PabloCruise
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Is this a good time for a little music break?
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RUSH55
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- Thread starter
- #323
Rain all week has hampered my efforts, so been obsessing about suspension design. Lots and lots of obsessing.
I’ve kind of abstained from running off at the mouth with plans because my mind changes hourly. I think though (hesitantly), that the plan is taking a little more of a defined shape. Sometimes, when thinking about doing a build, it might be as helpful or maybe more helpful to know what you really DON’T plan on doing with the rig as much as what you DO. With all the options there are, it’s easy to get carried away and morph something you planned on using and driving into something that doesn’t get used or driven much at all.
So then to switch a gear here, something I’ve found out so far in tearing a vehicle all the way down to the frame, is becoming aware of all these little details about the vehicle you may have never noticed or known. For instance - I’ve never really noticed the difference between the front spring hangers and the rear, or the fact that the two pin retainer bolts are a few degrees off from being horizontal.
Here is the left front hanger, looking from the front. The factory put a bend on the inside facing edge instead of making it completely flat, like the rears.
Right rear hanger, showing the angle of the retaining bolts in relation to the frame.
From the inside looking at the same hanger - flat all the way across.
I’ve kind of abstained from running off at the mouth with plans because my mind changes hourly. I think though (hesitantly), that the plan is taking a little more of a defined shape. Sometimes, when thinking about doing a build, it might be as helpful or maybe more helpful to know what you really DON’T plan on doing with the rig as much as what you DO. With all the options there are, it’s easy to get carried away and morph something you planned on using and driving into something that doesn’t get used or driven much at all.
So then to switch a gear here, something I’ve found out so far in tearing a vehicle all the way down to the frame, is becoming aware of all these little details about the vehicle you may have never noticed or known. For instance - I’ve never really noticed the difference between the front spring hangers and the rear, or the fact that the two pin retainer bolts are a few degrees off from being horizontal.
Here is the left front hanger, looking from the front. The factory put a bend on the inside facing edge instead of making it completely flat, like the rears.
Right rear hanger, showing the angle of the retaining bolts in relation to the frame.
From the inside looking at the same hanger - flat all the way across.
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RUSH55
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #325
Here are a couple of shots of the 4+plus shackle reversal that I installed back around 2000/2001. Many things about this kit have left me scratching my head. I understand that there are tons of variables to account for when designing something like this that satisfies suspension and steering requirements, but to say that the overall component list with install was a bit shy, would be an understatement.
So, my first action with the suspension, in conjunction with the conversion to FJ60 axles is to remove this kit, and build my own outboarded front spring hangers out of rear axle spring hangers I have from the chopped frame. I’m staying with the reversal because I just prefer the look and the spring motion, not because I think it’s any better than the original setup. Although many other manufacturers have designed their suspensions with the hangers in front, and run them successfully without outcry from their customer population.
So, my first action with the suspension, in conjunction with the conversion to FJ60 axles is to remove this kit, and build my own outboarded front spring hangers out of rear axle spring hangers I have from the chopped frame. I’m staying with the reversal because I just prefer the look and the spring motion, not because I think it’s any better than the original setup. Although many other manufacturers have designed their suspensions with the hangers in front, and run them successfully without outcry from their customer population.
RUSH55
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- Thread starter
- #326
And one last blurb of note - after much obsessing... much, much obsessing, I’ve decided (with a heavy heart) to remain SUA. I’ve really put probably too much thought into which to go with before settling with a decision. There are a handful of rigs running SOA that just make me crave to go there. Number one on my list is my old pal @RHINO ‘s old rig that was just awesome! So much flex, such great ride quality, so relatively low (still ran 37’s). Craig’s @fj55tlc , beautiful, and badass rig. Evan’s @fj55-100 , equally badass rig. I’ve studied them and probably 10 - 20 others in several old and forgotten threads. I think what it ends up boiling down to, is that I don’t plan on running tires bigger than 35’s, and maybe in another 20 - 25 years, may end up stepping down to 33’s (
please God, no).
