Moving Spring Hangers to Accomodate Hell Creek 1st Gen. (short) Springs 75 FJ40

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meatloaf

meatloaf

Joined
Sep 1, 2004
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475
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Location
So. Austin, tx
So, I have a new pair of the 1st generation Hell Creek 4” springs. These are the springs where the top leaf is about ¾” short and thus the shackle angle will be incorrect. My plan is to cut and move the spring hangers. Currently, my FJ40 is stripped to the frame which will make it easier for me to move the hangers. So my question … I can easily flip the frame over for easier cutting/welding and since the springs are ¾” short, would it make sense to just move the hangers ¾ of an inch & then install springs and (I know I am dreaming) shackle angles will be good???

Thanks,:beer:
ML
 
Don't do it! IMHO, you need to wait until the rig is substantially complete, or at least until the weight of the completed rig is compensated for before you start welding the spring hangers in their new location. Otherwise you are guessing at the amount of compression the springs will have, the subsequent location of the spring hanger and the shackle angle you're looking for. That is, unless you can talk to someone that has already put these springs on and has seen how the springs react at a new hanger location.
 
What is the age and break-in status of the springs?
 
Fast Eddy said:
I wouldn't modify my frame due to incorrect springs. :meh:
Click to expand...

Are they incorrect - or just 'different'? Are 60 springs on a 40 incorrect - or just 'different'? :hmm:

I'm just sayin'.....:rolleyes:
 
Fast Eddy said:
I wouldn't modify my frame due to incorrect springs. :meh:
Click to expand...

Fast Eddy, I would rather not mess with the modification but I think my only option (w/o spending more $$$) at this point is to move the hangers. I contacted Tom Laher at Hell Creek a couple of months ago to see if I could just buy the 'longer' top leaf from him but he had already closed his business. I also thought about going to a local spring shop to see what they could do, but again, my fj40 build funds are very limited at this time.
 
JUST A THOUGHT :eek: -As a temporary fix, if they are still servicable have you considered just pulling the top leaf (or top two) from your old 40 springs just to get you going for a while?

Yeah, everyone else, I know; spring rates, arch, re-arching, blah, blah, blah. :rolleyes:

See if your local shop can rework them to make that idea fly.
 
My correct length Hell Creek springs started at a near vertical shackle angle. They settled following repeated flexing and now the shackle angle is decent. I'm using + 1.5" shackles. I am very happy with my suspension.
 
roma042987 said:
Don't think I would modifying a frame for some jacked up springs. What are you going to do if you need to replace them or even one of them down the road?
Click to expand...

Good point Roma... time to try to sell the springs
 
reddingcruiser said:
JUST A THOUGHT :eek: -As a temporary fix, if they are still servicable have you considered just pulling the top leaf (or top two) from your old 40 springs just to get you going for a while?

Yeah, everyone else, I know; spring rates, arch, re-arching, blah, blah, blah. :rolleyes:

See if your local shop can rework them to make that idea fly.
Click to expand...


If you're set on using them I think this is the route I'd consider.
 
ARCTICMUTT said:
If you're set on using them I think this is the route I'd consider.
Click to expand...

I was set on using them since I have given away the oem springs. i may have to go back to oem.
 
So I called up a local spring shop to see if they can de-arch my springs to possibly make them fit, they said yes they can, and that if that does not work they could make the top leaf for me. I explained to him that the newer HC springs were 3/4" longer on the top leaf & he said they would need to be de-arched about 1.5-2". He said to measure distance from bolt-to-bolt on the hangers.

Opinions on de-acrching??? Would this weaken the springs any? These are 4" lift springs and I plan to mount 33 X 10.5 and not planning on ever going to a taller tire. Also, wheeling will be occasional but nothing too serious.

Shop has been around for a while
http://www.atlasspringservice.com/
 
The longer top leaf is my plan as well. Not sure if your shackles will be inverted or vertical, but the angle definitely matters, especially if you plan on having anyone else in your vehicle besides yourself. The HC springs are the main reason my wife hates the 40...
 
Last edited:
ElHefe said:
The longer top leaf is my plan as well. Not sure if your shackles will be inverted or vertical, but the angle definitely matters, especially if you plan on having anyone else in your vehicle besides yourself. The HC springs are the main reason my wife hates the 40...
Click to expand...

Austin,

Not sure if you remember me, I bought the conferr seat from you in SA... I will drop off springs at the shop next week. It will be a while before the 40 is road worthy but I will keep you posted. I do plan on having other persons in the 40. Good luck with yours, it is in good hands with Grant.

ML
 
OK, I HAVE to jump into this thread to ask what I think is an intriguing question. This is based on the fact that I have just replaced a broken spring on my 45 [see post in the 45 forum] that I was really happy with until it broke.

One of the things that really impressed me about the Alcan design was the fact that the anchored end of their springs were much flatter than the shackle end; in other words, the springs were NOT symmetrical. Having the anchored end flatter made for less castor issues in the front axle, and what I believe to be a better pinion angle in the rear axle.

Soooooo, my question is, would you ask the shop their opinion on de-arching only the anchored half of the spring as a compromise that will net you better shackle angle AND castor without giving up all the ride height that a full de-arch would.

Subscribed

Mark A.
 
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