Need help w/ FJ62 Suspension

[Rooftop]

Hi,

I’m hoping to get some help understanding what suspension set up this is on this FJ62.

PO says it’s “some sort of 2” lift”, but I’m pretty certain it’s a little more complex than that. I’m happy to share a longer story if someone asks, but otherwise…
My guess is a reverse shackle set up, extended shackles rear front, maybe a lift spring?
The rear I’m entirely lost on.

 

[Rooftop]

My apologies for not loading this in one post, I was struggling to use this on my phone.

Thanks in advance for anyones help. I'll post more as I can.

So quick run down.
88 FJ62, looks like at least a 4" lift. It came with 315/70/17s, doesn't rub.
I am looking for some help to ID what this set up might be, and what I can do to return it to stock or maybe a 2" OME kit.

Recent purchase, the body is in great shape, which was the primary reason for purchase it additionally already had a 5.3 4l60 swapped in.

My best guess, is a reverse shackle kit in the front, extended shackle rear of front, maybe a lift spring.

The rear looks to have lift spring and extended shackles.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

The goal of this FJ62 long term is a full restoration. In the short term, fix leaks, squeaks, sort out the terrible handling.

I've owned this for about a week now, learning about it as I go, so far the only task completed is sorting out the brakes all around, next up is transfer case output seal and rear pinion diff input seal.

 

[cruiserinsanity]

My apologies for not loading this in one post, I was struggling to use this on my phone.

Thanks in advance for anyones help. I'll post more as I can.

So quick run down.
88 FJ62, looks like at least a 4" lift. It came with 315/70/17s, doesn't rub.
I am looking for some help to ID what this set up might be, and what I can do to return it to stock or maybe a 2" OME kit.

Recent purchase, the body is in great shape, which was the primary reason for purchase it additionally already had a 5.3 4l60 swapped in.

My best guess, is a reverse shackle kit in the front, extended shackle rear of front, maybe a lift spring.

The rear looks to have lift spring and extended shackles.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

The goal of this FJ62 long term is a full restoration. In the short term, fix leaks, squeaks, sort out the terrible handling.

I've owned this for about a week now, learning about it as I go, so far the only task completed is sorting out the brakes all around, next up is transfer case output seal and rear pinion diff input seal.

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Shackle Reversal Kit for 1967-1990 55-Series and 6x-Series Toyota Land Cruisers - Landcruiser Parts

Shackle Reversal Kit for 1967-1990 55-Series and 6x-Series Toyota Land Cruisers. Designed for off-roaders in mind. Provides smoother ride.

manafrelv.com

You are correct.

It looks like you have a Manafre shackle reversal kit with extended shackles in the rear with probably OME leafs. The shackle reversal is probably welded on the side that’s not bolted on. To return it to stock would require removing the shackle reversal kit and welding stock leaf eyelets back onto the frame in the front, the back is just bolt on.

 

[Smithtec]

The body bushings look pretty tired....

 

[3_puppies]

rear has extended shackles plus an extra leaf was added to the spring pack

 

[Rooftop]

Shackle Reversal Kit for 1967-1990 55-Series and 6x-Series Toyota Land Cruisers - Landcruiser Parts

Shackle Reversal Kit for 1967-1990 55-Series and 6x-Series Toyota Land Cruisers. Designed for off-roaders in mind. Provides smoother ride.

manafrelv.com

You are correct.

It looks like you have a Manafre shackle reversal kit with extended shackles in the rear with probably OME leafs. The shackle reversal is probably welded on the side that’s not bolted on. To return it to stock would require removing the shackle reversal kit and welding stock leaf eyelets back onto the frame in the front, the back is just bolt on.

Thanks for that! Super helpful!

If you’re open to discussion, the info on that MAF kit says as “sort of a by product” there is a 1.5” lift, in the scenario it was OEM parts in the remainder.
IH8M search shows me it’s like 50/50 on Reverse Shackles and “Normal”. I have no clue where to start with OEM shackles.

Seems like if I get some of the component in the MAF kit (especially the shims), an OEM or custom made spring (accounting for the weight of the LS), new shocks, steering damper, I would be right at what would make me happy.

The rear would seems to be as simple as replacing it with the popular OME 2” lift.

End result being a 1.5” front and 2” rear lift. Better handling hopefully, I imagine getting off 35s into a smaller tire would be infinitely helpful. Steering box adjustment maybe?

 

[Rooftop]

The body bushings look pretty tired....

Yes they do, I’ve been researching how to address that.
The simplest solution I go to was this:

https://shop.cruiserparts.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=39137

Could you advise if recommend something else?

