For everyone who has installed an aftermarket lift kit
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FWIW, I just had a 4 inch lift installed on my 76' SBC 40. I looked at buying a kit vs. have my local spring shop do it and in the end am very happy with going with my spring shop. They custom built my spring pack, using new and reforged springs from my OEM stuff, and were even able to account for added weight (spare tire on drivers side, etc). When it was all said and done, they did it for 1400.00 including adding longer brake lines, bleeding, etc. without me having to lift a finger. I cant complain. I would recommend using a spring shop if that is an option in your area. Mine also was familar with FJ-40's and I have the added advantage of taking it back for readjustments in the future from spring adjustments, etc.
YC
YC
I installed Heystee Parabolic 4" lift with extended shackles
I used Pro-Comp shocks, and had to replace the front shocks with longer units as we got the travel wrong and the original shock fitted was too short.
It required 4 degree caster shims, but it still didn't feel right so I replaced the 4* with 6* Feels much better on the road now.
I am now also considering putting a double cardan joint on the rear propshaft.
Hindsight is a perfect science (20/20) ! !
Thats why for my current rebuild (1983 FJ40 LX) I have opted for a Hellcreek 2.5 inch lift. But this still has to be installed
I used Pro-Comp shocks, and had to replace the front shocks with longer units as we got the travel wrong and the original shock fitted was too short.
It required 4 degree caster shims, but it still didn't feel right so I replaced the 4* with 6* Feels much better on the road now.
I am now also considering putting a double cardan joint on the rear propshaft.
Hindsight is a perfect science (20/20) ! !
Thats why for my current rebuild (1983 FJ40 LX) I have opted for a Hellcreek 2.5 inch lift. But this still has to be installed
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I'm running 4" NHKs [The brand I sell] front and Alcan rears on both the 40 and the 45, with the Double D shackles and Doetch Tech shocks [which I don't sell, but am a fan of thanks to Downey!]
Very happy with both setups. Zero steering, tracking, wobble issues, and mad flex in the rear where it counts off road.
Very happy with both setups. Zero steering, tracking, wobble issues, and mad flex in the rear where it counts off road.
4WD Toyota Owner Magazine
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Mark--I love that you said "mad flex". And I am not being sarcastic or facetious. You know the lingo!
Dave
Dave
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2.5" kit worked out of the box. However I did buy the complete kit including shackles to match. A SR was done at the same time by Cruiser Outfitters. I'm assuming the lift would have worked without issue with no SR but I will never know
Previous owner had installed a Advanced handling bolt on shackle reversal and extended shackles in the rear. Did not drive it much this way.
I am on the Cruiserdrew path of evolution.
Installed 4" Skyjacker lift kit with MAF extended Try shackles in the rear and dog bone shackles up front. Skyjacker Hydro Shocks. MAF UBolt FLip Kit. Had a new shackle reversal done. Installer used a (I believe) FJ60/62 Hanger. This kept the lift height the same as when I brought it in. Had the Saginaw Power steering redone at the same time using Decker's Kit. Net was almost 5 1/2" of lift This set up flexed well and was fine on the road. One of the rear springs began to sag. Installed an add a leaf at Skyjackers recommendation for the extra weight of the added rear bumper/tire carrier. The rep told me he recommends this add a leaf if you are running the hard top as well. Spring sag continued on one spring. Sky Jacker Warrantied the rear springs. The shackle reversal has gotten beat up hard on the rocks and has had to be straightened. Had a plate added on the front of it to act like a skid plate and straighten the hanger.
While waiting for Sky Jacker springs ordered a set of custom Alcans. Switched to Bilstein shocks. Installed MAF Tall Shock Tower (similar to Ford shock tower but way beefy). FJ60 full floating rear axle and wheel spacers upfront to equal out. Fronts had to redone as the center pin was in the wrong location and the spring would not flex properly. (flopped with these springs up front). Installed new Alcans upfront and they flex well. Almost to soft for on road driving. Rear Springs have near vertical shackle angle when not fully loaded with camping gear.
To do it again? If I stayed sprung under I would go with a 2 1/2" MAF, OME or other lift. Use Metal Tech High rise front tube fenders, cut the rear tub. I think you could fit 35" tall tires and keep your center of gravity low. (look at the buggy's they are all low) For Shackle reversal I would either keep it stock or use the short hanger you see on a lot of the spring overs. Or Spring over? Not sure what springs though. Not sure I would use ALcans again, maybe have a local shop make new springs or Deavers. I carry to much weight with extra parts, tools etc in teh rear and have a custom bumper, winch etc. up front for stock.
I am on the Cruiserdrew path of evolution.
Installed 4" Skyjacker lift kit with MAF extended Try shackles in the rear and dog bone shackles up front. Skyjacker Hydro Shocks. MAF UBolt FLip Kit. Had a new shackle reversal done. Installer used a (I believe) FJ60/62 Hanger. This kept the lift height the same as when I brought it in. Had the Saginaw Power steering redone at the same time using Decker's Kit. Net was almost 5 1/2" of lift This set up flexed well and was fine on the road. One of the rear springs began to sag. Installed an add a leaf at Skyjackers recommendation for the extra weight of the added rear bumper/tire carrier. The rep told me he recommends this add a leaf if you are running the hard top as well. Spring sag continued on one spring. Sky Jacker Warrantied the rear springs. The shackle reversal has gotten beat up hard on the rocks and has had to be straightened. Had a plate added on the front of it to act like a skid plate and straighten the hanger.
While waiting for Sky Jacker springs ordered a set of custom Alcans. Switched to Bilstein shocks. Installed MAF Tall Shock Tower (similar to Ford shock tower but way beefy). FJ60 full floating rear axle and wheel spacers upfront to equal out. Fronts had to redone as the center pin was in the wrong location and the spring would not flex properly. (flopped with these springs up front). Installed new Alcans upfront and they flex well. Almost to soft for on road driving. Rear Springs have near vertical shackle angle when not fully loaded with camping gear.
To do it again? If I stayed sprung under I would go with a 2 1/2" MAF, OME or other lift. Use Metal Tech High rise front tube fenders, cut the rear tub. I think you could fit 35" tall tires and keep your center of gravity low. (look at the buggy's they are all low) For Shackle reversal I would either keep it stock or use the short hanger you see on a lot of the spring overs. Or Spring over? Not sure what springs though. Not sure I would use ALcans again, maybe have a local shop make new springs or Deavers. I carry to much weight with extra parts, tools etc in teh rear and have a custom bumper, winch etc. up front for stock.
2.5" OME Heavy Duty Deluxe Kit. Bolted right up without any modifications.
