Local Knowledge on 2.5 in spring lift

[Chula Vista 71 FJ40]

Thought I'd hit up our local brain trust for info. before putting up on the main MUD site. My question is if I put on 2.5 inch lift springs do I have to worry about extending brake lines, shims or extending drive shafts? My front springs are flat and might be able to get a good deal on a set of springs so looking for advice.

 

[1973Guppie]

my general answer would be "no", BUT, with these old trucks, so many things have been done by the previous owners. I would pay particular attention to the soft lines that go down to your axles. With a 2.5 inch lift though you should not have any problems. I would double check that by asking the mfg of the lift what they reccomend. What lift are u looking at? I have heard great things about OME and the lift was fantastic on my old 4runner.

Noah

 

[Chula Vista 71 FJ40]

Thanks for your input-

Not sure of the brand. They are on a 71 that is going to become a hardcore coil build-up. Found em through the MUD classifieds and can get the springs, U bolts, shocks etc for a pretty good price. Seeing as they are coming from a rig that's the same year as mine I thought It'd be an easy swap, but still have not been able to make up my mind

 

[car-car]

I wouldn't think you would need to extend the drive lines. I did a 4" lift earlier this year, and didn't extend mine.

As for the shims, you may not have to shim it on the 2.5". That is what I read as the majority consensus when I was researching lifts. I found that most said that shimming was usually needed on lifts that changed the axle angle by adding in longer shackles. The shims correct the axle angle caused by lengthening one end of the spring pin attachment points when a longer shackle is used. I ended up using a 3 degree shim front and rear and that seemed to bring my axles back perpendicular when I went with the longer than stock shackles. I haven't had any death wobble or driveline vibration issues that many complain about so far.

And to your point on the extended brake lines, I found in my research that most 4" lifts need the extended lines, but it wasn't always a necessity on the 2.5" lifts, but I would probably do it anyways, regardless. Better safe than sorry when it comes to brake systems, I would think. Plus, then you have peace of mind that you have new lines there that you don't have to worry about at full articulation.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[1973Guppie]

shims correct your castor up front and can be used in the rear to orient the driveline toward the TC, from my understanding it is dependent on how much you lift the truck, not specifically if you do it with shackles, springs, etc. On my SOA on my 40, I used shims to help correct the castor a bit as we screwed up the cut and turn angle.

please buy new ubolts, don't use those old ones, WHATEVER THE SHAPE THEY ARE IN.

 

[Chula Vista 71 FJ40]

Thanks for all the advice. I was thinking the same about the bolts and pretty sure I'll pull the trigger. Not sure when I'll get around to installing

With that decided I've got a set of 1.5 inch lift shackles that I bought awhile ago before finding the MUD community, anyone need or want???

 

[BrianSanDiego]

I might be able to use those shackles
B.