Softer Leaf Springs (4 Viewers)

[aktundra]

hey folks. i have a 1980 FJ40. spring over axle, original springs & 35’s. otherwise stock drive train.

the old springs are almost flat, giving a very “tippy” ride. My wife claims she needs a sport bra, just to drive over a garden hose.

Given its a SOA, dont need more lift, just springs at an OEM hight for a smother ride. any suggestions ?

 

[7schulz]

Parabolic Leaf Springs 4x4 | Rated #1 [2025] - Terrain Tamer

Terrain Tamer parabolic leaf springs for 4×4 vehicles. ✔ +50 Years Engineering Parts ✔ Fast Delivery ✔ All Makes/Models | Order Online

www.terraintamer.com

 

[Wasatch Jay]

Parabolic Leaf Springs 4x4 | Rated #1 [2025] - Terrain Tamer

Terrain Tamer parabolic leaf springs for 4×4 vehicles. ✔ +50 Years Engineering Parts ✔ Fast Delivery ✔ All Makes/Models | Order Online

www.terraintamer.com

In a different thread, I asked about these for a vehicle with a SOA conversion. This was the response.

"Parabolics ( no matter the manufacturer ) are NOT recommended for SOA setups.

Georg @ Valley Hybrids"

 

[Augustiron]

Your two complaints seem at odds with each other to me.
I'm no suspension guru but...
Being tippy indicates soft suspension, your wife's complaint sounds like harsh suspension.

I would think you would want to keep the softer springs even if they are flat as they provide the lowest ride height for a SOA conversion,

what you should maybe look into is better shocks that will slow down the tipping motion, especially maybe a heavier rebound circuit to prevent the tipping while providing soft compression to keep your wife happy.

Again just a comment from the bean field here, I'm sure some suspension gurus will chime in

 

[EWheeler]

hey folks. i have a 1980 FJ40. spring over axle, original springs & 35’s. otherwise stock drive train.

the old springs are almost flat, giving a very “tippy” ride. My wife claims she needs a sport bra, just to drive over a garden hose.

Given its a SOA, dont need more lift, just springs at an OEM hight for a smother ride. any suggestions ?

1. Look at removing a leaf or two. Make sure no add-leafs have been installed by previous owners. My ‘80 has at least added leaf in the rear, making it very stiff in the rear.

2. Post a photo of your shackle angle. If they are nearly vertical, this could be making the ride stiffer.

3. Once you get the springs and shackles right make sure you have decent shocks and they are installed properly. You see lots of lifted trucks with the upper rear shock eye mounted at the center of the chassis, this is not good for damping body roll….

 

[7schulz]

In a different thread, I asked about these for a vehicle with a SOA conversion. This was the response.

"Parabolics ( no matter the manufacturer ) are NOT recommended for SOA setups.

Georg @ Valley Hybrids"

I would trust George then!

 

[brian]

I'd look to do something different with dampening.

 

[charliemeyer007]

My 72's PO, did not like the stock springs - too soft. His opinion was real spring steel will break at past the yield. He was going to get IH Travel All springs, throw away some leafs and have new eyes rolled. I have a kink in the front passenger leaf - as in too soft and didn't break.
On the list is new springs, the parabolic ones at the top. I need to see what the local spring place has to say.

 

[White Stripe]

hey folks. i have a 1980 FJ40. spring over axle, original springs & 35’s. otherwise stock drive train.

the old springs are almost flat, giving a very “tippy” ride. My wife claims she needs a sport bra, just to drive over a garden hose.

Given its a SOA, dont need more lift, just springs at an OEM hight for a smother ride. any suggestions ?

Try some shocks that have independent adjustable compression and extension adjustments. If you want new leaf packs you can call deaver springs. Tell them what you want. Likely the way to go is a spring with more arch. To offset the additional height that would create you could have them made with reverse eyes.