spring packers/shims/spacers?

[Eric_FJ40]

On my new (to me) 1991 FJ80, there are some red spacers between the top of the springs and the spring hangers on the front suspension. They appear to be rubber/poly/composite of some sort and are cupped somewhat so the springs fit into them some. They have about an inch of material between the spring and hanger.

I'm not sure if there is supposed to be any material at all between the spring and the hanger under normal or stock conditions.

The reason that I ask is that the rear of my truck squats a little and I'm thinking that maybe I could save my money and remove these spacers from the front springs instead of purchasing spacers for the rear.

Opinions?

Thanks for your input!

 

[concretejungle]

this thread is useless without pics!

 

[Eric_FJ40]

Damn! Never thought someone would be saying that to me. I'll have to see what I can do. I'm slightly brain dead when it comes to posting pics...

I think I need to do a SEARCH!

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Erci: Naw, no pics needed. Those are trim packers someone added to level the truck to their liking. I have front and rear to add additional lift to my OME off-road lift. You can remove or add to the rear for more lift there. Is your truck suspension otherwise stock?

 

[Eric_FJ40]

I figured they were trim packers - just not sure if I remove them does something need to go back in their place or is metal-to-metal contact of the spring to the hanger okay?

Truck has 5" OME lift on it already...

 

[Cruiser Newb]

WOW. thats alll i have to say. did u buy it like that or did u do that your self (the lift)?

 

[Big_Moose]

Eric

The Factory setup / or lifted springs are a "metal to metal" contact for the front / rear.
You can remove / add to your content

 

[Eric_FJ40]

Thanks, Big Moose - that answers my question!

Cruiser Newb - bought it that way. That was a big factor in my decision since the work and expense are out of the way up front.

I assume the best time to try this would be when I am installing new brake lines (they're on order now) so I can drop the axle enough to get in there. Are spring compressors necessary too?

 

[Eric_FJ40]

This is for Concretejungle and because I need to see if I can...

 

[concretejungle]

great Eric, thanks. Now i can answer your question. Those are spring spacers. It is o.k. to remove them and have metal on metal contact.

 

[Eric_FJ40]

Thanks! (and now I know I can post photos)

 

[Tooth Fairy]

Truck has 5" OME lift on it already...

I don't think you have OME springs on that, unless someone painted them gray to match the Slee springs. Were you told that's what they were?

 

[Eric_FJ40]

The original ad stated that it was a 5" Slee lift. I figured out soon enough that it wasn't - someone on the board here spotted the non-Slee control arm drop brackets before I bought it too.

I have receipts that show one pair of springs purchased from Slee, the other from 4wheel parts and the shocks from Slee I think. I'll have to go look at the receipts again.

The rest of the lift is homebrew - the stock panhard rods were retained and extended brackets were welded in for those. The swaybars were lowered with some home made brackets as well - looks like 1.5" square tube was used there.

It's got some booty-fab, but doesn't look to bad for my taste - it appears to be safe and all the issues with steering were addressed.

Maybe the springs are Slee's and xx's?

 

[waldrtw]

Let me know if you want to sell those front spacers.


Tim

 

[Eric_FJ40]

Tim:

I'll hang on to your contact info and let you know.

I'm going to wait until I replace all my brake lines so I can drop the axle and get the springs and spacers out of there. I have the extended lines on order from Christo right now but he said they might be out of stock at the moment so I'm not sure how soon I'll be getting in there.

Can anybody tell me if I'll need coil spring compressors to get the spacers out? In theory, I will be able to completely drop the axle since I'll be removing the brake line at the same time - just drop the driveshaft and let it swing down, right?

 

[waldrtw]

No you should not need coil spring spacers if you are dropping the axle.

Tim

 

[Eric_FJ40]

Eggsellent!

 

[Beowulf]

No need to drop the driveshaft to remove the springs and spacers.

-B-

 

[Eric_FJ40]

Even better! I imagine it will just swing down on the control arms, right?

 

[PHAEDRUS]

yup,
the limiting facotr is you shocks once they are out it is you brake lines. once those are gone just remember the diff breather and the axle will pivot down nicely
Dave