Suspension/Tranny Questions for a Newbie

[rwbriggs]

Hello-

I am new to this site, and am excited to learn some new things about my cruiser.

First off, I have a 87 FJ60 with 271+ on it, and use it as a daily driver.

I have been looking at suspensions lately, and have heard alot about OME, but have been looking at the Hell for Stout offered by Cool Cruisers of Texas. Any advice? I would like to put an ARB bar w/ winch on the front eventually.

Second, I've also been looking at the Toyota 5 speed tranny....I believe it's called the H55F. How hard is this to put in?....and is it worth the time/money? What about a Fairey tranny? Are they comparable/better/worse? Where can I find one? I've only read about rigs with one already installed.

Thanks for all help/advice.

Robert Briggs

 

[nikos8]

The h55 should be a direct bolt on to your engine and t/c. It is one of the best upgrades you can do to your wagon. I would stick with the h55 or if you want to spend more money then go with the nv4500 but that requires adapters (= $$$) and fabricating of some of the cross members. I would go with the h55. There is a few places that sell them. Try cruiserparts.net.

As for the suspension, OME has one of the best reputations on the market. I don't think I have ever read anything bad about them. Everyone who has a set swears by it. The HFS has gotten good and and not so good reviews. If you do a search you will have enough material to read for a month or so and welcome to the forum!

 

[rwbriggs]

Well, I've read alot since I posted that. Pretty much answered my own questions. The only thing I wish OME did was bundle everything you need together like the CCOT package. But it sounds like OME is the way to go.

As far as the tranny goes....sounds like the H55F is the easiest.....but haven't really heard/read much on the Fairey.

 

[EP60]

Here is a bunch of OME packages:

http://www.man-a-fre.com/parts_accessories/omesuspensions60series.htm

Your '87 doesn't need any modification (drive shafts) if you install the H55. I also have an '87 and have been eyeing the 5-Speed for a long time. CruiserParts.net ($1850) has free shipping to a business. I bought my used tranny from them, it's worked out great.