Front link suspension on FJ40's

[matzell]

We have an axle thread now, lol! Now lets see some link pics on your 40 series. (Front only) I know the advantage of a 3 link front for adjustability but also know the packaging of the 80 series radius arms. Lets see what you are using.

I am debating doing a 3 link with a TJ style coil spring, or just go with a true coil-over shock, which I think will package better. I have also thought about using some 80 radius arms and build that style suspension. This will be on a wheeler but not huge. think 60 series front axle and 35's. I added wider tires and now want to get rid of my wheel spacers and put a 60 housing under the front. If I have to outboard the springs, I may just get rid of them.

 

[Mike Shull]

It sounds like it’s time to start a new build thread to get the energy pumped back into this part of the forum. Maybe a linked FJ28.

Are you working on your blue Cruiser, Rob?

 

[Mike Shull]

I’m surprised but I don’t have very many pictures of my front suspension being built. I must have been pretty burned out with the project at that point.

 

[matzell]

Yes, this would be on the "little" blue one, Lynchburg Lemonade. It rides better with the new springs, but it changes with the top on and off, that thing is heavy. I have thought about linking it since I built it but wanted to try to get the springs to ride, decent. On road it is great, off, it is a lot better than it was. I need to raise it about 1-2" for more up travel. I flexed it out good last month wheeling at Fall Crawl. It rubs a little on the front fenders and I do not want to trim anymore. I like the speeds I can go in my racecar on links and coilovers. I do not plan on putting bypass shocks on this, but it would be cool!

I am looking for pics of where the mounts are on the axle and frame side if anyone has them.

In the meantime, my garage addition is about wrapped up. I started moving stuff in yesterday. The engine under plastic is my 403 stroker for my K5. The other is a 6.0 I pulled out of my original stretched40 project.

 

[matzell]

duplicate

 

[peesalot]

1 too many. what is that room, do you do surgery on fj40's, I am not familiar with that kind of orginization or cleanliness, is a female in charge of this build ?

 

[matzell]

Well, my 40 fits

 

[matzell]

1 too many. what is that room, do you do surgery on fj40's, I am not familiar with that kind of orginization or cleanliness, is a female in charge of this build ?

Maybe this will make you feel better... this is the other side

 

[Ditcherman]

Maybe this will make you feel better... this is the othwr side

View attachment 4031616

That feels better.

I don’t have too many pics of front end either, but after realizing what your after I’m afraid I couldn’t be much help anyway, with my very non-pure truck frame. I can get more pics or send the link spreadsheet measurements if it would help.
On a HP D60 kingpin.

I will say I did not cut through the fenders into the engine bay for the coilovers and I’m happy with it

Fox 2.5 with DSC.

 

[matzell]

That feels better.

I don’t have too many pics of front end either, but after realizing what your after I’m afraid I couldn’t be much help anyway, with my very non-pure truck frame. I can get more pics or send the link spreadsheet measurements if it would help.
On a HP D60 kingpin.
View attachment 4032060
I will say I did not cut through the fenders into the engine bay for the coilovers and I’m happy with it
View attachment 4032062
Fox 2.5 with DSC.

I am actually talking about putting a FJ60 front housing in. Not ready for a Dana 60 with 35's

 

[matzell]

Anyone have more pics of upper shock mounts?

 

[yOHda]

No real good pics. But this is originally what I put the 80 series ruffstuff housing under. About 12 years ago. I used 16 coilovers. 3 link. Fj60 leaves rear with some tricks. 80 series rear axle. 37s.

 

[dr_dobro]

I’ve been using these :

Frame Shock Tower Pair

Barnes 4WD Frame shock towers are great way to get your Air shocks, Coilovers or ORI struts mounted to your frame. These shock towers are made from ¼ steel, sure we could have made them out of 3/16 and saved some money but we did not feel that would withstand the abuse that rigs are now seeing...

barnes4wd.com

The past frame I built, was able to accommodate 16” Oris, having the axle mount behind the housing (keeping CG a bit lower)

current build, using the same towers along with the same method….

 

[peesalot]

80 axles ?

 

[dr_dobro]

80 axles ?

The rear on this photo it is (now it’s a 14 bolt)
The front is a custom one, 9.5” center with 80 outer knuckles at 67” wms

 

[DangerNoodle]

I'm packed pretty well, 80s front and rear, 16"s front, 12"s rear. Sit at about a 3" lift with 37"s.

 

[archie73]

I’ve been using these :

Frame Shock Tower Pair

Barnes 4WD Frame shock towers are great way to get your Air shocks, Coilovers or ORI struts mounted to your frame. These shock towers are made from ¼ steel, sure we could have made them out of 3/16 and saved some money but we did not feel that would withstand the abuse that rigs are now seeing...

barnes4wd.com

The past frame I built, was able to accommodate 16” Oris, having the axle mount behind the housing (keeping CG a bit lower)

current build, using the same towers along with the same method….

View attachment 4034806

How did you like the ORI’s? Seem to get mixed reviews online. I like the idea, but the thought of air shocks on a street/trail truck is daunting…

 

[dr_dobro]

How did you like the ORI’s? Seem to get mixed reviews online. I like the idea, but the thought of air shocks on a street/trail truck is daunting…

Coming from both, I prefer the ORI’s rather than coilovers…. (This is when people will argue, but again, my take). The one thing I learned, from seeing others, is that most people don’t follow manufactures instructions, arguing how they don’t like ORI’s ?The most common issue I’ve seen was setting them with very little uptravel, second would be their angles…..
Both will have to be rebuilt after some usage, I think the one big advantage of the ORI’s is packaging. They do take less space to install and the fact you can dial them anywhere you go (with your tank) once you figure out the sweet spot. Coilovers are far more complicated to set right and the dislike of being frustrated finding the right coil rate and preload while spending countless $ figuring it out…. Angling is als an issue for them.

I did DD an 80 with ORI’s in all 4 corners for 3 years before my son wrecked it in the woods.
0 complains, again, my 02 cents based on experiences

 

[bluehawk]

Maybe this will make you feel better... this is the other side

View attachment 4031616

That's a good looking sign above the door back there

 

[matzell]

I am thinking this with coilovers