Franken-spring pack?

[HTC42]

Now that I have my 1978 FJ40 running on all 6, I’m concerned by the gangster lean on these tired old leaf packs… and the ride could be smoother. Truck is sprung over, so I don’t want any more lift than is going to happen with springs with a proper arch.
One option locally is to have them re arched at the tune of $75 a corner.
I was thinking about building some custom packs, and am open to slightly extending the wheel base. Also considering shackle reversal for the front.

An affordable option to reinventing the wheel would be awesome.

Your thoughts?

 

[pb4ugo]

Spring overs typically use a flatter spring. How's the steering geometry? Caster? Has the frt end had a cut and turn to correct the driveshaft angle and caster angle? Are you running hi steer arms? Do you have any pics of your current setup?

 

[pbgbottle]

I mix and match leafs to make my packs with my SOA.

 

[peesalot]

Pb, I have a set of custom Alcans that I ran for 20 years, took off to go coilovers, they are in great shape, I was SOA with 4.25" uptravel on 12" shocks, yours if you want em. They are a bit longer than stock 40 springs ( 1.5" ) and the center pin is pushed back 1.5" from stock, has military wrap on fixed hanger end. So they move front end forward if used up front, rear back if used out back, they fit stock 40 hanger locations.

 

[JohnnyC]

so all your worried about is a lean and smoother ride?

they all lean.... there r ways to correct that... search "cruiser lean"

smoother ride.... flat springs on a spring over are as smooth as you'll find really... could be your shocks... shock upgrade maybe... and how tight are your shackles? tight shackles ride like on cinder blocks

I have SR... its kinda overrated really.... not worth the extra effort IMHO

 

[JohnnyC]

also detailed pics of what you have would be helpful.... anything else is just pepper spraying the sky to hit a fly

 

[HTC42]

Here are few shots from up front. Cut and turned with 4x4 labs frombe steer

 

[HTC42]

so all your worried about is a lean and smoother ride?

they all lean.... there r ways to correct that... search "cruiser lean"

smoother ride.... flat springs on a spring over are as smooth as you'll find really... could be your shocks... shock upgrade maybe... and how tight are your shackles? tight shackles ride like on cinder blocks

I have SR... its kinda overrated really.... not worth the extra effort IMHO

I’m sure my shocks are trashed. I need new lower mounts for the rear, as I am currently using the stock u bolt plate on top of the spring pack. Very short.

 

[peesalot]

Zerks in the DLE & TRE will prolong their life, let me know if you are interested in springs.

 

[pb4ugo]

I'd probably do new bushings and good shocks to start. Maybe service the knuckles, they appear to be leaking. The lean could be a result of "cruiser lean". Then see if new springs are necessary.

 

[HTC42]

so all your worried about is a lean and smoother ride?

they all lean.... there r ways to correct that... search "cruiser lean"

smoother ride.... flat springs on a spring over are as smooth as you'll find really... could be your shocks... shock upgrade maybe... and how tight are your shackles? tight shackles ride like on cinder blocks

I have SR... its kinda overrated really.... not worth the extra effort IMHO

I’m sure my shocks are trashed. I need new lower mounts for

Zerks in the DLE & TRE will prolong their life, let me know if you are interested in springs.

where are you located? I’m in Oregon

 

[JohnnyC]

your springs are pretty flat... I would just remove the bushings .... grease it all up... make sure shackles go on NOT tight ( not compressing bushing) ... I only see one of your bushings

open up the spring clamps fully and use a bolt on top to limit the spring... you can run them for a time just open like that... but chance breaking a leaf over time with a lot of hard wheeling

new shocks ... Bilstein has good reviews

you could remove a lower leaf for even softer... but I think the other stuff should make difference IMHO

 

[peesalot]

Nor Cal, Sonoma county. Have some contacts up your way that may be traveling and could get them to OR ? 1 in Bend & 1 over by Medford if that helps