Suspension Rebuild Project

[subatomic]

Hi all,

I've been saving my pennies, nickles, and dimes and am finally at the point where I can purchase a dobinsons suspension kit. However I have neither the space nor the tools nor the experience necessary to undertake a project this big by myself, but I'd prefer to learn if I can.

Would it make the most sense to find a shop, or is this a feasible weekend project with some guidance from a mentor? I can provide food and drink as well as some cash for the help. I'm happy to also trade cruiser work for bike parts/work, as I'm working at a bike shop in town. I'm open to advice and suggestions. I'll also be at the meeting tomorrow if you want to chat in person.

Thanks!

 

[BurntToast]

I just installed the Dobinsons on my 62. I’ll be there tomorrow too. For sure doable in a long weekend

 

[subatomic]

Ordered the kit a few days ago, just waiting for ubolts to no longer be on backorder.

 

[subatomic]

Small parts arrived, just waiting for the leaf springs.

I can't find cohesive information on this online, but @BurntToast did you also buy new extended sway bars? Or did you find that the difference in lift did not offset the OEM ones significantly? I just missed the Trail Tailor sale for them.

 

[BurntToast]

Small parts arrived, just waiting for the leaf springs. View attachment 3786868
I can't find cohesive information on this online, but @BurntToast did you also buy new extended sway bars? Or did you find that the difference in lift did not offset the OEM ones significantly? I just missed the Trail Tailor sale for them.

I’m not running a rear right now but you can just use these for the fronts.

https://a.co/d/2H2v72p

I actually may have the extended rears in my garage that I can’t use with the 80 axle

 

[BurntToast]

You may also need extended brake lines from the frame to the axle.

I also put 4deg caster shims up front

 

[subatomic]

I have everything but the caster shims. Bought some brake lines and front sway bar links from MAF. Let me know if you do have those rear links. Debating seeing how it drives before ordering the shims but may just do so anyways.

 

[BurntToast]

I do have the rear links. I can bring them by if your going to the party tomorrow

 

[subatomic]

I do have the rear links. I can bring them by if your going to the party tomorrow

I was planning on going but there was an enormous backup on 40 that we got stuck in after going tree hunting on Mt. Taylor. It added maybe 2 hours to our trip... I'll catch you next meeting though

 

[Dumpolina]

I was planning on going but there was an enormous backup on 40 that we got stuck in after going tree hunting on Mt. Taylor. It added maybe 2 hours to our trip... I'll catch you next meeting though

Do you have a rear swaybar? Neither of mine do (83, 85). I thought some internet fella told me only 62's had rears

 

[pappy]

Do you have a rear swaybar? Neither of mine do (83, 85). I thought some internet fella told me only 62's had rears

I'm pretty sure I have a rear sway bar out of a FJ62. Just the bar.

 

[Dumpolina]

I'm pretty sure I have a rear sway bar out of a FJ62. Just the bar. Free.

I think someone local was looking for one in the axles/suspension classifieds

 

[pappy]

I think someone local was looking for one in the axles/suspension classifieds

Schizam. Found it. Thanks. No idea who the fella is.

 

[subatomic]

I think someone local was looking for one in the axles/suspension classifieds

I need to check if I have the brackets/mounts for them, I thought I did but now that I remember most 60s don't have sway bars I have to go look

 

[pappy]

I need to check if I have the brackets/mounts for them, I thought I did but now that I remember most 60s don't have sway bars I have to go look

Let me know. That rear sway bar is yours if you want it. I know it's a common upgrade on the FJ60s.

 

[subatomic]

Let me know. That rear sway bar is yours if you want it. I know it's a common upgrade on the FJ60s.

Yeah I'll take it. Thanks!

 

[pappy]

Yeah I'll take it. Thanks!

OK, glad you can use it. Hit me up when you want to come get it.

 

[BurntToast]

I have two brackets for the axle end if your axle doesn’t have them. I made them for my 80 axle swap but the 62 bar doesn’t fit.