Springs - The usual suspects or Terrain tamer plus 1" body lift?

[msapers]

Hi All,

It's getting to be time to choose what springs I'll be using. On my past 40's I've been very happy with the Skyjacker 4 inch Softride setup and that was the plan for my current rig too but with Terrain Tamer in the mix now, I'm not so sure. Everything I've read about the parabolics (and I've read everything I could find here and other places) sounds great as far as ride quality goes but the lift is only about 2 inches. If I use them I'll need to go with a 1 inch body lift to achieve the desired result. My transmission and T-case are with Georg at Valley Hybrids right now, so that would be a no brainer. The rig will have 33's to start and maybe 35's later. Hard top on or off seasonally. It will be a daily driver with a lot of highway miles going between L.A. and Spokane several times a year, often pulling a trailer with a motorcycle or two on it. It will be wheeled from time to time but I'm not a rock crawler. Drivetrain will be SBC/NV4500/Orion with 3.70's. Selfishly, I've been waiting for a few other people to jump on the Terrain Tamer springs before I do but my build has to be done and on the road in 10 months, so waiting much longer isn't an option. What say you?

 

[peesalot]

Have Georg send em with your drivetrain parts.

 

[White Stripe]

A 2" body lift is easier than a 1". Everything lines up better.

 

[numby]

TT Parabolic Leaf Spring Review

 

[archie73]

I wonder about only 3” of lift and 35’s? I theoretically have 4” of lift (SR+2.5”) and my 35’s leaf the fender lips, but I rub the inside fender front and rear when I get in the rocks. On pavement and driving over a twisty pass, not so much.

 

[EWheeler]

I wonder about only 3” of lift and 35’s? I theoretically have 4” of lift (SR+2.5”) and my 35’s leaf the fender lips, but I rub the inside fender front and rear when I get in the rocks. On pavement and driving over a twisty pass, not so much.

2" and 35 tall skinnies works. Not for offroad use, but fine for an around town runner.

Tall skinny tires

@EWheeler and @mattressking what size lifts are guys running including shackle height? I measured the real steel bows and the 40 is about an inch higher than the garage door. I’m considering replacing the shackles to a different size to clear but would like to continue with the 35’s. I believe...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[PatkosToy]

Greetings,
I'm a newbie here who bought a 76 FJ40 in great condition last summer. Downside is it was stored 12 years in high humidity location and the springs are basically welded with surface rust. VERY rough ride. I was planning to disassemble spring packs, clean and lube appropriately to see if I can get a decent ride.

But all this talk of Terrain Tamer parabolics make me think I would really like that upgrade. Unfortunately I have 35x12.50 R15 tires that I really like. Current lift is about 4" but I don't know how to measure for sure. Terrain Tamer kits for '76 FJ40 have 55mm (about 2") lift. I expect that is not enough for wheeling with the 35s. I would be ok with less lift but I REALLY want to use those 35s.

Questions for anyone that has experience with Terrain Tamers on FJ40:
Can I install those spring kits and use the 35s off road?
Can I install those spring kits and add about 2" body lift somehow to get clearance to use the 35s?

Thanks in advance for anyone willing to advise on this issue. If there is a better thread please point me towards it. I've been scrolling and clicking for some hours and this seemed like a related topic

 

[charliemeyer007]

You should ask the folks that sell the springs. Have some measurements on hand like space between the tire and the fender and the ground up to the bumpers..

 

[jim land]

Best way to compare is the distance between axle and frame
And some side pics of your 40