FJ60 Suspension Question

[DRB]

Proud new owner of my first FJ60. She's an '85, rust free and bone stock. Still has original springs and although the shocks were replaced years ago, are pretty much shot. I've read the rave reviews of the Old Man EMU upgrade and am leaning that way, however, I'd also love to try and keep it looking as stock as possible (no/minor additional lift).

1. Would replacing the shocks only significantly improve the ride quality?
2. If I replace the springs as well, what options would folks suggest?
3. Or should I just suck it up and go the OME route and learn to love the 2" lift look?

Thanks - Dave

 

[Big Cruiser Guy]

How re you planning on using your rig?
Welcome to the madness!
Also, post pics!

 

[Elbert]

in my view the "lifted look" with reasonably larger tires make the truck look better not worse.

I like OME but I went with the higher/heavier lift version that OME sells. Check out cruiser outfitters web site, give Kurt a phone call with your questions about OME lifts...he's the guy to source from and get good advice from.

 

[brian]

these things, along with just about about every other cruiser, look stellar with a 2-3" lift and 33" tires.

 

[ander42b]

Talk to Kurt at cruiser out fitters. He and his crew know their stuff on mild or crazy suspension. Also we want to see some cruiser pron!!!!!! Pictures ...........man give us the pictures. Welcome to the cruiser family. Jason

 

[DRB]

Thanks, guys. Sounds like my next step is a call to Kurt to talk options. Funny, I saw two other '60s today and both were slightly lifted. Might be an easy decision after all.

Big Cruiser Guy: mostly town, forest service roads and drift boat put-ins, but no hardcore 4-wheeling. Heaviest duty will be towing my Clackacraft or loading a deer in the back. Fly fishing and archery are the drugs of choice; the FJ is the enabler.

Will post some pictures soon!

 

[DRB]

Thanks, guys. Sounds like my next step is a call to Kurt to talk options. Funny, I saw two other '60s today and both were slightly lifted. Might be an easy decision after all.

Big Cruiser Guy: mostly town, forest service roads and drift boat put-ins, but no hardcore 4-wheeling. Heaviest duty will be towing my Clackacraft or loading a deer in the back. Fly fishing and archery are the drugs of choice; the FJ is the enabler.

Will post some pictures soon!

 

[DRB]

Here is a picture of the girl and, um, the girl. A fun adventure so far.

DRB 1985 FJ60

• DRB
• Jan 20, 2016

 

[gregnash]

Thanks, guys. Sounds like my next step is a call to Kurt to talk options. Funny, I saw two other '60s today and both were slightly lifted. Might be an easy decision after all.

Big Cruiser Guy: mostly town, forest service roads and drift boat put-ins, but no hardcore 4-wheeling. Heaviest duty will be towing my Clackacraft or loading a deer in the back. Fly fishing and archery are the drugs of choice; the FJ is the enabler.

Will post some pictures soon!

Kurt will do you right with his recommendations based on what you tell him. Ensure that you are thinking about all future upgrades, will you add a front bumper? Winch? Rear bumper? Swing out? Gas cans? Roof Rack? Roof Top Tent? Etc. As all these items will play into what the ultimate recommendation for your system will be.

 

[MOCO62]

I am also a newbie at this, and spent several months looking at options here.... so my 2 cents for what it's worth here DRB - I went with the OME light full package from Iron Pig and the lift outcome up front (measured from ground to top of the wheel well) lifted 1.25 inches, and the rear 1.50 inches. we think the old springs were original on my 62, and possibly sagged up to an inch, so the 2.5 inch lift in theory can be more like 1.5. Obviously your exact kit can vary this outcome signficantly. My old springs appear really flat. Now the ride is incredibly smoother, and much better than my expectations. It also looks awesome with 32's. edit: my profile pic is not updated.

 

[dbleon]

For your intented purposes the light duty offerings or "grocery getter" options might be the ticket.

Check around... although OME is the popular coolaid, there are other flavors.

Although I jave no direct experience with OME, there are apparenly some qualitt control issues when the moved manufaturing a number of years ago. Might be a good feeler question for any dealer selling OME.

Check out terrain tamer, ironman, SOR, and now Deaver, among others.

 

[ravenplague]

Your springs might not be shot...i guess depends on the mileage and prior use. Measure the distance from the center of the hub to the fender for an idea. I originally had 19 inches up front and 17 in the rear! My rear springs were flat..well i put on a 2 inch ironman lift and roughly ended up with 22.25 in the front and 23 inches in the rear. If you measure from the hub, it doesn't matter what size tires you are currently running

 

[BlueCruiser84]

Light duty springs experience on stock 60

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Thanks, guys. Sounds like my next step is a call to Kurt to talk options. Funny, I saw two other '60s today and both were slightly lifted. Might be an easy decision after all.

Give us a call and we would be more than happy to discuss your wants and needs out of a suspension. Old Man Emu kits are not the one answer for everyone but they are a great & proven option for many.

 

[87CRUSR]

OME with 33s

 

[AndrettiDog]

I've been studying a solution for my very worn out suspension on my 60. I was going to nickel and dime it to get it safe. Find some used good springs, regular shocks and get it back to safe stock. But it adds up quick. I figure I need new shackles, u bolts and hardware. So I have been looking at a 2.5" kit too. There is a "Grocery Getter" kit that is stock but pretty much cost the same as an OME 2.5" kit. I've heard great things about Cruiser Outfitters, but the best OME price I've found is at Rocky Road Outfitters. Ironman kits are cheaper but don't include shackles and stabilizer.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

It doesn't look to be sagging much. How could the shocks be done with only one year on them?
Springs, etc. plus new tires would set you back a couple thousand, maybe more.
I suggest you drive it as is for awhile and see if anything comes up that needs attention, before going down the lift kit road.

 

[MOCO62]

OME with 33s - what wheels are those 87CRUSR

 

[87CRUSR]

American Eagle series 100 16 inch alloys. With 285-75-R16. Fit like 33s

 

[MOCO62]

cool. looks good! thanks,