Leaf Spring Updgrades (1 Viewer)

[Brian McDermott]

I apologize in advance if this has been asked/answered in a separate thread. I'm new to the group and new to Land Cruisers, owned a few Jeeps over the years. My question is the previous owner did a 5 1/2 inch spring over axle lift on my 81 FJ60 and kept the stock springs. He also added custom bumpers with a tire carrier. I know over time the stock springs will eventually begin to sag so I was wondering what heavier duty options are out there to either combat the sagging, or a direct replacement for the stock springs without adding any additional lift. I've seen air bags suggested as well as add-a-leafs, are there any direct heavy duty replacement springs that are sold? Thanks for your help everyone.

 

[gregnash]

Most of the heavy duty springs end up adding thickness and additional leaves which causes the ride height gain. Since you are SOA are you looking to lower the overall height? From what I gathered most SOA guys want saggy, weak-ish springs as they allow for more flex.

 

[NookShneer]

Many SOA guys put 63" chevy springs out back and move the rear 60 leaf pack to the front.

 

[Brian McDermott]

Most of the heavy duty springs end up adding thickness and additional leaves which causes the ride height gain. Since you are SOA are you looking to lower the overall height? From what I gathered most SOA guys want saggy, weak-ish springs as they allow for more flex.

I guess my main concern is the structural integrity of the springs themself with the added weight. If sag is okay with the SOA then I guess I'll be in the clear, but if I wanted to add a long range fuel tank in the future would that add more stress to the springs and eventually require them to be reinforced or replaced?

 

[gregnash]

You would need to talk with the SOA group. From there it is your overall requirements for usage.