Seeking Advice for Suspension Upgrade (1 Viewer)

[MatthewMcD]

I am closing in on wrapping up my "frame on" restoration. I need some advice on replacement springs. I am not a suspension expert, so I am a little intimidated by the various options and leery of pulling together parts from different suppliers. As far as I can tell the springs are original and the shocks are Bilstein's.

This is my first '40. I am not planning any crazy rock crawling. I'd like a comfortable ride that can handle off road when necessary. Looking at other 2.5" lifts it looks like that will get the body up away from the wheels and provide better clearance. I am currently running 32" tires.

I am leaning toward the CCOT 2.5" HFS lift kit as it has everything I need for a total replacement. My question is, am I spending too much for what I need? Here's an old shot from the side. It shows how deep in the wheel well I am in the back. I appreciate that this is a very "general" question. I don't mean to start a holy war. I know there are a few mudders who have tried different options. Just looking for some advice even if it's to confirm that the CCOT option is a good one.

 

[charliemeyer007]

My 72 needs new suspension. I'm not sure what I want to do - I might just have the local shop re-arch the ones that are there then add new shocks. Those parabolic ones look very interesting.

 

[jmylie]

I have a HFS suspension on my 79 FJ40 running 33 x 9.5 BFG AT's.

It is not the softest ride but it has held up well.

 

[Green Bean]

Hi. You may wish to call Kurt @cruiseroutfit to get a second opinion. I've found that their sales staff are very knowledgeable and helpful in sharing information.

 

[devo]

You could call exitoffroad and talk Dobinson as an option.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Hi. You may wish to call Kurt @cruiseroutfit to get a second opinion. I've found that their sales staff are very knowledgeable and helpful in sharing information.

We would love to help @ Cruiser Outfitters. We stock the full range of Old Man Emu, Dobinsons and our stock height Japanese kits for the 40 Series platform. We have all the while you’re in there parts and additions from Tokico, Bilstein, SuperPro, Energy Suspension and more. Our suspension experts will spend time talking through your current and future planned uses and nail down a suspension kit to cover your wants, needs & budget. From there, a kit will ship the same or following day. Holler if we can help! 801-563-1277 or info@cruiseroutfitters.com

 

[MatthewMcD]

I have a HFS suspension on my 79 FJ40 running 33 x 9.5 BFG AT's.

It is not the softest ride but it has held up well.

Do you have a photo handy that shows the wheel well clearance? What shackles did you choose (or what is your lift)?

 

[MatthewMcD]

We would love to help @ Cruiser Outfitters. We stock the full range of Old Man Emu, Dobinsons and our stock height Japanese kits for the 40 Series platform. We have all the while you’re in there parts and additions from Tokico, Bilstein, SuperPro, Energy Suspension and more. Our suspension experts will spend time talking through your current and future planned uses and nail down a suspension kit to cover your wants, needs & budget. From there, a kit will ship the same or following day. Holler if we can help! 801-563-1277 or info@cruiseroutfitters.com

Thanks Kurt, I'll give you a shout tomorrow. Looking at other threads my impression is folks are moving away from Dobinsons and OME.

 

[Pighead]

Just looking for some advice even if it's to confirm that the CCOT option is a good one.

I decided a very long time ago not to shop for anything important at CCOT. They are probably fine for a sun visor or a calendar, but for anything that your life might depend on, I shop elsewhere. There are enough very reputable vendors with very good customer service that I have not yet regretted that decision.
Also, I had my springs re-arched about 20 years ago. You might find an inch or two in your old springs, they can add a leaf if you want. It might be worth a talk with you friendly local blacksmith.

 

[charliemeyer007]

Amen to that.

 

[bdog75]

I'm running OME 2.5" w/ greaseable pins and shackles, I needed an extra leaf for the passenger side (FJ40 Lean). Decent ride for leaf springs. 33x9.5 kenda klevers.

 

[1969FJ]

OME.

 

[GA Architect]

FWIW - If you go the OME route, get the Bilstein shocks.

 

[bdog75]

FWIW - If you go the OME route, get the Bilstein shocks.

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[cruiseroutfit]

Thanks Kurt, I'll give you a shout tomorrow. Looking at other threads my impression is folks are moving away from Dobinsons and OME.

I don't know about that, our numbers on both are greater than ever despite more competing dealers offering the both brands these days. Either way, we'd love to help.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

FWIW - If you go the OME route, get the Bilstein shocks.

If you get the chance, try the Dobinsons IMS shocks with the OME springs. My favorite personal combo is OME springs with Dobinsons IMS shocks on 4x/6x/7x... and inversely Old Man Emu BP-51 shocks with Dobinsons coils on the 8x Series

 

[MatthewMcD]

I don't know about that, our numbers on both are greater than ever despite more competing dealers offering the both brands these days. Either way, we'd love to help.

Thanks Kurt, y'all have been instrumental in my success this past year. I'll give you a call tomorrow.

 

[charliemeyer007]

I'm a big fan of paying what ever extra to deal with folks that know and stand by their stuff, rather than trying to save a few bucks that can turn into more: time, money and frustration.

 

[jmylie]

Do you have a photo handy that shows the wheel well clearance? What shackles did you choose (or what is your lift)?

Do you have a photo handy that shows the wheel well clearance? What shackles did you choose (or what is your lift)?

Hope this helps

 

[RevISK]

I don't know about that, our numbers on both are greater than ever despite more competing dealers offering the both brands these days. Either way, we'd love to help.

I’m fairly certain there was a bad batch of 40 springs that went out, I know of at least 2 sets that were sold, one to me and one to a close friend who I’ll let decide if he wants to be known here. Unfortunately, I didn’t get my springs from Kurt because I’m dumb. Still very much kicking myself for that. Both the vendor and Dobinson’s neglected to do anything beyond make useless or dangerous suggestions.

I’m pretty sure the OP is referring to a different thread where I spelled much of my woes out along with my fellow friend doing the same. In fact, he has had further issues that mirror some of mine.

As of now I have a $1,000 worth of trash attached to my truck and as far as I’m concerned Dobinson’s can gobble a bucket of (use your imagination).