Builds My first '40 and the venture (4 Viewers)

[RevISK]

Well guys, this has been an enlightening series of posts. In the last few weeks I have been reading up on suspensions. Back in the ‘70’s, we took our springs off, brought them to a spring place where they changed the arc and we added four Downey Toyota shackles. Frankly as a 24 year old FJ40 guy I’d never realized anything bad about that work.

Here it is 47 years later: I was looking at some suspension mods for my ‘75 and looked at the Dobinson system. Every other re-build I ve seen has them mentioned as though these are the Rolls Royce of suspensions. I priced out a set front an rear and at over $2400, I hesitate until I figure out more… I just figured out that I ain’t goin’ Dobinson. I’m an older guy who loves the ride of my sedan-like Silverado and the contrast between the 40 and the crew cab is VERY BIG.

Something about the 40 that just commands me to enjoy driving it and as mentioned by @OlYellr , much of my driving is not the off-road stuff we use to do beyond my dirt driveway. I would love to improve the road comfort as much as I can…( I know it’s a 40 and that’s a pipe dream ) with quality springs and shocks. Regardless of where I wind up, I seriously appreciated this insight to all of your experiences.

Now, I’m lost….i could surely benefit from some re-direction

I’ve had a spring set re-arched, I honestly miss those days.

With these, as Bryan said, it’s a quality control issue that became a customer service issue.

I’m going to poke around for other options but will probably build back a pair of what I took off which were Rancho’s from the late 80’s.

Springs are funny, as in how something can be so flavor of the month. Rancho, HFS, OME, these turds… I guess a brand builds a reputation then throws it in the toilet once the orders start piling up.

Dobisons will find out soon enough, more than just Bryan and I were displeased with them at SAS.
But now, they are the flavor that is getting gobbled up. Won’t be long until they are swirling down the porcelain thrones throat.

 

[aging fleet]

Looks like a great trip and I appreciate all the candid discussion about suspension. My OME setup has been on my 40 for probably 13 years and leaves a lot to be desired (I bounce my way down rough roads) so I'm always thinking about what next.

 

[knuckle47]

So my pipe dream of a softer and smoother riding 40 is truly just that….

 

[OlYellr]

So my pipe dream of a softer and smoother riding 40 is truly just that….

No, not a dream - I would say it is real. Since ditching the old OME (like someone else said earlier - mine were about 15 years or so old). It is way softer ride, but now getting over SAS, they make way more noise.

Yellr is fun to drive now - just don't ask Ian for his thoughts about driving Yellr . (Ask Erik @Plains Cruiser he drove from the taco joint back and liked it.)

I am mopping up some of my mess I made earlier I guess. Compared to what had and what I know, I would do it again for the softer ride (plus I think the lift is a little bit lower than the OME) which is nice for my aging joints. The issues I am poorly stating, they are not flawless. And it appears the newness of these do wear off. Easy to focus on what isn't working (noise) vs what is, softer and more confident driving (may be shims, and full knuckle job etc too).

I also think you can get something just as good, without spending the coin. If you don't notice the difference, why pay the difference.

Come on out and Take Yellr for a spin! Make your decision with some experience first hand.

 

[Chilkoot]

I appreciate the real reviews and discussion as well regarding the suspension. The more information we have the better! Especially from people actually using as intended and not just from garage to morning coffee and back.

 

[RevISK]

No, not a dream - I would say it is real. Since ditching the old OME (like someone else said earlier - mine were about 15 years or so old). It is way softer ride, but now getting over SAS, they make way more noise.

Yellr is fun to drive now - just don't ask Ian for his thoughts about driving Yellr . (Ask Erik @Plains Cruiser he drove from the taco joint back and liked it.)

I am mopping up some of my mess I made earlier I guess. Compared to what had and what I know, I would do it again for the softer ride (plus I think the lift is a little bit lower than the OME) which is nice for my aging joints. The issues I am poorly stating, they are not flawless. And it appears the newness of these do wear off. Easy to focus on what isn't working (noise) vs what is, softer and more confident driving (may be shims, and full knuckle job etc too).

I also think you can get something just as good, without spending the coin. If you don't notice the difference, why pay the difference.

Come on out and Take Yellr for a spin! Make your decision with some experience first hand.

I said driving Yellr is like driving an FJ40.

I forgot what that was like since Norman is basically a Ferrari.

 

[sogafarm]

I have to say that I like my Dobinson/ims setup for driving these field roads and corrugated dirt roads around here. I haven’t had the opportunity to do some hard core trails with mine but she rides nice considering what it is. They do ride soft but that’s what I wanted. I’ll have to report back after more age on them. I got the kit on sale over Christmas for $2400 with everything including steering stabilizer.

