How to determine lift height for FJ40? (1 Viewer)

[Jalbao]

I am planning on getting new shocks for my 72 FJ40, but I do not know which size shocks to get since I don't know if my 40 is lifted .. and if it is, I don't know how much lift it has.

How can I determine what my lift is (if any)?

 

[JasonH]

Let's see a picture of it - preferably from the side.

 

[Jalbao]

Let's see a picture of it - preferably from the side.

I understand you wanting to get a visual of the lift, but isn't there a way to explicitly determine the lift? i.e. count the leaf springs? or use a tape measure? etc?

 

[madinal]

There are two types of lift, body and frame. The body lift is not that common and you can check the body to frame mounts to see if you have that. If it is a frame mount, measure the height of the frame above the pavement and compare to a non-lifted vehicle with the same tires. If stock tires, compare to the book.

 

[76 Land Bruiser]

top of spring to bottom of frame should be around 12 inches.

 

[red74fj40]

I have the same question. I know I have a lift, but no clue how much.

 

[MDTyree]

What size tires are you running now? That will help as well.

 

[dohcdelsol93]

looks to be a 4-1/2 lift.

my 2.5 lift has about half that wheel to fender clearance with 32" tires.

 

[76 Land Bruiser]

Those rear fenders look like they might have been chopped. 1 foot from top of rear spring to bottom of frame is stock spring ride height. Tires make no difference on axle to frame distance. If it is more than 12 inches then its lifted.

 

[red74fj40]

top of spring to bottom of frame should be around 12 inches.

Is this for the rear spring or front spring? I measured my back spring and got about 16-17 inches, but the front is right at twelve???

 

[JohnnyC]

To find the correct length for your shock... You need to compress and then drop and find shocks that fit your measurements

Search the words: drop compress shocks measure...There should be several threads about it

Edit: Found one... Here post #2
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/265590-qs-about-shocks-w-soa.html

 

[76 Land Bruiser]

Yes thats for the rear, shackles should only be 3 inches from center of bolt to center of bolt. If you measured 16-17 inches check the shackle, that should let you know pretty close to exactly how it was lifted. I.e. 5 inch shackles(2 in. Lift) plus springs that are 2-3 inch lift giving the total of 16-17 inches from spring to frame.

 

[JohnnyC]

Stock shackle till 1980 was 2 3/4"

A 5 1/4" long shackle is 2 1/2" longer than stock shackle... It will provide 1 1/4" of lift

 

[JohnnyC]

Btw your front shackle angle doesn't look all that great... You may want to check if the shackle bolts are way too tight and it's not letting the spring flex

Rear angle doesn't look too bad

 

[xrider]

Stock shackle till 1980 was 2 3/4"

A 5 1/4" long shackle is 2 1/2" longer than stock shackle... It will provide 1 1/4" of lift

What length are the shackles 1980 - 1984?

 

[JohnnyC]

What length are the shackles 1980 - 1984?

80-84 is 3"

 

[xrider]

Yes thats for the rear, shackles should only be 3 inches from center of bolt to center of bolt. If you measured 16-17 inches check the shackle, that should let you know pretty close to exactly how it was lifted. I.e. 5 inch shackles(2 in. Lift) plus springs that are 2-3 inch lift giving the total of 16-17 inches from spring to frame.

Same as "red74fj40" approx 12' in the front and approx. 17' in the rear. The rear shackles are 5' but the front one's are only 3'? Does that mean that the front is stock and the rear has been lifted? It looks level to me...current tire size is 31/10.5/15. I need new rubber & i'm thinking of putting on 33/10.5/15. However, i don't want to run into any issues (rubbing) with the larger size. Yes....i do go of the beaten track a bit, therefore 4x4 performance needs to be solid. Any thoughts are much appreciated...

 

[hatman406080]

71-- front and rear shackle, center of the bolt to center of the bolt 41/2". how much lift do i have?

 

[xrider]

Same as "red74fj40" approx 12' in the front and approx. 17' in the rear. The rear shackles are 5' but the front one's are only 3'? Does that mean that the front is stock and the rear has been lifted? It looks level to me...current tire size is 31/10.5/15. I need new rubber & i'm thinking of putting on 33/10.5/15. However, i don't want to run into any issues (rubbing) with the larger size. Yes....i do go of the beaten track a bit, therefore 4x4 performance needs to be solid. Any thoughts are much appreciated...

So...in short. 17' from shock to frame = how big is the lift??

 

[infullsite]

I purchased this 1972 FJ40 a few weeks ago. I too am unsure of the type / height of lift kit that has been pre-installed. 2 variables that may account for the slight drop in the front. It has a Chevy 350 and a 13k pound winch. The tires are 33 x 12.50 x 15. Any helpful comments would be appreciated.