In search of stock/OEM spring setup.

[Gusb]

I'm trying to get my springs/suspension back to a stock set-up (78 FJ40).

If my stock springs were still in place I'd be trying to get them re-arched but they are a mishmash of aftermarket/oversize shackles, bushings, etc.

Toyota tells me stock/OEM springs (big $) are discontinued.

SOR assures me they can order stock/OEM springs direct from Toyota (bigger $ + shipping). SOR also has used springs.

Not sure what all that really means?

So - should I try to get used springs from SOR and (after a possible re-arch) replace all hardware/bushings with new OEM stuff.

I would consider something like an Old Man Emu kit (more big $) if it's really the best and close to stock - but all that stuff seems so hard to ID/locate/buy with any kind of confidence. And I'm not really into all the yellow shocks, etc.

Any advice appreciated - thanks.

 

[allan man]

eBay Motors: TOYOTA 1978 FJ40 Original Leaf Springs Set of 4 (item 290273701802 end time Nov-15-08 07:33:05 PST)

 

[Gusb]

Thanks allen man - I'll keep an eye on those.

 

[Magnum44]

If you don't get the springs on ebay try a spring shop. I have in the past dealt with some reputable local shops who did great work and at a decent price.

 

[natvet]

Springs

I have a set from my 73 they look good. I will part with them pretty cheap if you are interested pm me.

Nathan

 

[Poser]

I'm trying to get my springs/suspension back to a stock set-up (78 FJ40).

If my stock springs were still in place I'd be trying to get them re-arched but they are a mishmash of aftermarket/oversize shackles, bushings, etc.

Toyota tells me stock/OEM springs (big $) are discontinued.

SOR assures me they can order stock/OEM springs direct from Toyota (bigger $ + shipping). SOR also has used springs.

Not sure what all that really means?

So - should I try to get used springs from SOR and (after a possible re-arch) replace all hardware/bushings with new OEM stuff.

I would consider something like an Old Man Emu kit (more big $) if it's really the best and close to stock - but all that stuff seems so hard to ID/locate/buy with any kind of confidence. And I'm not really into all the yellow shocks, etc.

Any advice appreciated - thanks.

What is your ultimate end game with this truck?



1000 point Concours restoration?

Daily driver on road only?

Daily driver/trail truck?


Trail truck?


????????



Black paint covers most colors really well.

 

[Gusb]

What is your ultimate end game with this truck?

1000 point Concours restoration?

Daily driver on road only?

Daily driver/trail truck?

Trail truck?

????????

I like the idea most things are stock/OEM. I also want some things to stay original, even though there is age and a bit of wear - I want some patina
For instance my hood has some surface rust and there are some other problems on the body to deal with but I'm more worried about things being solid historical cruiser with some original paint here and there than a frame-off/restored, with clear-coated good looks.

Ultimate end game - A solid reliable road vehicle that lives in the garage, is never driven much in general but can handle moderate trail stuff. For instance I'm thinking of a bit more aggressive tire just because it's not a really a daily driver, but my common sense side tells me I don't need anything more than a good, bit larger, strong all-weather type. I've got original steel wheels with PO black paint over the original gray and I went and bought OEM lug nuts and hub caps but could care less about the paint - go figure. But I am worried about good tires and those wheels being balanced. And I want a solid, practical suspension that tracks well on the road and has a few balls off road. I want to get Bilstein shocks but only because I've come to believe they're really a better all-round shock. Were everything stock, I might just buy stock shocks. I guess if I could convince myself something like Old Man Emu springs were really better (than stock, etc.) I'd try to go in that direction.