fj62 suspension work on a budget, doing it without leaf spring replacement?

[bigred1]

Greetings,
I know this is a heavy topic here with lots of info, but Im still stuck on how to proceed. My goal is not to lift my truck but to better the ride. Im finding that I offroad less and less and it is a daily driver (7 miles total a day).

I had a shop here in Atlanta tell me my leaf springs looked to still be in decent shape and that the eyes wherent flared or anything. Looks like I do have everything original though. The truck was pretty much only highway driven. The quote they gave for total suspension kit replacement and install was $2300. Im sure they would do a great job but I really only have about $1000 to dedicate to this project.

So, they are willing to piece meal anything so whats going to make the difference for me. I thought doing everything but the leaf springs, including the labor for them, just about brings me down to $1000. What should I pick and choose to get the best bang for the buck. I dont have the tools or exp to do this myself unfortunatly. Heres the list:

ARB OME Front leaf Springs
ARB OME Front Shocks
ARB OME Rear Leaf Springs
ARB OME Rear Shocks
ARB OME Spring Bushings
ARB OME U-Bolts
ARB OME Anti Inversion Kit
ARB OME Greaseable Shackle
ARB OME Greaseable Pins

Any shared opinions or experience doing this would be much appreciated.

D

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Bang for buck: New bushings, greasable pins/shackles and new shocks all around.

Or a complete new suspension.

You sure you can't do the work yourself?

On the shocks, if you are sticking with the stock suspension, new OEM shocks from Toyota are a steal at $25 each. Call Cruiserdan for these. I just put new shocks on my FJ62 and it made a huge difference in ride comfort.

 

[zuluzeugma]

Bang for buck: New bushings, greasable pins/shackles and new shocks all around.

Could'nt agree more. This is def. first in line

 

[bigred1]

Thanks alot guys this is just what I was wanting to hear. Im getting new tires on her as well so I should hopefully feel a big difference.

 

[lehiguy]

Do it yourself. You will absolutely need to get four new springs (OME is the ONLY way to go) new bushings (OME are best, Energy Suspension cost less, but are not as durable) and new U-bolts. Shocks may be optional, just make sure they are not too short or too long. Talk to Cruiser Outfitters in Sandy, UT. Kurt is fair and his prices are great. Keeping this under $1000 should not be all that hard to do.

 

[Mace]

If you are not looking for any lift there is no reason to replace the springs. Get some quality shocks on there, replace the bushings with new rubber ones and enjoy just as Drew mentioned.