FJ40 Rear Leaf Springs

[ssency]

PSRENO -- I have taken pictures of my FJ40 to show the normal ride height and darn!!! I have not been able to locate the interface cable for the camera. It will show up shortly. Adding a leaf to the OME springs looks to be fairly simple, the Air bags are interesting though, a bit more involved with the valving mechanism.

 

[ssency]

I have twin 12 gal water tanks and a 22 gal reserve tank in the back, this is the reason that I get a sag in the rear.

This shot is of the side and it is not loaded.

Engine shot -- the front end is pretty light with the 350 -- I have the batteries behind the seats.

 

[ssency]

Having problems posting pictures -- will figure it out and repost.

 

[1973barnfind]

2 1/2" lift springs seem short for running 33" tires.
I have a 4" lift by Rough Country (more like 5" from flat stock) and i still scrub. sag hasn't set in the rear, but minimaly in the front.
I dont know man. your leafs might be worn out. how many miles? how hard do you ride them? I've jumped my cruiser a good couple times lol.

 

[ssency]

Rear of the Cruiser with 2 - 12 gal water tanks -- 22 gal fuel tank underneath -- This plus camping gear causes the sag.

 

[65swb45]

Looking at your sig line, it makes a lot more sense. Your setup is a likely candidate for a 2.5 front, 4.0 rear spring lift. I had to do the same thing with my '68, and that was before I added the rear tank! Save the $$ on the OME overload springs and just start saving for the 4.0 rears.

Best

Mark A.

 

[ssency]

Mark, Thanks for the advise -- as soon as I figure out how to post a photo you will see that it level when empty. I also have a 22 gal fuel tank and two 12 gal water tanks in the rear.

Steve

 

[superdupercoope]

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.
View attachment 576740

Oh awesome can you provide more details on the airbags? I have a 81 HJ47 that has a cargo box on it from when it used to be an emergency response vehicle. The ride is really rough and I want it to be softer but it weighs close to 4900 empty.

 

[JAG666]

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.

Those "Monroe Towing Shocks" were around in the early '50's... they were called "Monroe Load-Levelers".. My folks had a set put on the rear ofour '51 Cadillac.. Then loaded 1000lbs of "stuff" to take to Japan with us (circa 1953).. I got the Caddy in '65.. it STILL had the Monroes on it!!
I bought my '74 FJ40 in Dec 73, the springs started to sag a few (5-7?) years later.. I had the front springs re-arched but never got around to the rears.. That said, I DID fit a pair of Gabrial Air Shocks on the rear of my LandCruiser.. In fact, they were STILL in use when the LC "died" around '95... And I might add, I also towed a 6000lb, 23' Travel Trailer with the FJ40.. I had an Equalizer Hitch and Double (anti)Sway Bars fitted, as well.
Interestingly, the "ride" was not bad.. for a short wheelbase LandCruiser!!
Charles 1974 FJ40.