 

[Smithtec]

Yes they do, I’ve been researching how to address that.
The simplest solution I go to was this:

https://shop.cruiserparts.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=39137

Could you advise if recommend something else?

Seems like there might be cheaper options. My rubber is still ok, lucky for me, so I don't have to pull the body off.

 

[Robdelatorre]

I have a similar issue. I am ready to purchase a new OME lift kit for my FJ62 because the rough ride is unbearable. However, I am debating whether to go 2.5" or 3.0" on the lift. I like the truck's stance now and don't want to go too low because of how big the wheels are, yet I don't want to go too high either; I need to find out what the estimated lift is currently to decide which route to go. I purchased the truck with this setup a few years ago and restored it. All I need now is the suspension. Can anyone tell by looking at the pictures how high the lift is? I have 33 Mickey Thompsons on and want to stay close to this height. Please let me know what you think. Thank you.

 

[kevin in okinawa]

from looking at the side photo I'd guess around 3" for 33s to fit like that in the wheel well. Surely someone will confirm that or say it's a 4" lift, lol.

 

[CruiserTrash]

@Rooftop

That’s a Man A Fre shackle reversal kit - both the plates that weld to the frame horns and the front shackles. Those were made by 4Plus Products for Man A Fre. I have the same setup.

If you’re looking for 2-3” of lift you’ll need to cut the plates off the frame horns and find some original shackle hangers to weld on - go back to the stock arrangement in other words - and get one of the “regular” 2-3” lift kits from Dobinsons, Old Man, Emu, Ironman, etc. The shackle reversal will put you around 4-5” lift with new springs. That clears 33” tires with as much flex as you can throw at them, and mostly clears 35” tires with little to no rub.

If you keep the shackle reversal setup and want to get new springs, shackles, and bushings, I would suggest you go with longer leaf springs (1-2” longer) than the aftermarket leaf springs sold as applicable to the 60 Series. HZJ75 springs in the front are a good choice, although I removed a couple leaves from each pack. You could also contact Alcan and get custom springs made. I haven’t found an off-the-shelf set for the rear that’s an easy swap yet, although I haven’t really looked. The problem is that a 60 Series length spring, especially in the front, creates a poor shackle angle. Longer springs make it right. Then you’ll need 5-6” shackles in the rear to get the truck leveled out. The bushings will all be standard 60 Series stuff from the above mentioned companies.

Do a search and find some of the old posts here dealing with shackle reversals. Some people hate them, but when set up right (shackle angle, caster correction shims, steering, drive shaft angles) they ride fantastic on the road and flex well on the trail. It takes some work … but then again it would take a lot of work for you to go back to stock too.

Last thing - I don’t think an LS is any heavier than a 2F or 3FE motor. I’ll let others verify that though.

 

[yotadude520]

LS is significantly lighter than a 2F and 3FE - the 2F weighs around 750 with the average LS weighing around 450. 3FE is a tad lighter than the 2F.

 

[cruiserpilot]

Cut those center pipe posts in that lifted rear shackle, that's hard on springs and destroys flexibility.
Conferr started selling those way back when. I just zip disked mine but It's a personal opinion based on
my experience and observation. The anti-inversion shackles are different by design and don't create the
same effect.

 

[Rooftop]

As a follow up, I’ve sourced some factory shackles from Cruiser Corps. Purchased the OME medium load kit. Long list of addition things too that I’m working on.

@yotadude520

Should I reconsider the heavy front springs that comes with the kit and go medium? I do have a steel bumper and winch.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

I have a similar issue. I am ready to purchase a new OME lift kit for my FJ62 because the rough ride is unbearable. However, I am debating whether to go 2.5" or 3.0" on the lift. I like the truck's stance now and don't want to go too low because of how big the wheels are, yet I don't want to go too high either; I need to find out what the estimated lift is currently to decide which route to go. I purchased the truck with this setup a few years ago and restored it. All I need now is the suspension. Can anyone tell by looking at the pictures how high the lift is? I have 33 Mickey Thompsons on and want to stay close to this height. Please let me know what you think. Thank you.

Those rear shackles are recognizable to me because I used to run them on my FJ62 with stock springs. These are from Specter off road and went by the name of "extreme", although they were only advertised as providing 1 inch of lift. Specter no longer sells them.
Yours are angled the wrong way, either in towards vehicle or straight up and down rather than away, so this is certainly one of the reasons your rig has a terrible ride. They were most likely combined with some sort of aftermarket lift spring. Frequently aftermarket spring packs with added arch end up being too short, causing the shackle to angle in the wrong direction. Several people have complained about OME springs having this problem, BTW.