fj60 suspension upgrade questions

[Cruiserdrew]

ok. so if i plan on keeping this truck, which i do, it sounds like OME or Dakar is the way to go. what can i plan on spending (ballpark) for the Dakar kit, brake lines, u-bolts, steering stabilizer and other misc.? i'll install it so don't estimate labor. to run 33x9.50's will i need to change the ratio? i won't be crawling or going too heavy off-road. mostly a daily driver with some weekend trips into the hills and moab.

I had this exact set-up before I regeared. It works fine for everything you want except for Moab. With the steeps there, you'll want the right gears (roughly 4.11 for a stock 60 on 33s) Run it for awhile and see what you think. The larger tires are a "poor man's overdrive" and actually suit the 60 well on the highway. They are not so nice when accellerating away from uphill stop lights. I bought a full OME kit before the OME Dakar was released so the total was roughly $1700. PM dd113 at Urban Land Cruisers for a price. Expect to pay for good quality parts and service.

Definitely install yourself. That saves you $500 right there.

 

[Mud_Guppie]

Belton kits are a good upgrade
shipping might add up though depending on your location
We install lots of 60 kits and everyone is happy with them
I had Beltons on my HJ60 too

 

[FJ60_cruiser]

Belton kits are a good upgrade
shipping might add up though depending on your location
We install lots of 60 kits and everyone is happy with them
I had Beltons on my HJ60 too

nice cruiser!!! what does the belton kit have? and what tires are you running?

 

[CSA]

If it were me, and this is completely unsolicited advice, I would not do anything with the suspension for a few months, expecially if your cruiser budget is limited. While these are terrific vehicles, they often come with a variety of deferred maintenance issues. If it were up to me, I would put my money toward making sure the truck is operating well and reliably before undertaking modifications. The money it takes to do a suspension right goes along way toward getting the cruiser up to snuff mechancially.

 

[lovetoski]

If it were me, and this is completely unsolicited advice, I would not do anything with the suspension for a few months, expecially if your cruiser budget is limited. While these are terrific vehicles, they often come with a variety of deferred maintenance issues. If it were up to me, I would put my money toward making sure the truck is operating well and reliably before undertaking modifications. The money it takes to do a suspension right goes along way toward getting the cruiser up to snuff mechancially.

Good advice. This is partly why I sugest that add-a-leafs might be a good short-term solution. If the current suspension really sucks, this will make a difference now, for low bucks.

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thanks for the info doug. if i were to get the spring package through say Alcan, can i order the shackles, bushings and pins from somewhere else? would the springs lift and perform well? as well as Dakar? just trying to figure my options and hopfully save a little $.
05-11-05 11:05 PM

Yes. You can get springs though one vendor, and the other stuff from somebody else. The only reason to do this realistically though is if you are staging your "upgrades" for cash flow reasons. Buying a complete kit at one time is the least hassle way to do it, but has the greatest at once cash outlay.

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ok. so if i plan on keeping this truck, which i do, it sounds like OME or Dakar is the way to go. what can i plan on spending (ballpark) for the Dakar kit, brake lines, u-bolts, steering stabilizer and other misc.? i'll install it so don't estimate labor. to run 33x9.50's will i need to change the ratio? i won't be crawling or going too heavy off-road. mostly a daily driver with some weekend trips into the hills and moab.

A fair number of us run 33's with 3.70. It's great for city and highway use. OK for mild off-road. I have this setup. Soccer camp for my daughter or lower gears...hmmm, easy call really for me. I mostly use my cruiser in town and on the road.

As you can tell, I haven't figured out how to do multiple quotes in a response correctly. Still technically a bit illeratate...

 

[sandcruiser]

you can get stock springs rearched. Shouldn't cost much, won't last more than 2 years (max) but is a decent stopgap solution while you are figuring out what you want to do.

Coilovers is another option that is more common down here in Central America than up there.... but I've never driven a truck equipped like that , so I can't really comment on how well it works.

I do agree with the folks above who suggest waiting until you know more about what you really want. We got lucky with most of our mods, but there are some that were at best a waste of money, at worst actually detracted from the vehicle for our purposes.

 

[j-dub]

well, i've got a few weeks to get the moolah together to do anything. time to mull it over. as of now i'm leaning toward the dakar setup. i'd like to do it right and preferably not piece it together. lots of good advice here. thanks.

 

[wingysataday]

What do you guys run for shocks?

 

[Mike S]

What do you guys run for shocks?

OME Nitrochargers. Good shocks.

M

 

[PabloCruise]

i just purchased an 87 fj60. i'm not too familiar with the ins and outs of it yet. right now the rig is stock with 31"s. i think it sits a little low and would like to have some more clearance. not looking for any thing too radical, thinking 33's would work for me. i'd like some suggestions on what size lift (suspension? body?) you guys with experience would recommend. price is somewhat of a factor, but ultimately i want to get the job done right. what do you suggest?

If it were me, and this is completely unsolicited advice, I would not do anything with the suspension for a few months, expecially if your cruiser budget is limited. While these are terrific vehicles, they often come with a variety of deferred maintenance issues. If it were up to me, I would put my money toward making sure the truck is operating well and reliably before undertaking modifications. The money it takes to do a suspension right goes along way toward getting the cruiser up to snuff mechancially.

I think CSA has some sound advice. Plus, if that is him in his avatar, he should just outright scare you into listening to him...

But if you are not familiar w/ 60's, this is a good time to do so.

Does it leak anywhere? Check for oil leaks at the pan, front cover, side cover, etc.

How is the carb and dizzy?

PS pump leak?

Rag joint? TRE's? Steering stabilizer?

Air pump?

T-case, pinion seal leaks?

Addressing thes issues would get you very familiar with your rig...

That will give you time to join a club and get familiar w/ spring options for you wagon.