I've been agonizing about this decision for while now and read up as much as I can. However, it's still not clear to me and I would appreciate some opinions.
Any of you who recognize my handle may realize that a few short weeks ago I was hanging tough by my decision of staying SUA with a MAF shackle reversal and 2.5 OME spring lift. However, after hearing enough people tell me to go SOA while I've got the cruiser torn down this far ('cuz I'll just want to do it later anyway), I decided to ditch the previous idea and go SOA in the front with a shackle reversal and do a 4-link suspension in the rear, both compliments of Proffitt's.
Now, regarding the front SOA...which is better, flipped stock FJ40 springs or stock FJ55 springs? The pros/cons in my mind for each are:
FJ40 spring pros (flipped): Moves the axle forward approx. 3.5" for better approach angle and longer wheelbase. Also, since they're shorter, the rear shackle hanger doesn't need to be moved further down the frame, and the lift of the rig increased accordingly by approximately one inch over the 5.5 inches of lift that the SOA is already providing (the lower the better IMO). Lastly, if the springs are less 'flexy' than FJ55 springs, I'm guessing the rig won't lean quite as much on turns for on road manners.
FJ40 spring cons (flipped): Less flex. Front shock towers, bump stops need to be moved?
FJ55 spring pros: More flex. No need to move shock towers, bump stops.
FJ55 spring cons: Keeps axle in stock location. Rear shackle hanger is moved and lift of rig is increased. Leans more on curves.
So...which is better? I realize this is largely a matter of opinion and preference. Also, it I'm wrong about some of my assumptions above, please let me know.
Any of you who recognize my handle may realize that a few short weeks ago I was hanging tough by my decision of staying SUA with a MAF shackle reversal and 2.5 OME spring lift. However, after hearing enough people tell me to go SOA while I've got the cruiser torn down this far ('cuz I'll just want to do it later anyway), I decided to ditch the previous idea and go SOA in the front with a shackle reversal and do a 4-link suspension in the rear, both compliments of Proffitt's.
Now, regarding the front SOA...which is better, flipped stock FJ40 springs or stock FJ55 springs? The pros/cons in my mind for each are:
FJ40 spring pros (flipped): Moves the axle forward approx. 3.5" for better approach angle and longer wheelbase. Also, since they're shorter, the rear shackle hanger doesn't need to be moved further down the frame, and the lift of the rig increased accordingly by approximately one inch over the 5.5 inches of lift that the SOA is already providing (the lower the better IMO). Lastly, if the springs are less 'flexy' than FJ55 springs, I'm guessing the rig won't lean quite as much on turns for on road manners.
FJ40 spring cons (flipped): Less flex. Front shock towers, bump stops need to be moved?
FJ55 spring pros: More flex. No need to move shock towers, bump stops.
FJ55 spring cons: Keeps axle in stock location. Rear shackle hanger is moved and lift of rig is increased. Leans more on curves.
So...which is better? I realize this is largely a matter of opinion and preference. Also, it I'm wrong about some of my assumptions above, please let me know.