Tank5
SILVER Star
I am not in a position to start this anytime soon but researching and thinking through it is part of the fun, so I am planning way ahead of the action.
I am considering my options for installing a linked suspension on my 65 SWB fj45. The 45 has already had the leaf spring suspension modified prior to my buying it and I don't like it. It is flexy but dips like crazy when I hit the brakes and on the highway it is not a nice as i want it to be. Currently it is setup with a 5" SUA lift using Alcan custom springs and a shackle reversal in the front. I am running 37" tires and want to keep that size tire and lift height.
I am really interested in keeping the road handling manners at highway speed as good as possible. I intend to use the 45 for overlanding type travel and want to drive it to the trail head or cross country where ever I am going. I want to keep it trail capable to run some of the passes in the Silverton and Ouray area, mildly technical trails in Moab, and the Rubicon.
When the conversion is done I will swap the current axles for a fj62 stock front axle and a narrowed FF 80 rear axle to 58 WMS, so I am trying to maintain a 60 series axle width under the 45.
I have been considering adding a complete 80 series suspension under the 45 but using coilovers instead of the sock spring and shock configuration.. I already have all of these components except the coilovers to build this I am just not sure if this is the right way for me to go.
I am also considering Proffitt's Cruiser's 3 link front and 5 link rear set up. I sent them an email to get a quote and their thoughts. I expect it will be pricier but I like their work.
I have searched the foum and the web and found 45 on 80 chassis builds, linked 40 builds, and even a 40 with all 80 series suspension components welded in but not a mix of 80 series arms with coilovers on a 40 series frame. I expect someone has done this or has though it out and I am curious to know the pros and cons. If I missed it and there is a build like this please post the link.
Because everyone likes pictures this is what I am stating with.
I am considering my options for installing a linked suspension on my 65 SWB fj45. The 45 has already had the leaf spring suspension modified prior to my buying it and I don't like it. It is flexy but dips like crazy when I hit the brakes and on the highway it is not a nice as i want it to be. Currently it is setup with a 5" SUA lift using Alcan custom springs and a shackle reversal in the front. I am running 37" tires and want to keep that size tire and lift height.
I am really interested in keeping the road handling manners at highway speed as good as possible. I intend to use the 45 for overlanding type travel and want to drive it to the trail head or cross country where ever I am going. I want to keep it trail capable to run some of the passes in the Silverton and Ouray area, mildly technical trails in Moab, and the Rubicon.
When the conversion is done I will swap the current axles for a fj62 stock front axle and a narrowed FF 80 rear axle to 58 WMS, so I am trying to maintain a 60 series axle width under the 45.
I have been considering adding a complete 80 series suspension under the 45 but using coilovers instead of the sock spring and shock configuration.. I already have all of these components except the coilovers to build this I am just not sure if this is the right way for me to go.
I am also considering Proffitt's Cruiser's 3 link front and 5 link rear set up. I sent them an email to get a quote and their thoughts. I expect it will be pricier but I like their work.
I have searched the foum and the web and found 45 on 80 chassis builds, linked 40 builds, and even a 40 with all 80 series suspension components welded in but not a mix of 80 series arms with coilovers on a 40 series frame. I expect someone has done this or has though it out and I am curious to know the pros and cons. If I missed it and there is a build like this please post the link.
Because everyone likes pictures this is what I am stating with.
