I picked up a 66 FJ40 project thats completely torn down and comes with a bunch of random parts (FJ40 frame and tub, FJ80 stock non E-locker axles with all the mounts cut off, LQ9 chevy 6.0, sm465 mated to a 205 etc). My first goal is to clean up the frame and start with the suspension, I'd like to push the axles out as far as possible but keep it leaf springs, SOA for now. My thought is go with FJ60 rear stock height springs both front and back and run them reversed, I dont want this thing to be to tall? I guess my first real question is where to find new stock height springs to use and does anyone have a better suggestion? Yes I plan on buying a bunch of Ruffstuff parts to outboard the springs to work with the FJ80 axles plus a cut and turn.
Starting Fj40 project need advice
- Thread starter Hoist00
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That is exactly how I set my suspension up. My wheel base is 107", I have the rear shackle mount on the bumper to move it back as far as possible and i had to keep the front shakes in the front. I tried doing a shackle reversal but it made the rig way to high. This is the best pic i have right now.
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Nice rig, I too would love to see a side profile shot of it. I really dont want to put the shackles in the front but I understand it can be hard to mount it in the back and keep the front end low without putting the upper mount through the frame plus with the FJ80 axle I can do a cut and turn to help fix the bad pinion anlge. Are your springs stock height? I want to start with new FJ60 springs but most companies just sell lift springs.
Yea I already reversed shackle up front and have my shackle hanger through the frame, don't really
Hope I can make them fit as I don't want to put the shackles up front.
I'd also like to use new stock height springs but have the same issue... Can only source lift springs. s*** I can't even find a pair of used ones locally!
Is there an alternative to the 60 rears that is around the same length that might be flatter and yield a good ride/flex?
Springs are about 46.5" eye to eye under load in the front and about 47" in the back. Rear has 6" shackles and the front has 4". My springs are used stock ones. They are not the easiest thing to find. Took me a about a year to find 2 good sets.
Home made outrigger and it's hangs low to level to cruiser. I used ruffstuff outriggers in the front. I can't take any side profile shots because my garage is not big enough and it is still not running so I can't pull it out. I have small roller tires on it now. Much easyer to work on that way.
Ok thanks for the info. Did you want the rig that high or is that as low as you could get it w those springs. I want mine to sit as low as possible, plan to keep 37s till I go to tons.
Picked up a set of front and rear 60 springs tonight. Anyone have experience with using front springs? I like that they are so flat, thinking they might fit nicely up front and keep the overall height down.
Also, do people typically take leaves out of the packs to run on a 40? If so which ones? This rig will be primarily trail use so not too worried about street ability, as long as it is safe(ish) at 50mph I'll be happy.
Anyone have experience using creeper shackle hangers on the rear?
Picked up a set of front and rear 60 springs tonight. Anyone have experience with using front springs? I like that they are so flat, thinking they might fit nicely up front and keep the overall height down.
Also, do people typically take leaves out of the packs to run on a 40? If so which ones? This rig will be primarily trail use so not too worried about street ability, as long as it is safe(ish) at 50mph I'll be happy.
Anyone have experience using creeper shackle hangers on the rear?
I set set the front up as low as I could and just matched the rear to it. I left all the leafs in and it still seems pretty soft. Haven't driven it yet though.
That's what I figured. I'm gonna try to get mine as low as possible, might work with the front 60 springs and shackle reversal w shackle hanger sleeved through the frame. This is my current setup. I plan to bring the hanger forwRd to the front of the frame, but can't move the axle any further forward or I'll have to push the steering box forward too.
I just picked up a set of front and rear stock springs last night. The front 60 springs are actually shorter than the stock 40 fronts, also pin is centered not offset. I was gonna give them a try but don't think I'll gain anything w a shorter spring.
Tapage
Club 4X4 Panamá
I was about to tell that are centered ( 60 series front ) springs .. so running rears from 60 series in the front taking few leaves from the spring pack will do the trick ..
