spring issue

[landtank]

The back story is that I bought a rough 40 years ago which was at a shop getting the body taken care of and for the last few years I've had it and working through the mechanics.

I was at a local event this weekend and was having a conversation with a member talking about our trucks and mentioned I have a 1980 FJ40 but it was actually a 1979 build and I was dealing with some of the crossover differences and being a noob it was a bit challenging.

He then was running down a list of differences and made a point to say the spring width was slightly different with the 08.80 being slightly wider.

Light bulb moment! the truck hasn't been driven on the road yet and the spring kit that was installed was from a package deal I got with some ambulance doors, full tub and power steering parts. And I noticed that the bushings were being squeezed out of the shackles and frame mounts but there has been bigger fish to fry and had back burner-ed that for later.

Now that I know whats going on, what are my options? These are OME Dakar springs and I've added a leaf to both front and rear on the drivers side to level it out.

How much width difference is it and can it be as easy as taking a flap disk to the eye of should it be new springs?

 

[brian]

Its not a little different....like quarter of an inch or something like that. With the newer springs being wider than the earlier springs.

 

[landtank]

So I’ve found that some spring manufacturers have notes denoting the application years. But looking at Cruiser Outfitters site they list the Dakar springs for all years. Those are the springs I have. Is it just a bushing difference with those springs or is it still a spring difference but not listed.

Appreciate any help

 

[AussieHJCruza]

So I’ve found that some spring manufacturers have notes denoting the application years. But looking at Cruiser Outfitters site they list the Dakar springs for all years. Those are the springs I have. Is it just a bushing difference with those springs or is it still a spring difference but not listed.

Appreciate any help

From memory, OME use the same springs and change the bushings to suit the respective years.

 

[Bripars40]

So I’ve found that some spring manufacturers have notes denoting the application years. But looking at Cruiser Outfitters site they list the Dakar springs for all years. Those are the springs I have. Is it just a bushing difference with those springs or is it still a spring difference but not listed.

Appreciate any help

Call @cruiseroutfit Cruiser Outfitters on Monday. They’ll get you sorted.

 

[landtank]

Call @cruiseroutfit Cruiser Outfitters on Monday. They’ll get you sorted.

I went on their website on my computer and got the gist of what is going on. I was planning on calling them but I like to educate myself first so I don't take so much of their phone time when I call.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Different bushings will solve your woes!

 

[Living in the Past]

Thought the spring change was 8/80 which is actually a huge change. Different transmission with a split transfer case. On short and mid wheel models hand brake moved to the rear axle.

 

[landtank]

Thought the spring change was 8/80 which is actually a huge change. Different transmission with a split transfer case. On short and mid wheel models hand brake moved to the rear axle.

All that has been dealt with. Since I didn’t install the springs and have bushings squeezing out of the hangers I knew something was amiss. But since the truck was able to stay vertical it was placed lower on the list. It was just a happen stance conversation that moved it up.

And now that I’ve secured a 5 speed 40 series top cover it’s back to the bottom.