 

[knuckle47]

How many Saginaw power steering conversions are using a steering g stabilizer? I had read some where about not using one…? Any thoughts on this…

 

[RevISK]

How many Saginaw power steering conversions are using a steering g stabilizer? I had read some where about not using one…? Any thoughts on this…

I run a Saginaw and also a stabizer. I’m not dead yet

 

[clrussell]

I run a Saginaw and also a stabizer. I’m not dead yet

Same. Although my stabilizer is probably 20 years old

 

[OlYellr]

I run a Saginaw and also a stabizer. I’m not dead yet

Norman's steering it tight!

 

[pb4ugo]

I haven't run a stabilizer since I corrected my caster angle back in the 90's. B4 that, i used a stabilizer as a bandaid in a attempt to cover up the 40's poor steering geometry from a 4" suspension lift. I started with sag steering then went to scout steering. I think if you dial in your steering you won't need one, but If you want one go for it.

 

[Grayscale]

I figured that the stabalizer was for taking some of the impact that potholes hammer into the steering gear box, keeping you from having to experience slop in the future?

 

[knuckle47]

Thanks gang…. Putting one on….by the way, I have a knuckle re-build kit on the way finally.

Was NEVER able to get the glass back into the window gasket for the rear ambulance door. Either I have the wrong rubber, or this one is my biggest baffling issue. If I can’t do it by next week…I’m gonna need to take it to and auto glass guy.

Hyperspark should be finished today or tomorrow… the month of August has been a high heat and high humidity environment and it just sucks being out with your head dripping into your eyes bent over the right fender. The last few days have been 55 in the morning (48 today) and 50-58% humidity … on the news they describe the dew point over 70 and miserable and under 70…brutal.

 

[OlYellr]

Thanks gang…. Putting one on….by the way, I have a knuckle re-build kit on the way finally.

Was NEVER able to get the glass back into the window gasket for the rear ambulance door. Either I have the wrong rubber, or this one is my biggest baffling issue. If I can’t do it by next week…I’m gonna need to take it to and auto glass guy.

Hyperspark should be finished today or tomorrow… the month of August has been a high heat and high humidity environment and it just sucks being out with your head dripping into your eyes bent over the right fender. The last few days have been 55 in the morning (48 today) and 50-58% humidity … on the news they describe the dew point over 70 and miserable and under 70…brutal.

your putting in a hyperspark? will want some long-term feedback on that.

 

[knuckle47]

@OlYellr here is the link to my fumbling around with the Sniper EFi and the Hyperspark ignition….normally with I a few days this would have been done..as I move slower these days…I am in no extreme rush for getting it done

It’s NOT a guide to install but more of a diary

My 1975 2F Holley Sniper Install….

I figured there are several Sniper builds listed and I enjoy every one of them. I know I will second guess half of what I am doing so I will post a few photos and curse phrases while I am getting this slowly done…it at the fuel tank stage currently so here are a pictures and comments. I was a...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[OlYellr]

@OlYellr here is the link to my fumbling around with the Sniper EFi and the Hyperspark ignition….normally with I a few days this would have been done..as I move slower these days…I am in no extreme rush for getting it done

It’s NOT a guide to install but more of a diary

My 1975 2F Holley Sniper Install….

I figured there are several Sniper builds listed and I enjoy every one of them. I know I will second guess half of what I am doing so I will post a few photos and curse phrases while I am getting this slowly done…it at the fuel tank stage currently so here are a pictures and comments. I was a...

forum.ih8mud.com

great thread - thanks for sharing! Subscribed

 

[Chungas Revenge]

Started watching this thread with more than passing curiosity. I’m using OME heavey springs and “Billy’s”. Thought that after the Mule dropped some significant weight with the aluminum body and the current topless configuration, I might need to rethink my setup. BLUF I’m dancing with (for now) what I “brung” cause I’m a glutton for punishment.

Said all that to say this. You may be interested in keeping a cursory eye on these.

Terrain Tamer Parabolic Springs

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[KennyBob]

Started watching this thread with more than passing curiosity. I’m using OME heavey springs and “Billy’s”. Thought that after the Mule dropped some significant weight with the aluminum body and the current topless configuration, I might need to rethink my setup. BLUF I’m dancing with (for now) what I “brung” cause I’m a glutton for punishment.

Said all that to say this. You may be interested in keeping a cursory eye on these.

Terrain Tamer Parabolic Springs

forum.ih8mud.com

I’ve been eyeballing those as well. Super interesting. Wish they didn’t have those super long overload leafs… They look like a good anchor for rocks or mud.

 

[OlYellr]

Started watching this thread with more than passing curiosity. I’m using OME heavey springs and “Billy’s”. Thought that after the Mule dropped some significant weight with the aluminum body and the current topless configuration, I might need to rethink my setup. BLUF I’m dancing with (for now) what I “brung” cause I’m a glutton for punishment.

Said all that to say this. You may be interested in keeping a cursory eye on these.

Terrain Tamer Parabolic Springs

forum.ih8mud.com

Thanks! - I am totally curious about these!! They say less weight too and softer ride on the road -