Flexibility issues, rough riding suspension (1 Viewer)

[cruiserhead75]

hello all,
my 75 Fj40 was purchased with a good sized lift, id guess 3-4". This is nice and all, but i think that my cruiser could perform better off road, and have a smoother ride if my shackles weren't at the worst possible angle. I am running con-fer shackles, and the type of leafs....I have no idea, they have a good amount of arch, but are not long enough. My rear axle has no flex because the way it sits, the shackles are perpendicular to the frame, leaving no "drop" to be allowed. The most simple remedy i believe is to buy different leafs, that are longer and softer to impove flexibility and ride quality. What type of leaf springs are preferred for the FJ40. I am considering OME, becuase i have heard wonderful things, but only for the J60 series trucks.

 

[CruiserStuff]

throw up some pics of how it looks now.....any idea what kind of springs are on there?

 

[35inchoverdrive]

Are the lift springs new? If so, they will probably settle in, and give you much better flex over time. There are a couple of spring manufacturers out there that did make some lift springs that weren't long enough. I think the Pinacle Springs that JTO sells have that problem. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[cruiserhead75]

The lift springs are not new, i have owned the vehicle for nearly two years. I have been on a few offroad trips since then, and one Moab trip. Even if they do settle, i doubt they could settle enough to make my shackle angle any better, my shackles are aimed straight towards the ground (90 degrees?)

 

[inkpot]

Howdy! While your shackle angle may not be optimum, it is not likely to be the biggest part of your problem. Many "lift" springs are way too stiff. You could try taking a leaf out to see if it improves the ride. John

 

[4x4Poet]

Custom springs can accomodate your shackle angle needs. Alcan Spring in Grand Junction, Co and others (Deaver, National, etc) make much better desgned lift springs than off-the-shelf stuff. More dough, though.

 

[cruiserhead75]

I have looked into Alcan. My brothers 85' 4 runner has them. They are sweet, but to much dough for my wallet. I have also heard rumor that they tend to sag. My brothers toy with alcan springs sags.

 

[35inchoverdrive]

The lift springs are not new, i have owned the vehicle for nearly two years. I have been on a few offroad trips since then, and one Moab trip. Even if they do settle, i doubt they could settle enough to make my shackle angle any better, my shackles are aimed straight towards the ground (90 degrees?)

If they aren't new and have several wheeling trips on them, then you are right. Stiff springs are one thing, but it sounds like the ones you've got are just too short. You are gonna have to ditch them for something right length.

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

I'd vote for removing one leaf from each spring pack, then run the rig on some trails.

By removing a leaf from each spring, you will be reducing the spring rate. By then using the suspension on the trail it will help break-in these springs so they droop a bit and improve the shackle angles.

If after a few years use the sagging get too much, then slap those leafs back into the packs to shore 'em up.

Regards,

Alan

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

I had the same issue as you afew years ago. My 4" springs were too short and raelly stiff. You defenitely will need different springs. I dont know mutch about which spring is best, but I have run OEM and they are a nice ride. I have done the add a leafs for a littl lift with OEM with good results (even though lots of people will tell you thats just a bandaid) My 80 series has OME springs and they are realy realy nice. Love em' Next time I own a 40 I think based on my experience with the 80 series, I will buy OME.

One thing I did to remedy the ride quality short term until you switch springs is go and buy 6 bags of rock salt and through in the back. My leafs were terrible, and that made the ride at lease tolerable and didnt cost much. Just my $.02