Recommendations Wanted: Rebuild or Replace OEM Suspension on nearly all-original 1979 FJ40 (1 Viewer)

[1969 ToyotaFJ40]

I have a nearly all-original 1979 FJ40 that I want to keep as close to OEM as possible. It still has the original shocks and springs. What shocks would you recommend if I want to keep it as close to OEM as possible? Also, should I rebuild or replace the springs? If I should rebuild the springs, who would you recommend in the southwest (NM, AZ, TX)? If I should replace the spring, what springs would you recommend?

I also have a resto-mod 1969 FJ40 with an OME/ARB suspension with a 2.5 inch lift, but I'm afraid this suspension on my 1979 will change the character of this survivor.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Not sure about the springs. It doesn't look like it's sagging so maybe just new shocks? Looks like, if not the original part number, at least substitute Toyota shocks are available:

Rear: https://partsouq.com/en/search/all?q=48531-69047

Front: https://partsouq.com/en/search/all?q=48511-69036

 

[1911]

I have a nearly all-original 1979 FJ40 that I want to keep as close to OEM as possible. It still has the original shocks and springs. What shocks would you recommend if I want to keep it as close to OEM as possible? Also, should I rebuild or replace the springs? If I should rebuild the springs, who would you recommend in the southwest (NM, AZ, TX)? If I should replace the spring, what springs would you recommend?

If you decide to replace them, Alcan Spring in Grand Junction, CO will make you stock-spec springs. Not cheap though.

Alcan Spring - Custom Leaf Springs in Grand Junction, CO - https://www.alcanspring.com/

 

[Greek Cruiserhead]

Same thoughts about my J45 PUP resto project...
Subscribed!

 

[Green Bean]

Good looking original truck.

 

[1969 ToyotaFJ40]

The OEM shocks and steering dampener are still available from Toyota. I think I’ll send the springs out to be refurbished. There is only one shop that refurbishes springs near me (in El Paso, TX).

 

[Economist LC76]

Why do you want to replace the suspension: larger wheels, more load, drive faster and control better?
If you just want to refresh it - i think the suspension looks nice. IMHO the original leaf springs - fits better to the original look.
I would replace the shocks to the original, spring bushes and keep purity of the project (I believe the original projects have better resale value and bring a collector fun).

 

[1969 ToyotaFJ40]

Why do you want to replace the suspension: larger wheels, more load, drive faster and control better?
If you just want to refresh it - i think the suspension looks nice. IMHO the original leaf springs - fits better to the original look.
I would replace the shocks to the original, spring bushes and keep purity of the project (I believe the original projects have better resale value and bring a collector fun).

The shocks are springs are original. The shocks need to be replaced. I’ll keep the original springs but have them refurbished.

 

[1969 ToyotaFJ40]

I bought brand new springs from General Springs. They are fine but, it kept bothering me that they aren’t OEM. Now I’m restoring the old springs at a dedicated leaf spring/suspension shop in El Paso, TX. I’ll post pics once I get them back.

This also means I have a set of new springs to sell if anyone is interested.

 

[locklaw]

On my very original stuff I take OME leaf packs, strip the top 1 or 2 blades off and refit the OEM top leaf (with OE markings ideally) so that OEM rubber bushes can be used. Without the top blades the Emu springs don't lift the 40 beyond OE height. Ride is improved though.

 

[ds570]

I put this kit from Cruiser Outfitters on my 82 FJ40 this summer. I am very happy with the kit and service.

It was not on their website but a phone call got everything lined up. Here is what they sent me regarding the Japanese spring kit:


Kits include:
Japanese Front Springs
OEM Front Shocks
Front Shackles
Front Spring Pins
Japanese Rear Springs
OEM Rear Shock
Rear Shackles
Rear Spring Pins
Bushings
Front U-Bolts
Rear U-Bolts
Spring Pin Bolts
Japanese Steering Damper

Kit pricing (in July was $1900), there are a few options on components.
Cruiser Outfitters 801-563-1277

I have no relationship with the company other than as a consumer.

 

[Greek Cruiserhead]

I put this kit from Cruiser Outfitters on my 82 FJ40 this summer. I am very happy with the kit and service.

It was not on their website but a phone call got everything lined up. Here is what they sent me regarding the Japanese spring kit:


Kits include:
Japanese Front Springs
OEM Front Shocks
Front Shackles
Front Spring Pins
Japanese Rear Springs
OEM Rear Shock
Rear Shackles
Rear Spring Pins
Bushings
Front U-Bolts
Rear U-Bolts
Spring Pin Bolts
Japanese Steering Damper

Kit pricing (in July was $1900), there are a few options on components.
Cruiser Outfitters 801-563-1277

I have no relationship with the company other than as a consumer.

Great that you got the Japanese springs! What about some pics?

 

[ds570]

Great that you got the Japanese springs! What about some pics?

I will try to get some posted.

 

[ffpmsam]

I will try to get some posted.

I’m looking at pulling the trigger in this same kit, would love to see some pics and what wheels/tires you are running with it.

 

[ds570]

I’m looking at pulling the trigger in this same kit, would love to see some pics and what wheels/tires you are running with it.

Sorry this took so long. I hope these help. It looks like it was too dark to see the "made in Japan" in one of the shots.

 

[Greek Cruiserhead]

I feel we are back in 1982...
Beautiful!

 

[ds570]

I feel we are back in 1982...
Beautiful!

Thank you. I can appreciate the lifted, tricked out 40's, but the bone stock ones are my favorites. Mine is stock except for being de-smogged (but still have all the deleted equipment for posterity).

 

[plink01]

If your heart is set on original springs I'd leave them as is. Buy some new shocks, steering dampener and bushes.

The older the springs, usually the better they ride.
Hit them with a can of black spray paint and they'll be all good!

 

[ffpmsam]

Sorry this took so long. I hope these help. It looks like it was too dark to see the "made in Japan" in one of the shots.

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Looks great. Are those tires 31x10.5r15 falkens?

 

[1969 ToyotaFJ40]

I bought and installed a new set of springs from General Spring KC (Leaf Spring & Suspension Authority Since 1965 | General Spring - https://www.generalspringkc.com/). I then rebuilt my OEM springs. Now I have a set of like-new FJ40 OEM spec springs with less than 100 miles on them. Let me know if anyone in the El Paso, TX area is interested in them.