FJ40 Rear Leaf Springs

[ssency]

I have a 1977 FJ40 (350 with 33" tires) with Old Man Emu Dakar 2 1/2 inch lift leaf springs on the front and rear. When I am fully loaded for camping the rear sags down more than I would like. Without going to a heavy duty rough riding spring set, does anyone have any ideas on a spring that would help the sag but also ride fairly decent? Also, any experence on reversing the rear springs to increase the wheel base? Any problems with the shock mounts?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Steve

 

[splib]

Can you post up a pic of it loaded down?

 

[mustardfj40]

I remembered with OME, you can buy a leave to convert your "medium" spring pack to "heavy". Can anyone confirm this?

 

[psreno]

Subscribing.

I am looking at springs right now too, and have need for a good riding heavy spring.

 

[dohcdelsol93]

if money/time is an issue how about monroe towing shocks?

have a coil spring built around the shock

will ride a bit rougher but probably no rougher than a set of ranchos

not sure if they are avaliable for the 40 but i had them on the 60.

supposidly hold 1200lbs before they sag below stock ride height.

 

[ssency]

I just unloaded it from a trip to the Moab area -- I will post a picture of it soon unloaded and the next time I load it up I will be sure to take a picture.

Steve

 

[psreno]

I used to have a set of those on front where there is enough room. They did work well, although I'm a believer in adjustable shocks now so I can pick the response depending on where I'm going.

 

[ssency]

psreno -- what type of adjustable shocks are you using -- are they adjustable on the shock or with a remote device?

 

[dohcdelsol93]

i'm not so sure adjustable shocks will help in any way with your saggy rear springs issue.

Your adjustable shocks will help with the ride going from on to off road.

If you put on adjustable shocks you'll still need some sort of add a leafs to help with the major issue at hand...not enough spring for the load

 

[fj404life]

Unless you toss some air-shocks on it...may be an option???

 

[ToyCO]

Talk with the folks at Alcan Springs. They might be able to help.

 

[Fast Eddy]

I've always thought some air bags could go in between the frame and the axle for this purpose. I haven't seen it done on a cruiser though.

 

[bikersmurf]

Air bags on a 60...

https://forum.ih8mud.com/ca-bc-vanc...6-new-member-hello-there-vi-bit-intro-11.html

 

[65swb45]

I would think the answer would depend on two things you have not stated yet. One is how MUCH lower it sags when loaded. The other is whether or not you are happy with the overall ride quality of your springs otherwise.

Best

Mark A.

 

[gerrarrdd]

Working for a 4x4 part company this is a very common problem. With the 40series OME rear leafs you have two options, a normal and a H/D. the H/D leaf pack is the same as the standard with the adition of an extra leaf. you can purchase this leaf seperatly and at it later when required.

the easiest way is to purchase a set of Airbags as previously mentioned. these sit between the chassie and left pack and can be inflated to support the extra weight as required. In Australia there are a number of different places who sell these. Firestone sell a very good quality kit.

 

[gerrarrdd]

also note adjustable shocks wont affect your ability to increase weight carrying capacity.

 

[RUSEY42]

Here is a picture of airbags on a HJ47. haven't done one for a 40 yet.Air bags will raise the rear and also assist with maintain a specific height as well as taking the load.

 

[gerrarrdd]

One other note is to be careful with Airbags when used offroad. I have seen plenty of cars (mainly GU patrols) who have cracked or bent chassies due to using airbags off road. These were mainly overloaded cars trying to cross the Simpson but it is just something to be carefull of.

 

[psreno]

psreno -- what type of adjustable shocks are you using -- are they adjustable on the shock or with a remote device?

Sorry ssency, I didn't see your Q.

I'm using Rancho 911x series, adjustable on the shock. You can upgrade to in cab control. What I don't like is that they can be difficult to set evenly because the stamped gradiations and little dial indicator get hard to see in the dark and under the mud/grime etc.
Typical Nevada weekend driving is 100-200 miles straight highway, another 100 on semi graded "state highway", with axle breaking washouts every other mile, and then another 20 miles on 2 track to camp. Does a single setting shock do everything as well? Not that I've found but I have not tried the real expensive racing stuff either.

I've run a few different shocks over the years and these adjustables just seem to have more versatility. Some shocks rattle the truck so hard you have to hold your fillings in, like the Rancho 5000 series - hated 'em. Same with the cheaper Bilstiens. The $18 Pep Boys shocks will make you seasick if you carry any load or drive sidehills. The coil over shocks did run well, but wore out over time and that's when I replaced them with the variable. Someday I will upgrade to the in cab control because I would get a lot more use out of the feature.

 

[psreno]

And what the others are saying about the variable shocks not supporting weight is true. They are only for ride comfort.

My FJ45 had coil overload springs. I can hardly imagine that spring pack bending low enough to engage the helpers however, so I took them off to save the rattle.....I wonder if there is an aussie kit for replacing those with airbags????