Does anyone know if the spring sizes for an Fj43 are the same as an FJ40? I have an '83 FJ43 which I need to replace the suspension.
Springs for 83 FJ43
- Thread starter CTFJ43
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- Thread starter
- #3
Thanks iw ill check it out.
I just went thru this debocle. Took me a couple years to come up with what I wanted.
The rear springs are the same as the FJ45 in the rear in terms of dimensions but they are built for a lighter load. I ended up going with a Man-A-Fre flip kit in the front with their 2.5" lift springs (4") total. In the rear I just recieved a set of custom Alcan springs and Bill Ford was great to work with. Very high quality and made to order. Unlike the springs in the front these have a layer of plastic (polyethelene?) in between each leaf. I think it was an 8 leaf spring pack.
I thought about chopping up the rear and putting in FJ40 springs to make it easy. But I wanted to keep the uniqueness of the FJ43. Not to mention a longer spring "generally" gives a better "softer" ride which is what I was going for. If you go for FJ45 springs they will be pretty darn stiff and if you remove leaves it will likely not produce the lift you need. In the end you only spend a few more bucks and get exactly what you need/want. In the realm of the FJ43 in the states custom rear springs are the only way to go.
I'll get some pics soon. Haven't even installed them yet.
The rear springs are the same as the FJ45 in the rear in terms of dimensions but they are built for a lighter load. I ended up going with a Man-A-Fre flip kit in the front with their 2.5" lift springs (4") total. In the rear I just recieved a set of custom Alcan springs and Bill Ford was great to work with. Very high quality and made to order. Unlike the springs in the front these have a layer of plastic (polyethelene?) in between each leaf. I think it was an 8 leaf spring pack.
I thought about chopping up the rear and putting in FJ40 springs to make it easy. But I wanted to keep the uniqueness of the FJ43. Not to mention a longer spring "generally" gives a better "softer" ride which is what I was going for. If you go for FJ45 springs they will be pretty darn stiff and if you remove leaves it will likely not produce the lift you need. In the end you only spend a few more bucks and get exactly what you need/want. In the realm of the FJ43 in the states custom rear springs are the only way to go.
I'll get some pics soon. Haven't even installed them yet.
- Thread starter
- #5
Thanks. I agree. Honestly don't have the time to source all unique parts. if custom is the way to go, happy to go there!
FJ43 1980
SILVER Star
I completely agree with Jason. The available 45 springs are designed for heavy loads and will give a harsh ride in a non loaded 43. Custom is the way to go. I'm looking to do the suspension on my 43, but I have been hesitant to order springs from Alcan as a few 45 owners here on MUD have recently had issues with Alcan rear springs ranging from being too short, too stiff or too soft, so a bit a of crap shoot. Search Alcan in the 45 owners section. I'm hoping that Alcan got their act together by now. Jason and I communicated when he was ordering his springs from Alcan and if Jason's communication with Alcan was as thorough and detailed as his build (see his build thread) I don't see how Alcan could screw up. So I'll likely order Alcans. Send me a PM or email and if we place our order together we can probably save on shipping.
I'm actually thinking Alcan as well. There are springs for the MWB here in Japan but I can not tell if they are any good or not. I'm trying to find out more info. I'm looking for 2+" of lift with longer shackles and a softer ride as well. The stock springs on my 44 are for a half ton load- which I do occasionally see but on a daily basis its 2 kids and some recovery stuff in the rear= stiff ride.
I'd love to hear the specs on the alcans.
Pete
I'd love to hear the specs on the alcans.
Pete
Sadly it will be about 9 months before I ever get a chance to try out the Alcans. We will have an initial fit here in the next few weeks though but we won't have any weight on the vehicle so I won't be able to give a good update on that either. I know if there are big issues Alcan will take them back and make the adjustments.
I have mine set up for a 3" lift and 1" from my shackles. Set up for about 200lbs over stock as I will have a cage in it most of the time with my soft top and just my kid in the back. When the hardtop is on the cage will be out so it will be about the same. Probably going to put some airbags on if I ever have anything really heavy and or tow my trailer.
I have mine set up for a 3" lift and 1" from my shackles. Set up for about 200lbs over stock as I will have a cage in it most of the time with my soft top and just my kid in the back. When the hardtop is on the cage will be out so it will be about the same. Probably going to put some airbags on if I ever have anything really heavy and or tow my trailer.
FJ43 1980
SILVER Star
Let us know how the initial fit goes. My biggest concern is that they'll bee too short. If there are issues I guess we'll have more keverage to deal with Alcan if there are 3 or 4 of us.
- Thread starter
- #10
Thanks. I think I am going to get a shop to help and I will let you know what they say and how it comes out. While I think I could take the suspension off and put it on if I took my time and had some help, I just don't have all the time to do the sourcing etc.
I appreciate the suggestion and will let you know what I find out.
I appreciate the suggestion and will let you know what I find out.
Going through looking to replace mine as well. I stumbled across this thread, and was thinking of the OEM 45 for my 79 43. Did anyone get the custom Alcans? I read where some mentioned the 45's being too stiff as they are built for a heavier load, but anything is better than whatever was rigged up to mine currently. Also wondering if you could take some from a 45 and some from the 40 and combine them for the rear. Anyone tried that?
