FJ45 shortbed SOA for 33's

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Pics45

Pics45

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Mar 28, 2010
Threads
18
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362
Location
Sacramento
Question for you 45 guys out there. As I plug along on my 66 FJ45 shortbed which I've sprung over using the stock springs and shackles, I'm not too excited about it's finished height. I was thinking about taking a leaf out of the front and 2 out of the back. Those rears are pretty stout.

I've heard you can remove the 3rd leaf in front and 2 in the back....?? My goal is to have a SOA truck for 33" tires....which leafs are to be removed to properly maintain the vehicles stability---if thats even possible...Thoughts or ideas anyone?
 
I just SOA my fj45lv and played around with the leaves a bit until I got the combination I liked. I had two sets of springs to pull leaves from which made it easier for me. but you generally want to keep atleast your 2 longest ones and your shortest one. if you post up some pictures it would greatly help see what is going on.
 
I ended up having to add leaves on my SOA after about two years, my front springs went completely flat. I'd let it settle a bit before I took any out. I'm running 37s though...I think 33's may be a bit small for a SOA, are you just going for a softer ride?
 
Thanks everyone. Yah, I knew this was going to happen. I'm no stranger to the SOA result on cruisers....a perfect combo for 35's. Heck, my 40 looked pretty cool on 37 MTR's...But, my goal on my 45 SWB build was to benefit from the SOA ride but still keeping my Toyo MT's 295/70/17.....I've seen cruisers done this way...the rear shackle mount is actually up in the frame similiar to the front with rev shackle. ANd of course short shackles. Anyways, my rigs future will probably endure light trail, hunting on family ranches in Amador County and of course the famous 45 run..Heck, after that, we could all head down to our family cabin at Silver Lake...Deer Valley is just around the corner.....I'll post up pics of the progress. Sorry it's been awile since I added pictures...still pluggin along......darn economy.
 
A couple rear shots

Here's the shot under the rig....of course shorter shackles are coming and with maybe 2 leafs removed from the rear-that might do the trick. Hmm, we'll see.
IMAG0491.webp
IMAG0493.webp
 
I'm in Land Park my rig is at a shop in Folsom....That is another cruiser project getting all linked with FORD running gear.......I do alot of waterfowling up in your parts.....

Pete
 
Sweet tailgate. Like the rear bumper as well, my 45 had a similar bumper on it (not in very good shape and it had been welded to the frame a few times) I tossed it...kinda wish I'd have held onto it now as the step would be nice.

I know what you're saying about ride quality and using an existing set of tires, a new set of tires will set you back a grand these days.

I think suspension is one of those things you just have to play with as every rig is different. Your shackle angles look a little steep. Are the mounts fixed at this point?
 
Noop. I'm playing around with height right now. Those shackles were to be used with my spring under shackle lift. Well, things have changed and I've caved to the almighty SOA. I'm running 295/70/17 Toyo MT's I picked up, so I need the height to work with that. I'm going to run the stock rear shackles with greaser pins and take a leaf or 2 out of the back..That should do it. The front is getting 1 leaf removed. Basically, my goal is to have a SOA 45 proportioned for 33's. Once I like the height, I'll weld-up the spring perches...
 
Pics45 said:
my goal is to have a SOA 45 proportioned for 33's.
Click to expand...

I don't think you're going to get there with those springs. My fj40 has fj55 rear springs in the front with two leaves taken out. They are almost flat as it sits, and it would easily fit 37s. If I did it all over I could get it 1" lower, but it would still be very tall for 33s.

Another trick I'd like to try sometime is to french the spring perches into the axle housing so the springs sit right at the height of the tube. That could get it down another inch. It would be tough on the diff side, but I think possible.
 
'66 FJ 45

Hi there,
Nice truck! Don't want to hijack your thread but I have a similar question.
my truck is a '66 FJ 45 with 32" tires and SUA OME 2" lift. I have one leaf removed in the rear for a softer ride, but am considering reinstalling it for the lift, as I now have more weight in the bed and think it will balance out the ride. My question is- if I centered the rear axle would 33" tires fit? Any thoughts are appreciated.
Michael
 
SUA FJ45

Hi there,
Nice truck! Don't want to hijack your thread but I have a similar question.
my truck is a '66 FJ 45 with 32" tires and SUA OME 2" lift. I have one leaf removed in the rear for a softer ride, but am considering reinstalling it for the lift, as I now have more weight in the bed and think it will balance out the ride. My question is- if I centered the rear axle would 33" tires fit? Any thoughts are appreciated.
Michael
 
Any updates and pictures of your progress? Going through the SOA vs. SUA debate with myself. Have already decided on 255/85-16 skinny tires, which measure-out at an actual 33.5" high. Would be interested in seeing how your 33's fit in and sit below the fender wells both front and rear.

:cheers:

Steve
 
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