Fun with suspension and axles

[Mike S]

I have a rear FF axle on the way and will set up my 60 with new suspension. I would like about 1-1/2" of lift over stock. Does the FF have any gotchas that change the consideration of suspension?

I expect to use the stock 3.70 thirdmember and put an ARB locker in when the work is going on. Also, I have no problem with the drum brakes on my stock axle, but could convert to disks if they are a significant improvement.

Any ideas or experience to share?

Mike S

 

[lovetoski]

Mike,

I have no personal experience with this mod, so all I can offer is that from what I've read it's a straight bolt-in.

I do have a question though - what was your rationale behind doing the FF swap? I understand how it is different, but I'm not sure how the difference translates into a benefit.

See, I can't justify getting one just because...I gotta have a good reason...'cause maybe I gotta explain it to somebody...

Best Regards,

 

[dd113]

I am installing a FF right now. Most all of it is the exact same suspension wise. If you get a good FF you will hvae provisions for a RR sway bar that will help out a bunch.

I got the FF beacuse it is not just a little stronger but a BUNCH stronger that a SF. For the wheeling I do I need the extra strenght. Yo also can drive out in FWD with a butsted axle. Cant do that in a SF. Heavy truck, fully loaded down combined with hard trails = FF

 

[Mike S]

Mike,

I have no personal experience with this mod, so all I can offer is that from what I've read it's a straight bolt-in.

I do have a question though - what was your rationale behind doing the FF swap? I understand how it is different, but I'm not sure how the difference translates into a benefit.

See, I can't justify getting one just because...I gotta have a good reason...'cause maybe I gotta explain it to somebody...

Best Regards,

Agree with the post above. and the FF allows mounting of LC rear disk brakes or a LC elec or cable locker.

Mike S

 

[VTCruiser]

also if you break an axle, your wheel won't fall off....this happened to my friend's SF jeep axle of course... )

what axle code identifies a toyota FF?

 

[esh]

lol that's a big if, and your friend's was a jeep!

I'm not sold on FF rears unless you're into expedition-loaded rigs. Just don't hear anyone breaking their axles on cruisers in general-purpose use.

 

[euclid]

Mike and David,
Are you using FF OEM 60 axles, or modifying an axle from an 80? If an 80, isn't it a little bit wider than a stock 6X axle? How will you address that issue, spacers behind the wheels?

GT

I am installing a FF right now. Most all of it is the exact same suspension wise. If you get a good FF you will hvae provisions for a RR sway bar that will help out a bunch.

I got the FF beacuse it is not just a little stronger but a BUNCH stronger that a SF. For the wheeling I do I need the extra strenght. Yo also can drive out in FWD with a butsted axle. Cant do that in a SF. Heavy truck, fully loaded down combined with hard trails = FF

 

[Mike S]

Mike and David,
Are you using FF OEM 60 axles, or modifying an axle from an 80? If an 80, isn't it a little bit wider than a stock 6X axle? How will you address that issue, spacers behind the wheels?

GT

The one I am getting is from an FJ60 or HJ60 - came through G&S Cruisers in Canada.

I am doing this mod for 'overbuild protection', and, like Bill Clinton - "Because I can."

Seriously, I often tow on bad roads/trails and want any advantage or extra strength that I can get. I actually ripped my pintle hitch off the truck on the Selway in Idaho about 10 days ago. Easy to fix, but I got to thinking about a more bullet proof truck in general.

Mike S