Leaf spring question

[another line]

I have an 85 60 with original leaf springs that are worn out. I am interested in getting rid of the sag and to add a few inches of lift. The lift is not as important as the sag, but I would like to fit 33's with plenty of room. My question is if there is a set of leaf springs that will get rid of the sag, add a little lift, improve the ride, and can accomplish this without having to modify anything or extend anything when the springs are replaced. I pretty much just want to beef up the original suspension a little. I have looked at add-a-leafs, but they appear to worsen the ride from what I have read. Does anyone have any suggestions?
thanks.

 

[djawahir]

You can get the OME Dakar springs and just drop them in. But chances are, your shocks are as worn as your springs. They may need replacing too. I say you just get the whole lift kit. Unless of course, money is an issue...

 

[dogboy2]

go OME Dakar and never look back...

-db-

 

[CardinalFJ60]

I agree...

I'm with you Dogboy...

I just took the maiden voyage with my Dakars last night....in a word...saaaaah-weeet. Even if you don't have bumpers, winch, etc... you'll be sooo happy you got the OME Dakars. just get the ones for your setup - or future setup I never thought I'd get a winch, bumper, etc...but as time goes on and get the "disease", think ahead on your mods. (just my $.02). When I put my first lift on my FJ60, I thought, "man! this is perfect, I'll never need anything more than 31's and this 1.5" lift" HAH! The guys who helped, kinda smirked, and sacasticly said, "yeah, your set".

Well...now....33's, ARB, winch, and that lift just wasn't built for that ....I got the Dakar Heavies - love it.

Save the money, and go Dakar - you won't be dissappointed.

Hey Dogboy...are we almost twins? and yeah, I have a black-dog, too..

 

[FJTOYMAN]

So what if a guy dosen't have the money for a lift?
I'm in the same boat as another line. I'd like to fit 33. As my rig sits now on 31's I only have about 2" of clearance between the top of the tire and the fender. I'll need tires before I have the money for a lift. Any cheap options? Shackle lift or add a leaf?

 

[CardinalFJ60]

shackle lift will help ya'

I did a shackle lift on my first fj60. It'll give you about 50% of the extended length. that is, a shackle that's +1.5" will give you about 3/4" of lift. Keep in mind the stock shackles differ from front to rear. IIRC, the rears are about 3/4" or an inch longer than the fronts. When I did it the first time, I put the same length shackles all the way around and it actually looked like I exaggerated the sag I had going.

It'll help, but it can be a lot of work (easy, but time consuming). But works.

I just swapped out CCOT's original "lift/level" springs, for the Dakars. Those CCOT springs plus shackles (+1.5" fr, +2.5 Rr) gave me a total of about 1.5" of lift. I fit 33's on that, and didn't experience any rubbing. But only had the 33's for little while and didn't put them at full stuff ( I don't think).

 

[CardinalFJ60]

Pics above

This is my current FJ60 with those CCOT springs and extended shackles and 33's.

when I put the bumper and winch on it was just too much for those springs. good springs, but not made for that extra weight.

HTH

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

I rembmer doing a big ass MAF shackle lift and some add-a-leafs to get 33's under my 60. Sure looked cool but waht a mistake... Never mind the vibration etc from messing with my caster angle. See if you can find a used set of springs somewhere for your 60 is what I would do...

 

[another line]

You can get the OME Dakar springs and just drop them in. But chances are, your shocks are as worn as your springs. They may need replacing too. I say you just get the whole lift kit. Unless of course, money is an issue...

Thanks for the advice. Any suggestions on best prices for the OME Daker springs? I have just recently replaced my shocks. How much lift if any will this give?

Thanks

 

[euclid]

I have HFS on my truck... I cast another vote for OME Dakar's.

 

[89s rule]

I have just recently replaced my shocks.
Thanks

Hope they will work with the lift. Or you will be buying new shocks again.

OME give 2.5" look through past threads on lifts. There are tons out there and all your questions will be covered as a similar question seems to be asked at least once or twice each week.

 

[Front Range 4x4]

I have HFS on my truck... I cast another vote for OME Dakar's.

Hey Steve, I'm about to buy some used (3-4years) HFS, I'd like your insight...

 

[another line]

Thanks for the advice. If I go with a 2.5" spring and new shocks will any other modifications be required?

thanks

 

[Cookiemonster]

Do the OME Dakar with the 2.5"

I did the 4" but that was in preperation for an eventual diesel swap. 33's will be perfect with the 2.5"

If money is an issue then save up. It's for a good cause.

 

[2badfjs]

quote:another line...I have looked at add-a-leafs, but they appear to worsen the ride from what I have read. Does anyone have any suggestions?

my .02
i've got the full length add a leafs from man a fre on my SOA 60
oem springs were a little worn out, so in they went
i have no issues with them,nice ride,great flex!
if your on a budget, then this is the way to go(i'm always on a budget).
just make sure you dont use the short addaleafs, they will give you a harsh ride.

jim

 

[NorCal60]

Hey Jim, do those add-a-leafs get installed at the very bottom of the spring pack or between the bottom leaf and the rest of the spring pack?

 

[esh]

For a 2-3" lift you'll need to extend the brake lines near the wheels at each corner. If you've a front sway bar you'll need to extend it as well (I never bothered and just left it off).

Save up and buy Dakar or order up Alcans to your specs. You can generally fit 33s without a lift if you don't wheel it. Remember you're only decreasing the current clearance by 1".

 

[another line]

My main concern is to decrease the sag and increase the ride. I am not as concerned with the amount of lift. Could add-a-leafs be what I am looking for? It is looking like it just comes down to how much $$$$ i can spend.

 

[euclid]

Hey Steve, I'm about to buy some used (3-4years) HFS, I'd like your insight...

Not Steve, but I have some insight. I would try to ride in the truck before they are removed. My experience has been that the HFS springs ride really great, but they arn't stiff enough to hold up to wheeling or camping. I have the newer "heavier duty" springs on the rear now. The first springs CCOT sent me fell almost 2" in the first 2 weeks on my truck. THe heavy duty ones on there now have fallen about 1.5" in 4 months. I have only carried a load 3 or 4 times in that time period. I have talked to several folks with the HFS kits that have saging in the back with zero to no "heavy duty" type use. I think CCOT defines "heavy duty" differently than most cruiserheads.

HTH,
Greg

 

[Front Range 4x4]

Sorry Greg - I know you're not Steve


The owner is honest about it and since they're already off I'll have to take a look and give them a try. If they're no good I'll take it from there.

Not Steve, but I have some insight. I would try to ride in the truck before they are removed. My experience has been that the HFS springs ride really great, but they arn't stiff enough to hold up to wheeling or camping. I have the newer "heavier duty" springs on the rear now. The first springs CCOT sent me fell almost 2" in the first 2 weeks on my truck. THe heavy duty ones on there now have fallen about 1.5" in 4 months. I have only carried a load 3 or 4 times in that time period. I have talked to several folks with the HFS kits that have saging in the back with zero to no "heavy duty" type use. I think CCOT defines "heavy duty" differently than most cruiserheads.

HTH,
Greg