I really like the all around use of 35’s, but mostly, can’t see myself being happy forking out money for even BIGGER tires every 8 - 10 years. And understanding what you’re NOT gonna be doing comes in to play here, as I’m not planning on running anymore 3+ rock crawling trails (maybe 3-?
).
So there you have it - some definite maybes somewhat solidified into a direction.
please God, no).I really like the all around use of 35’s, but mostly, can’t see myself being happy forking out money for even BIGGER tires every 8 - 10 years. And understanding what you’re NOT gonna be doing comes in to play here, as I’m not planning on running anymore 3+ rock crawling trails (maybe 3-?
).So there you have it - some definite maybes somewhat solidified into a direction.
This is an important part of ending up happy.
Everyone I talk to about my pig reminds me of this, at this point in its life I really don’t plan to thrash it that hard...just gravel travel mostly, so SUA will meet all its needs.
It ain't so bad and in twenty more years you might be really glad you can get in without pulling a hammy. Now more important, are you going to use stainless steel button heads or cadmium plate the JIS spring hanger bolts.maybe in another 20 - 25 years, may end up stepping down to 33’s (
PabloCruise
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RUSH55
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- Thread starter
- #330
It ain't so bad and in twenty more years you might be really glad you can get in without pulling a hammy. Now more important, are you going to use stainless steel button heads or cadmium plate the JIS spring hanger bolts.
I hear you Ron, kinda thinking ahead in that regard.
As far as stainless vs. cadmium plated hex bolts, what do you think is the sweetest? How about cadmium plated spring pin with stainless button heads?
I like the way you're thinking!
RUSH55
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- Thread starter
- #333
Pig on a spit - man I love this thing! Gearing up to be a #productive day. Want to weld some holes along the roof line, remove some riff raff along the inner roof line, wire wheel the ceiling, and possibly fill a couple holes there.
Looks to be some pretty good factory rust on the inner roof structure. Not gonna worry about that too much. That’ll be where that Fluid Film stuff and some inner frame coating will come in handy.
Looks to be some pretty good factory rust on the inner roof structure. Not gonna worry about that too much. That’ll be where that Fluid Film stuff and some inner frame coating will come in handy.
That's the way to do it!
I think you were asking about cross sections? Found this in my saved pics...
fj55-100
SILVER Star
Rush55 great job , i wish i still had your motivation , mine is well overdue for a re-doo . sometimes i think it would be easier to build another one than to fix the mistakes of my past... and i agree on comfort ,,the hardest thing my pig has seen in the last 5 years is my gravel driveway .
RUSH55
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- Thread starter
- #340
Thank you!
Yes, it kinda boils down to how much needs to be done, and how much room you have in your driveway... or garage.... or in some lucky peoples instances, your shop!
Good thing about sticking it out with your original rig is that you already know what you want to do/un-do, while if you get another, you get to undo what all the other PO’s did on top of fixup. 6 of one, half-dozen of the other I guess. New rigs always bring on some fresh excitement though.
I do know that there are several of us veterans with modded wheeling rigs that sometimes daydream about a simpler, more stockish ride to putt around town in. Then once you get that, then you know you have to make a yearly trip to some unforeseen destination like Rico, or North Rim, or Moab. Then you know a 5 speed tranny would make that a little more comfortable. Some bigger tires would help make it a little more capable, maybe a V8, power steering, a roof rack, some lockers.... tire carrier... winch... more lift... mu.... nee... er...
Yes, it kinda boils down to how much needs to be done, and how much room you have in your driveway... or garage.... or in some lucky peoples instances, your shop!
Good thing about sticking it out with your original rig is that you already know what you want to do/un-do, while if you get another, you get to undo what all the other PO’s did on top of fixup. 6 of one, half-dozen of the other I guess. New rigs always bring on some fresh excitement though.
I do know that there are several of us veterans with modded wheeling rigs that sometimes daydream about a simpler, more stockish ride to putt around town in. Then once you get that, then you know you have to make a yearly trip to some unforeseen destination like Rico, or North Rim, or Moab. Then you know a 5 speed tranny would make that a little more comfortable. Some bigger tires would help make it a little more capable, maybe a V8, power steering, a roof rack, some lockers.... tire carrier... winch... more lift... mu.... nee... er...
