spring help

[JoeA]

I have an 81 FJ40 that I have owned for about a year. The PO put about a 2 1/2 to 3 inch lift and Rancho 5000 shocks on it. I need help identifying the kind of springs on the truck. Cna anyone help me? It rides kind of hard.
Thanks
I have hopefully attached some photos

 

[JasonH]

They look like stock springs to me. I'd say your 2-3 inches of lift are coming from the shackle reversal and extended shackles.

Your first step toward a smoother ride should be to get rid of those shocks. I'm sure someone can recommend a better one.

 

[woody]

2nd vote for stock springs, longer shackle, shackle reversal...nothin to it....

RS5000's are bricks, I ran a set for one weekend and tossed them....

 

[usmcruiser]

go out and get your self some RSX9000's. adjustable very nice. It you can make the ride as soft as you like.

 

[DocB]

Also I note at least one, maybe two, added leafs ; the two bottom ones look thicker and cut off square at the end. Big thick short added leaves (not full length long leaves) will make it ride harsh.

 

[JoeA]

Yeah, Thanks for the help. I see now that the front at least has 2 added leafs. What about changeing springs as well as shocks. Can I use the same spring mounts I have (which are?) and replace the springs and shackles with something else (Dakar, or??) leaving the reversed front mounts?

 

[woody]

I disagree on the add-a-leafs.....

I've got a couple pairs of bone stock cruiser spring packs with the bottom couple leaves being squared and not tapered like the balance of the leaves. They appear to be the same thickness and width, and that makes them stock FJ40....aftermarket AAL's are slightly narrower than stock leaves and are noticably thicker.

 

[Degnol]

I guess everything is "compared to what" and harsh is a relative term. In addition to the suggestions above, you might try reducing your tire pressure.
I currently have 31's and used to run 33# of air, now I run 24# and could go lower. You can do the math on tire pressure by figureing out the load rating of the tire at recommended pressure, then figuring out what the weight of your rig is and adjusting the pressure proportionately. It will always ride better with the top on or weight in the back. Most of the roughness in mine seems to come from the rear. Rides a lot better with some sandbags in the back.


Ed

 

[mr_manny]

highjack start

woody,
how long are your front shackles on your 40?

manny
highjack stop

 

[woody]

I think they are 5" eye to eye....maybe not even that long...I know the spring clears the frame by less than 1/4", and I went thru 3-4 shackle renditions to get the length exact