JT's FJ40 build

[fountainhead]

Question(s)-

In general, where should the rear shock brackets be mounted?

I'm assuming that in order to maximize the articulation you'd want the upper and lower brackets to be as far apart as possible so that the longest shock could be used...like on the side of the axle housing and on the frame cross member. I guess that's the way it is from the factory, and that's the way the lower mount is on my 80. That mount has taken a beating as well! It seems like that moving that mount to the top of the axle would be better in terms of protection, but would the loss of additional travel outweigh that?

Also, a lot (most) of the trucks I've seen have the rear shocks angled up towards the center of the cross member. Is this just so you can get a particular shock under the truck (i.e. they are too long to run in a true vertical position)? I can understand the geometry in terms of the angle and net travel, but is there a max or desired angle when installing them this way?

Kinda at a loss here...

 

[Bomar]

Thanks...it's been fun.

The wheels are basic, black, 16", D window wheels from Summit...2.5" back spacing. The tires are 37" KM2's from Nolen. It's the setup that's on the front several posts back.

Ohh....forgot awesome setup

 

[Bossman]

Question(s)-

In general, where should the rear shock brackets be mounted?

I'm assuming that in order to maximize the articulation you'd want the upper and lower brackets to be as far apart as possible so that the longest shock could be used...like on the side of the axle housing and on the frame cross member. I guess that's the way it is from the factory, and that's the way the lower mount is on my 80. That mount has taken a beating as well! It seems like that moving that mount to the top of the axle would be better in terms of protection, but would the loss of additional travel outweigh that?

Also, a lot (most) of the trucks I've seen have the rear shocks angled up towards the center of the cross member. Is this just so you can get a particular shock under the truck (i.e. they are too long to run in a true vertical position)? I can understand the geometry in terms of the angle and net travel, but is there a max or desired angle when installing them this way?

Kinda at a loss here...

Longest shock you can fit, the closer to vertical the better, no more tha 30 degrees, gas charged is good. Flex it without shocks and see what you can fit.

 

[wngrog]

I went with them angle to the middle first.


They didn't work at that angle.

The more angle, the less a shock performs.

I ended up putting mine up through the tub

I would rather limit droop than have them at an extreme angle and be worthless.

 

[fountainhead]

Longest shock you can fit, the closer to vertical the better, no more tha 30 degrees, gas charged is good. Flex it without shocks and see what you can fit.

I went with them angle to the middle first.


They didn't work at that angle.

The more angle, the less a shock performs.

I ended up putting mine up through the tub

I would rather limit droop than have them at an extreme angle and be worthless.

Any concerns with putting the bottom shock mounts middle ways down on the front of the axle housing? Maybe the closer to the tire the better?

Good stuff...thanks for the replies!

 

[Bomar]

Just make some skids or covers for the shock ends. I can't seem to keep a shock together for more than a few years.

 

[orangefj45]

You'd be far better off mounting them on the rear of the housing ....... or they won't last long in the rocks.


And absolutely as upright as possible.

 

[fountainhead]

Roger that. Thanks.

 

[speedn3]

Any updates?

 

[Bodean]

I put the valve cover on it today. That is all.

 

[fountainhead]

Was about half way down page two, so I figured I'd bump it.

Haven't done a whole lot in the new year:

Got some spacers.
Returned the borrowed front spacers to Srob.
Trimmed the rear quarters so the rear tires could be put on...30 second hack job just to get her rolling.
Fixed some clearance issues with the Rough Stuff diff cover...well documented ring gear interference.
Replaced pretty much every wire from the dash to the front of the truck (major pain in the ass with a load of troubleshooting remaining).
Installed a tach and water temp guage to the left of the steering column.
Making preparations for a switch panel in the radio delete area...ARB and light switches.
Removed the choke cable assembly, moved the hazard switch to the choke cable knob location, and drilled out some holes for some 12V accessory plugs.
Began the AFI install...drilled hole and ran harness through firewall, replaced distributor, installed the downey adapter plate, throttle body, and the downey air cleaner assembly.
Maybe some other stuff...I don't know.

Had 6 - 7 hours to piddle with her today. This is how she sits right now:



Pretty low in the rear. Honestly, this was/is a surprise. I used 2 sets of 60 series rear springs...one set was clearly more broken in than the other (i.e. one set had considerably more arch than the other set). Considering all the weight on the front end of the rig, I chose to put the more 'arched' set up front. I figured that would result in a fairly level stance. Oops. Gonna have to figure something out here that doesn't impact flex.

That's it. Motivation is low.

 

[wngrog]

In the rear, you can do lots of things to add lift that won't hurt you.

Start with shackles

Add a small lead to the bottom of the pack.

Not a big deal.

Looks great

 

[southff4]

This thing is going to be sweet! So hurry up already....

 

[Bodean]

I still think it will settle a bit in the front once you do the winch, bumpers, and the front sheet metal.

 

[Bodean]

The trusty Metal Tech cage going in!

 

[Bodean]

Jrob doin' work! Notice that fancy Bossman Fab welding helmet.

 

[wct49]

View attachment 872473

The trusty Metal Tech cage going in!

View attachment 872476

Jrob doin' work! Notice that fancy Bossman Fab welding helmet.

get it boys!

 

[Bossman]

Too much! You guys are awesome

 

[lenross1]

Looks like its pretty much finished. Good work!

 

[Clutchee]

Hot dam!