Before I get flamed here for newb type questions...I searched and lurked for a long time.
Here goes...
85 FJ60 - Rig has good running 2f, 33x10.5x15 BFG MT's, 2.5" backspace wheels, MAF long add-a-leafs, generic shocks, open diffs, 3.70 stock gears. Not a daily driver. But I don't want to thrash it either.
Here's the issues-
1 - I'm getting to the point on my wheeling trips where I'm wishing I had sliders and corner protection.
2 - The add-a-leafs are really bouncy on the street (maybe just need new shocks). Ironically, with the add-a-leafs, the truck rides and flexes great off road. Back on the pavement, covered wagon. The bouncy ride is my excuse to go SOA(I've read and considered every pro and con out there) to soften and flatten out the pack. Can't go too tall(my daughters need to get in/out).
3 - I suspect my clutch and motor would be much happier w/ 4.56 gears, and while I'm in there, Aussie locker
4 - My front end needs rebuilding. 295K miles. No doubt it's due. Mild death wobble and occasional funny noise from the knuckles. Like I said it's due.
5 - I'd really like to eventually end up on 35's or 37's
So here's the reality-
I only get to pick one of the above issues to address per season(budget/time). I would do all of the fab and assembly myself. Budget is~$1000. And here's how I'd do it...
1- buy and/or borrow bender/saw/welder/chopsaw/etc, fab up sliders, bumpers, roof rack, spare tire carrier, etc. I can easily recoup the $ by making stuff for my bro's rigs, but use up alot of time.
2 - Fab up the lowest lift SOA in existence. Get hi-steer(see #4), French in spring/shackle mounts (shackle reversal). Basically move all of the mounts up into the frame 2-3". Stock spring packs w/ enough stock leaves removed to use my long add-a-leaves for max travel and to fight sacking out the stock pack. Trac-bar if neccesary. New long travel shocks/mounts. I'm talking 4" lift over stock at the most. Min lift/max droop. Cool, but no $$$ for tires (33's might be too small).
3- New gears, simple enough. My bro has the exp/tools to set up the diff. Just need good advice what brand and where to buy. Will rebuild the front axle/knuckes at the same time(see #4). I've only had to back down a obstacle couple of times ever(open diffs). A locker in this truck would rule. Great option, but I see even more body damage after this mod.
4 - Full axle rebuild, gaskets, bearings, wipers, seals, etc. Here's the trick: Can I install Marlin Hi-steer on a spring under? I'm not buying new 60 tie rod ends only to replace them w/ the superior 80 ends in the Marlin hi-steer kit. Then, I would be ready for #2, but pretty boring result.
5 - Meats...Obviously I would have to complete: #2 to fit them, #3 to turn them, #4 not to compound the pending doom hiding in my front axle. But, sooner or later I gotta have 'em.
It may seem obvious to you guys, but I can't decide. Granted, I have to rebuild the front end regardless. I'd just like to open it up once.
One lottery ticket could make this a moot post. But till then, I'd like to get some constructive suggestions from the fellas...Thanks
Here goes...
85 FJ60 - Rig has good running 2f, 33x10.5x15 BFG MT's, 2.5" backspace wheels, MAF long add-a-leafs, generic shocks, open diffs, 3.70 stock gears. Not a daily driver. But I don't want to thrash it either.
Here's the issues-
1 - I'm getting to the point on my wheeling trips where I'm wishing I had sliders and corner protection.
2 - The add-a-leafs are really bouncy on the street (maybe just need new shocks). Ironically, with the add-a-leafs, the truck rides and flexes great off road. Back on the pavement, covered wagon. The bouncy ride is my excuse to go SOA(I've read and considered every pro and con out there) to soften and flatten out the pack. Can't go too tall(my daughters need to get in/out).
3 - I suspect my clutch and motor would be much happier w/ 4.56 gears, and while I'm in there, Aussie locker
4 - My front end needs rebuilding. 295K miles. No doubt it's due. Mild death wobble and occasional funny noise from the knuckles. Like I said it's due.
5 - I'd really like to eventually end up on 35's or 37's
So here's the reality-
I only get to pick one of the above issues to address per season(budget/time). I would do all of the fab and assembly myself. Budget is~$1000. And here's how I'd do it...
1- buy and/or borrow bender/saw/welder/chopsaw/etc, fab up sliders, bumpers, roof rack, spare tire carrier, etc. I can easily recoup the $ by making stuff for my bro's rigs, but use up alot of time.
2 - Fab up the lowest lift SOA in existence. Get hi-steer(see #4), French in spring/shackle mounts (shackle reversal). Basically move all of the mounts up into the frame 2-3". Stock spring packs w/ enough stock leaves removed to use my long add-a-leaves for max travel and to fight sacking out the stock pack. Trac-bar if neccesary. New long travel shocks/mounts. I'm talking 4" lift over stock at the most. Min lift/max droop. Cool, but no $$$ for tires (33's might be too small).
3- New gears, simple enough. My bro has the exp/tools to set up the diff. Just need good advice what brand and where to buy. Will rebuild the front axle/knuckes at the same time(see #4). I've only had to back down a obstacle couple of times ever(open diffs). A locker in this truck would rule. Great option, but I see even more body damage after this mod.
4 - Full axle rebuild, gaskets, bearings, wipers, seals, etc. Here's the trick: Can I install Marlin Hi-steer on a spring under? I'm not buying new 60 tie rod ends only to replace them w/ the superior 80 ends in the Marlin hi-steer kit. Then, I would be ready for #2, but pretty boring result.
5 - Meats...Obviously I would have to complete: #2 to fit them, #3 to turn them, #4 not to compound the pending doom hiding in my front axle. But, sooner or later I gotta have 'em.
It may seem obvious to you guys, but I can't decide. Granted, I have to rebuild the front end regardless. I'd just like to open it up once.
One lottery ticket could make this a moot post. But till then, I'd like to get some constructive suggestions from the fellas...Thanks
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