FJ40 Shock Absorber Options - Compressed and Extended Length Data

[HKforte]

Looking for the correct shocks for an SUA FJ40 (intended for up to 50mm lift over stock) but realized it’s not that easy to find the compressed and extended length numbers. I figure it’s ideal to determine the compressed and extended limits (eye to eye) of your vehicle's suspension as a primary consideration prior to selecting and matching to the specs for available shock options. The following data may be useful since it was not searchable within our forum. If you happen to have additional data, maybe for FOX shocks or other options not listed, please feel free to add (also please reply if there are corrections):

Koni 82 Series

2-inch lift

Front: 82-5020 (Heavy Track)

• Compressed: 13.11 inches (333 mm)
• Extended: 19.88 inches (505 mm)

Rear: 82-2138 (Heavy Track)

• Compressed: 13.93 inches (354 mm)
• Extended: 21.88 (556 mm)

Source: Mason O'Hara - Koni Technical Sales Rep

Dobinsons Heavy Duty

2-inch lift

Front: GS59-635 (Heavy Duty)

• Compressed: 12.12 inches (308 mm)
• Extended: 19.21 inches (488 mm)

Rear: GS59-651 (Heavy Duty) (Big Bore)

• Compressed: 14.29 inches (363 mm)
• Extended: 23.26 inches (591 mm)

Sources: Crikeymike

https://www.dobinsonsprings.com/index.php/component/edocman/?task=document.viewdoc&id=465&Itemid=


Bilstein B8 5125

2-inch lift

Front: 33-062518

• Compressed: 12.03 inches (305 mm)
• Extended: 18.50 inches (470 mm)

Rear: 33-185606

• Compressed: 14.06 inches (357 mm)
• Extended: 22.50 inches (571 mm)

4-inch lift

Front: 33-185606

• Compressed: 14.06 inches (357 mm)
• Extended: 22.50 inches (571 mm)

Rear: 33-185552

• Compressed: 15.91 inches (404 mm)
• Extended: 25.93 inches (658 mm)

Source: https://cart.bilsteinus.com/Portals/0/PDF/BILSTEINORCatalog2020_WEB.pdf


Old Man Emu

2-inch lift

Front: 60097 (Nitrocharger Sport) (Medium and Heavy Load)

• Compressed: 12.4 inches (314 mm)
• Extended: 19.4 inches (493 mm)

Rear: 60032 (Nitrocharger Sport) (Medium Load)

• Compressed: 14.37 inches (364 mm)
• Extended: 23.50 inches (597 mm)

Rear: 60064 (Nitrocharger Sport) (Heavy Load)

• Compressed: 14.17 inches (360 mm)
• Extended: 23.38 inches (593 mm)

Source: http://arb24.ru/images/Catalogues/OME_MARCH_2018.pdf

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

Good info there.

 

[HKforte]

Updates added based on feedback from Koni technical support

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

Thank you for this!

 

[65swb45]

It was a homework assignment.

 

[HKforte]

Surprising to find out how most of the options considered don't work for the compressed/extended length combo I need. It would just be a shot in the dark to make a decision based on the typical data that comes with shock advertising "inches of lift over stock"

 

[HKforte]

It was a homework assignment.

and a very worthy one!

 

[maujkar]

I was about to make a new thread and then just had a thought to search and bingo - found an appropriate place to post my table. Thanks @HKforte

I have a 1978 BJ40 resto-project underway and I have been reading about the shocks everywhere but with no definitive information about the lengths or travels or valve ratings. So in comes our COVID19 lockdown period and I decided to compile the table below, with all the known shock brands, mostly covered in the 40-55 threads, plus with few experiences from my fellow 40 owners e.g. Brazilian Cofap is a pretty decent shock !

Few Disclaimers :
- apart from Bilstein - i couldn't find any other vendor mentioning their valve rating.
- Application - lift - is an approximate identifier - few brands mention it - others don't - do your maths accounting for the leaf springs, shackles etc.
- Model # are confirmed - I did however skipped some of the older model numbers.
- there maybe other BRANDS on this planet as well - I can always update, if you have a good recommendation!

- HKForte - thanks for sharing KONI & Dobinson - I updated my table.

if the table Requires any updates, corrections, additions .. feel free to suggest ! Lets build it on for the fellow mudders

cheers
Ahmed ( insta : @bj40PAKISTAN )

 

[SnodawgFJ40]

There is some good info here, too.

Shockwarehouse – ShockWarehouse

Shockwarehouse the USA’s source for shock absorbers and struts for RV’s, Cars and Trucks. Performance brands like Bilstein, Rancho, KYB, Fox, Arnott, Safe T Plus and Koni. Steering Stabilzers, Sway Bars, complete, struts, and air and electronic conversion kits.

www.shockwarehouse.com

 

[HKforte]

This is fantastic data, thank you Ahmed!

 

[maujkar]

Yes @SnodawgFJ40 , I used that site as well to get data of some brands. Pretty handy ! Thanks

 

[maujkar]

there is another brand solely marketed at "Hell For Stout" Shocks are Here! , called HFS (Hell for Stout) - Cool cruiser page mentions some numbers but couldn't find any vendor side !? ih8mud search shows few experiences for 40 & 60 series.

For 2-2.5inch lift

• HFS4055875 Front Shocks (Travel Range ext 23.12 col 14.25)
• HFS4055620 Rear Shocks (Travel Range ext 23.12 col 14.25)

For 3-5 inch lift

• HFS4055875 Front Shocks (Travel Range ext 23.12 col 14.25)
• HFS4055650 Rear Shocks (Travel Range ext 26.20 col 15.80)

will update the excel sheet.

 

[Jetlander]

Hate to revive an older thread but I’d like to add my experience with HFS Shocks. I purchased them as a kit including springs for a 4” lift on my ‘77 FJ40. I put about 2000 miles on them (1 year) and was happy with the ride, then I started my frame-off resto. That was 3 years ago. Now I’m putting things back together and I just realized all 4 shocks are bad. I can easily compress them by hand and they don’t extend when released. Granted, they have been idle for 3 years, but I wasn’t expecting them to already be bad. I’m a bit disappointed for sure but now I have an excuse to get a set of Bilsteins, which I’ve heard are far superior to HFS. My 2¢ is if anyone is interested in the HFS 4” lift, buy the springs and shackles but pass on the shocks.

 

[jim land]

this is normal , hydro shock just act to slow down the movement , you can compress or extend it by hand but not fast , you can fell the restriction and it will stay still at any length

 

[Jetlander]

this is normal , hydro shock just act to slow down the movement , you can compress or extend it by hand but not fast , you can fell the restriction and it will stay still at any length

I’m not sure I’m following your logic. I’ve never seen shocks that can easily be compressed by hand and when released, remain at the same length. There should always be rebound and some legitimate resistance (how much depending on design and valving) when compressing them.

 

[jim land]

My old doetsch tech prerunner on my 40 have no rebound , no tie to hold them close on the factory box , the OME one on my 42 will extended to the max when unload and came with a tie between the eyes to keep them close in the box

 

[jim land]

I’m not sure I’m following your logic. I’ve never seen shocks that can easily be compressed by hand and when released, remain at the same length. There should always be rebound and some legitimate resistance (how much depending on design and valving) when compressing them

some better explanation :

 

[Racer65]

Caveat to the shocks table is that it only applies to '74 and later.