home in comfort. Any of your Jxxp buddies pull off their coils in favor of leafs?
Actually, Jxxpers do convert to leaf springs. I've seen several TJ's around here that have done it:
TJ Leaf Spring Conversion
Leaf Spring Conversion 01 TJ - Colorado4x4.org Forums
FWIW, I don't get it and would never do it. I think its done to save money. I've got the itch to change my rear to a 4 link, myself.
Whats profits cruisers......?
...via IH8MUD app
...via IH8MUD app
Proffitts Cruisers, no longer exist.
If you happen to source a warn/blackdiamond kit; at one time, they used to produce a bolt on 4 link suspension. Very short lived though.
If you happen to source a warn/blackdiamond kit; at one time, they used to produce a bolt on 4 link suspension. Very short lived though.
I am just in the process of putting my new FJ40 chassis with 80 series coil suspension together, chassis arrives back tomorrow from being hot dipped in gal as well as the front and rear axle housing being sand blasted and powder coated.
Watrob...POST PICS!!!!
Wow! solid axle to IFS. How about some details
x2 ... interesting ... I bought a 40 to get way from IFS ...
Probably be easier to get a jeep that is already totally tricked out suspension wise and modify it to hold the Landruiser body. If you want to go hog wild on suspension jeep is the way to go, because of the incredible amount of aftermarket parts, and the cheep price for high quality that they can sell because of the volume. So many are already done you can buy the jeep already built out for a decent price.
Wow, gotta love some of the responses.... No "what kind of shape is your 40 in"? Maybe dude is starting out with a fully bastardized, rotten to all hell pos like I did. Yeah makes a lot of sense to restore something like that to oem specs, spending 50g's along the way and ending up with an antique that has manual brakes and steering and must be a joy to drive in the real world let alone wheel....
If youre thinking like a purist then every 40 with a power steering retrofit, incorrect seats, bigger tires, disc brake swaps, the wrong floor mats, a tuffy console, non oem paint, and non toyota wind shield wipers isnt a restoration and has been screwed up by whoever did those mods. That would eliminate most of the 40 here on mud wouldnt it?
Dude, do whatever you want suspension wise, just try and do it right.
All of these guys complaining about heap 4 links need to take a close look at how theyre made and what materials are used. Stock tj/xj etc. links are stamped steel thats just slightly stronger than card board, they twist apart (think about bending a paper clip repeatedly and it breaking) if you flex said heap out a bunch. Hell, Ive seen many different heaps break a link and sometimes even two at the same time (usually the uppers from what Ive seen).
Now, Ive never seen a heap break a link when its a decent after market DOM one. Sure they still rip off the axle or frame mounts because theyre made out of more cardboard but if you use your head and replace them with stout 1/4" brackets theyll hold up fine.
Also, I dont see why this guy couldnt just buy a heap long arm lift and glue that onto his lc. All depends on his fab skills but it worked great when we sassed my buddies mazda b2200. We used an xj long arm and adapted it to the mazda, pretty simple actually and was done in about 4 days. Thing out wheels most of the guys we go out with and thats unlocked. To top it off my friend has never messed up a link or bracket wheeling it pretty damn hard.
That being said, if youve got an all original 40 that wouldnt be out of place in a museum then no, I dont think you should be hacking at it. If its a s*** pile like mine was then give er s*** and make it into what YOU want it to be and screw all the purists. Post lots of pics while youre building it too, thatll really bug em.
D
If youre thinking like a purist then every 40 with a power steering retrofit, incorrect seats, bigger tires, disc brake swaps, the wrong floor mats, a tuffy console, non oem paint, and non toyota wind shield wipers isnt a restoration and has been screwed up by whoever did those mods. That would eliminate most of the 40 here on mud wouldnt it?
Dude, do whatever you want suspension wise, just try and do it right.
All of these guys complaining about heap 4 links need to take a close look at how theyre made and what materials are used. Stock tj/xj etc. links are stamped steel thats just slightly stronger than card board, they twist apart (think about bending a paper clip repeatedly and it breaking) if you flex said heap out a bunch. Hell, Ive seen many different heaps break a link and sometimes even two at the same time (usually the uppers from what Ive seen).
Now, Ive never seen a heap break a link when its a decent after market DOM one. Sure they still rip off the axle or frame mounts because theyre made out of more cardboard but if you use your head and replace them with stout 1/4" brackets theyll hold up fine.
Also, I dont see why this guy couldnt just buy a heap long arm lift and glue that onto his lc. All depends on his fab skills but it worked great when we sassed my buddies mazda b2200. We used an xj long arm and adapted it to the mazda, pretty simple actually and was done in about 4 days. Thing out wheels most of the guys we go out with and thats unlocked. To top it off my friend has never messed up a link or bracket wheeling it pretty damn hard.
That being said, if youve got an all original 40 that wouldnt be out of place in a museum then no, I dont think you should be hacking at it. If its a s*** pile like mine was then give er s*** and make it into what YOU want it to be and screw all the purists. Post lots of pics while youre building it too, thatll really bug em.
D