Hey cruiserheads, could I ask for suggestions on springs?
I have a 78 FJ40 with BFG 33X9.5 AT's. It has what I think are stock springs, with shackles in place that measure 4 3\4 inches from bolt to bolt - The stock shackles I was given with the rig measure 3 inches from bolt to bolt, so I think it gives 1 3\4 inches of lift. With the 4 3\4 inch shackles in place my front axle is only 1 3/4 inches away from the rubber bumper. My front springs have no arch - they are pretty well flat. My rear springs still have some arch, and the rear axle is 4 inches away from the body bumper ( four inches of travel.)
I use this rig to drive to work and get out in the woods in Arkansas on the weekends - I am not a diehard rock jumper.
My goal: A softer suspension with a better ride with the least amount of lift possible. I have a fifteen year old that cain't wait to drive and I don't want it top heavy. I know this thing is not a Cadillac, but I would like for it to ride better. My friend has safari springs on his 73 fj40 with a four inch lift and it rides a lot better than mine. What would you guys consider the softest riding springs I could get? (Sorry to sound like a wus, but I'm not young anymore.) Should I replace the front and back springs? What's the least amount of lift I can get away with and still have enough travel to ride ok and not bottom out on every bump? Please give me some suggestions on specific springs and shocks.
Would a two inch lift make this thing much higher off the ground?
Thanks a lot for any input.
The neophyte.
I have a 78 FJ40 with BFG 33X9.5 AT's. It has what I think are stock springs, with shackles in place that measure 4 3\4 inches from bolt to bolt - The stock shackles I was given with the rig measure 3 inches from bolt to bolt, so I think it gives 1 3\4 inches of lift. With the 4 3\4 inch shackles in place my front axle is only 1 3/4 inches away from the rubber bumper. My front springs have no arch - they are pretty well flat. My rear springs still have some arch, and the rear axle is 4 inches away from the body bumper ( four inches of travel.)
I use this rig to drive to work and get out in the woods in Arkansas on the weekends - I am not a diehard rock jumper.
My goal: A softer suspension with a better ride with the least amount of lift possible. I have a fifteen year old that cain't wait to drive and I don't want it top heavy. I know this thing is not a Cadillac, but I would like for it to ride better. My friend has safari springs on his 73 fj40 with a four inch lift and it rides a lot better than mine. What would you guys consider the softest riding springs I could get? (Sorry to sound like a wus, but I'm not young anymore.) Should I replace the front and back springs? What's the least amount of lift I can get away with and still have enough travel to ride ok and not bottom out on every bump? Please give me some suggestions on specific springs and shocks.
Would a two inch lift make this thing much higher off the ground?
Thanks a lot for any input.
The neophyte.