Springover and new shackles (1 Viewer)

[marcfj60]

I'm just starting to look into this and at this point haven't had the time or motivation to look on the FJ40 section or the archives. In case you hadn't heard the rumor yet, I was the lucky winner (or victim - depending on your perspective) of the Dave Aley Free FJ40 Lottery. He had mostly finished the springover conversion using massive U-Bolts and almost as beefy channel plates as the top plates. I'd like to know people's experience or words of wisdom doing a springover on a 40. I've noticed some posts where people have done a knuckle turn to reduce the driveline angles, alowing them to tilt the differential a bit while maintaing the original steering/pivot geometry (caster ?) at the knuckles for good steering and control. I don't know if I want to tackle this unless it really is the smart way to go.

Also, I need to put new shackles and bushings on it. I've seen and heard of greasable shackles which sound better than non-greasable ones. Anybody got any advice there? The first priority for me is to get all the springs secured to the axles and frame in a relatively aligned manner so that it can more safely be pushed around without the axles trying to go off in different directions than the frame.

I need to put some matching tires on it that will hold air as well. I'm not ready to fork out the money for some good tires until the truck is pretty much put back together with a good engine and drivetrain in place. So I was thinking about going down to Discount or Big-O to see what used tires they might have for 'cheap'. I figured something in the 31" - 33" range would be fine for now and probably not too hard to get.

I'll work on getting some pictures up later, after I actually take some. Then Paul and Rudy won't feel so bad about the condition of their projects.

 

[evanz80]

Marc -

It sounds like a fun project - that should keep you out of trouble for a while!

Since I'm used to coil springs and control arms, I have absolutely no advice to give regarding shackles and spring-overs. But I know you will get some good input from others in the club.

Good luck - and keep us posted on progress.

Evan

 

[pappy]

Well, I went spring over and used greasable shackles. The heavy plates for the u-bolts is a nice way to go.

As far as the axle cut-n-turn I would call Proffitt's and call it a day. I think his cost to ship you a modified axle housing (exchange) was rather reasonable. I would highly recommend the cut-n-turn if Dave did a shackle reversal at the same time, which is typical for a SOA.

I acquired some smaller wheels from Ryan with the intent of using them on da'40 in the garage so I could potentially get the truck to clear the garage door. I have four wheels, three with tires, two tires match, one is about the same size. I don't think I'm going to be needing them in the near future so you can borrow them. You can also get tires cheap from the U-Pull, and if lucky even get them on rims. A tire on a rim is about $20 each.

 

[marcfj60]

Shackle reversal had not been done. I know you did it. It sounds like you also did the cut-and-turn exchange with Proffits. Thanks for the info and I'll check into it.

 

[marcfj60]

Marc -

It sounds like a fun project - that should keep you out of trouble for a while!


Evan

I'm worried it will get me into trouble.

I envision a very long-term project which is why I don't want to do anything expensive with tires for fear of them being dry-rotted before I ever get it on the road. I've got to do some concrete work, take out a wall, take out a tree and build/buy a gate so I can get the machine to my house before I can even think about starting work on it. But I would like to get the suspension and tires stable before I move it again.

Hopefully I don't disappoint too many people with the pace of the progress as I'd expect it to be even less satisfying than Jon's updates (no offense intended Jon)

 

[Beowulf]

Hopefully I don't disappoint too many people with the pace of the progress as I'd expect it to be even less satisfying than Jon's updates (no offense intended Jon)

All these 40 builds are worse than watching paint dry.

-B-

 

[OGBeno]

I'm worried it will get me into trouble.

I envision a very long-term project which is why I don't want to do anything expensive with tires for fear of them being dry-rotted before I ever get it on the road. I've got to do some concrete work, take out a wall, take out a tree and build/buy a gate so I can get the machine to my house before I can even think about starting work on it. But I would like to get the suspension and tires stable before I move it again.

Hopefully I don't disappoint too many people with the pace of the progress as I'd expect it to be even less satisfying than Jon's updates (no offense intended Jon)

You can do a SOA/new shackles in one really long day or two short ones. It'snot rocket science nor is it exceptionally difficult. Just time consuming...which all of use have little to spare these days. In terms of cut'n' turn on a solid axle--this would be the correct and most permanent solution to pinion angle/driveline kosher-ness. Many put angled spacers to adjust for pinion. Cut n' turn is not that difficult either as long as you have a welder, or access to one.

