SOA With non-OEM springs

[snailwagon]

I would like to hear a little on other cruiser ownerds experiences of doing a spring over, but with springs other than el-cheapo lift springs or original springs. The reason I am asking is because I am hoping to get the time to do a spring over on one of my rigs in the next month or two. The stock springs (on a fj55) are super worn and flexy, and are slightly S-shaped already. They have about a half million miles on them and have been severly used in the past.

Part of how I want my suspension to be is going to require new springs, so I was considering getting it done the way I want and get custom springs that actually offer negative lift compared to stock. The physics of a flatter spring is appealing, as is a decrease in lift height which is of special importance on a wagon. I have been leaning towards possibly using a rear overload leaf (in addition to a trac-bar,not to replace it) and keeping the total lift under 5". I'd rather cut sheet metal for clearance than be even tippier.

 

[F-junker]

While I can't offer you the answer you need, I'm very interested to see what others have to say. I will say that I've heard nothing but good things about Old Man Emu aka OME, Alcan and some so so things about HFS depending on who they are.
I have a 40 with 4" lift springs (BDS) and I'm not happy with the stiffness, they have gotten better but not soft enough and with a terrible shackle angle in the front. I want to go SOA but not having the OEM springs I'm concerned about buying a set aftermarket just for SOA, as most all are only sold in 2.0, 2.5 and 4" lift. I'm worried that will be too much lift after the SOA is done. HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH????
I've never found one complaint about Alcan's springs and will most likely have them make a set for me in 09' when I SOA this truck. Good luck

 

[snailwagon]

A friend of mine ordered a set of springs from Alcan (for a YJ though) that were flat to keep his SOA as low as possible. The results were very nice and has been performing well for the last two years. There are other places to get custom springs besides Alcan, but they have a more regarded reputation in the offroad industry.

I think that a spring over designed from the ground up on such a set up could be a beautiful thing. i.e. adjust pinion and steering geometry, as well as shock characteristics after the springs are installed.

 

[Isotel]

it sounds like your Stock 55 springs are Perfect for a spring over! Flat Worn out springs are exactly what you want on a spring over!.. Use a track bar and you should be fine!

 

[inkpot]

Howdy! I don't know of any particular setups running anything other than OEM or aftermarket springs designed for a Piggy. There are several things you could do to reduce the overall height of the rig with an SOA. Find a set of stock springs that are not quite so bent out of shape. Take out the shortest leaf (or two) to lower it and increase flex. Mount the upper end of the shackle up hi in the frame instead of the stock hanger underneath. Could always use 60 series axles and/or custom offset rims to get a wider stance. I didn't want to cut any bodywork, so I stayed hi, so to speak. Not really a problem. I do a fair amount of wheeling, and tipping is less of a problem than the overhead tree limbs that I snap off. I even carry my spare on the roofrack. John

 

[CNCFJ40]

it sounds like your Stock 55 springs are Perfect for a spring over! Flat Worn out springs are exactly what you want on a spring over!.. Use a track bar and you should be fine!

This was not my experience on my SOA 40. Even with trac. bars I was bending (fortunately never actually broke) driver's side rear springs - these were original springs.

When I started looking for aftermarket springs, Alcan was the only one who would provide springs with no lift. They were pricey, but exactly what I wanted - no lift, flipped and the same articulation as I had with the originals. YMMV, of course, but that's my story.
HTH