Stock Height Shock Options???

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Reedo311

Reedo311

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Dec 21, 2004
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So I am in the process of rebuilding my 72 FJ40 and I am keeping with the stock height. I have decided not to upgrade to a new lift kit because my stock springs seem to be in pretty good shape. Got new all new bushings and the shackles are still solid.

However my old shocks however are worn.

I can order the front shocks from Toyota for about $30 each however the rears are discontinued. I can still order rear shocks for '75 and later FJ40's.

My Questions?
1) What is the main difference between the '72 and '75 rear shocks?
- It seems that the front did not change.
2) What are my other options for stock height shocks?
- CCOT only has BDS in a 2+ inch lift
- Specter has ProComp in stock height for $55 each (w/ boots)
3) Are the ProComps good shocks?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Patrick
 
Sorry I did a search but missed that one. I'll check it out.

Are there any concerns with consistency between the front and rear.

How much are the Bilsteins and where do you get them?
 
If you have a 72 you cant get bilsteins... I know SAD i was in the same boat. Honestly though I dont think you will can go wrong with a moderately priced set of Ranchos... I think you will like them
 
i am running rancho 9000 and i like them a lot,just done 4000 kilometres over the holidays loaded to the max and i think they are the best ive had on my shorties,probably cheaper over your way as well
 
Jwood said:
If you have a 72 you cant get bilsteins... I know SAD i was in the same boat. Honestly though I dont think you will can go wrong with a moderately priced set of Ranchos... I think you will like them
Click to expand...

Not true. I know that no website lists them as fitting, but you just need to figure out your extended and compressed length. Then go to this chart on Bilsteins website - Bilstein -figure out the shocks you need and call up your favorite distributor.

If you want to do it the simple way, take off your shock and measure the extended and compressed length and buy shocks with those numbers. However, the BEST way is to flex out your suspension and measure it.

Since I'm tired of seeing that Bilsteins don't fit a stock rig, I went to www.summitracing.com and searched for stock height shocks for a 72 Landcruiser. The first two "rear" results were from ProComp and Rancho. The dimensions were: 22.8" extended and 13.7" collapsed for the PCs and 20.25" extended and 12.875" collapsed for the Rancho. I went to the Bilstein webpage listed above and found the corresponding Bilsteins as: BE5-6252-H5 with an extended length of 21.54 and a collapsed length of 13.58, which is right in line with the other two that supposedly "fit" a stock rig. A little research can go a long ways.

Again, the disclaimer is that you should measure your suspension travel to get the appropriate shocks.

Good luck! :cheers:

edit: I forgot to mention the closest for the stock height front shocks - BE5-6251-H5.
 
Reedo311 said:
So I am in the process of rebuilding my 72 FJ40 and I am keeping with the stock height. I have decided not to upgrade to a new lift kit because my stock springs seem to be in pretty good shape. Got new all new bushings and the shackles are still solid.

However my old shocks however are worn.

I can order the front shocks from Toyota for about $30 each however the rears are discontinued. I can still order rear shocks for '75 and later FJ40's.

My Questions?
1) What is the main difference between the '72 and '75 rear shocks?
- It seems that the front did not change.
2) What are my other options for stock height shocks?
- CCOT only has BDS in a 2+ inch lift
- Specter has ProComp in stock height for $55 each (w/ boots)
3) Are the ProComps good shocks?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Patrick
Click to expand...

I have a 1970 and when i first got my truck it had the stock springs lifted by 2.5 inch shackles and worn out to almost no bushings with old rancho 5000s

when i did my 5 speed I had to convert my rear axle for the ebrake to an 81 ff.

So when i was done I had bought stock height shackles with new urethane bushings and when i got to my shocks i had to order 1970s for the front and 1981 for the rear. The difference in shock height starts in 1975 i think . The early cruisers have shocks from the frame to the top of the axle and the 75 and later ( at least in the rear) have shock mounting from the frame to the bottom of the u-bolt plates. So the 75 and later are about 3 inches longer travel. There are some good brands out there that still carry both front and rear sizes for the early landcruiser. I know for sure Rancho and Bilstien do and probably many more.

hope this helps. Both brands are great, i only have experience with ranchos and i love them. never ridden in a softer riding cruiser than mine after the switch. I think its cool your keeping the stock height:steer:

for what its worth i went to my local 4wheel parts and they helped me out with the correct size. It also doesn't hurt to call the manufacturer of whatever brand you choose. They are usually pretty promp and helpful.
:cheers:


okie
 
Last edited:
Thanks for all the help guys, i'll do a little more research. but I think the Ranchos fit my price range. But I'll check everything out.
 
Hi All:

Frankly, I'd just go with the Toyota OE shocks at all four corners. The 1975 and up rear shocks should be fine on your rig.

Another option (more $$) is the OME shocks from ARB-USA. Good, heavy-duty shocks, but $30 each for the OE units is hard to beat!

Good luck!

Alan
 
I am restoring a 69 FJ40 and replaced all the shocks and steering stablizer. I used KYP GR2 Shocks and Monroe Steering Stabilizer. Cost were 275 with stablizer being the 75.
Font Shocks part #344426
Back Shocks Part #344090

george
 
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