I've did a few of these in Ohio with the guys there and we even had to deal with torching bushing out and the like due to rust belt growth. There is none of that here. You should be able to do it pretty easily with some help.

Let me know when you are ready, I'll be over to help.

-o-

 

[pappy]

Hopefully I don't disappoint too many people with the pace of the progress as I'd expect it to be even less satisfying than Jon's updates (no offense intended Jon)

You will have to work harder to offend me on this subject. Mike's abuse, er, encouragement, is well deserved.

All these 40 builds are worse than watching paint dry.

-B-

6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1,
or maybe 4M9, or 4Q2.

 

[BionicCruiser]

i have the spring over and front spring reversal on mine. i reccomend the reversal while you are there. it really improves approach angle and ride quality. i did not do a cut and turn (with my stock axles). but then i also had a SM465 that gave me some extra drive shaft length. cut and turn is the most ideal way to go just make sure you know your engine/tranny/tcase length so it is done to the right angle.
shackles are easy to do. i even made my own in a few hours and they are very beefy. we did my SO/reversal in a weekend. you can do the cut and turn later when it's getting closer to completion.

 

[marcfj60]

You will have to work harder to offend me on this subject. Mike's abuse, er, encouragement, is well deserved.



6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1, 6M1,
or maybe 4M9, or 4Q2.

4M9 would be excellent. It looks great on a 60, 62 or 80. And it's really not that common from what I've seen (except on Camrys - shh)

 

[marcfj60]

i have the spring over and front spring reversal on mine. i reccomend the reversal while you are there. it really improves approach angle and ride quality. i did not do a cut and turn (with my stock axles). but then i also had a SM465 that gave me some extra drive shaft length. cut and turn is the most ideal way to go just make sure you know your engine/tranny/tcase length so it is done to the right angle.
shackles are easy to do. i even made my own in a few hours and they are very beefy. we did my SO/reversal in a weekend. you can do the cut and turn later when it's getting closer to completion.

The springover is basically done. I like the shackle reversal idea. And waiting until close to the end for the cut and turn sounds like a good idea. I can actually have the engine/trans/T-case in place to help determine the angle.

 

[sirenmoses]

I'm worried it will get me into trouble. ...I've got to do some concrete work, take out a wall, take out a tree and build/buy a gate so I can get the machine to my house before I can even think about starting work on it.

I'm surprized you aren't already in trouble!
Congrats on the 40. I'm down w/helping you prep the casa, chainsaws & all. (Us firefighters LOOOVE breaking things! )

You're quite welcome to park it at my place til yours is ready, if your pops needs his space back and we can figure a safe way to get it up the hill. I've only got one inop rig there now, after disappearing the pickup and the van: the neighbors will think I'm slacking.

I second the used tire option, was gonna recommend any of those shops on 2nd or 4th, but Pappy's suggestion sounds safer.

 

[lurch]

If you angle the pinion up any I would do a cut and turn. Before I cut and turned mine, it would preform highway lane changes at random especially over bumps. Also I would figure out which steering setup you're going to use. I've reinvented my steering several times getting it were I want it and now I'm making longer spring mounts to clear my new high steer setup.

 

[marcfj60]

I'm surprized you aren't already in trouble!
Congrats on the 40. I'm down w/helping you prep the casa, chainsaws & all. (Us firefighters LOOOVE breaking things! )

You're quite welcome to park it at my place til yours is ready, if your pops needs his space back and we can figure a safe way to get it up the hill. I've only got one inop rig there now, after disappearing the pickup and the van: the neighbors will think I'm slacking.

I second the used tire option, was gonna recommend any of those shops on 2nd or 4th, but Pappy's suggestion sounds safer.

Thanks for the offers. I'll let you know if I need your help with any of the above.

 

[marcfj60]

Anybody know if the shackles from an '85 FJ60 will work on my '71 FJ40?

 

[alia176]

All these 40 builds are worse than watching paint dry.

-B-

Yeah, no kidding.

 

[marcfj60]

Nobody is forcing you to watch.