I am in the process of researching which suspension upgrade to install on my 60. I am looking for 3 to 4 inches of lift. I know there are many out there. BDS, Safari, HFS, ect. Cost is definitely an issue. If I just get the springs, do I need extended brake lines, longer U-bolts, shocks? Any help you guys can give me I would really appreciate it.
I went with OME and it cost a lot but the springs are high quality and the OME name has been around awhile. Theses newer lifts are making their own springs and do not have a proven track record like OME. I would do extended SS brake lines from each axle while you are down there. Most kits come with all the hardware you need.
I too went with OME, and it was expensive, but I wouldn;t have done it differently. I have 100,000 miles on my springs and they still perform well. You don;t need the longer ss lines immediatly, but it is something you should definatly do. I ran the OME med fronts and OME petrol heavy springs in the rear. That was enough for my FJ-62 to put on 33X12.50 tires with a little rubbing during heavy articulation. You really don;t need extended shackles but they are an option. I wanted 35s so I did a shackle reversal in front(+ ~1.5") and 2" extended shackles in the rear. And I added the OME heavy duty add a leaf to make my springs the diesel heavies and a ~1" lift. The 35's fit then but I am not sure of the rubbing because I have barely any miles on that setup. I have heard that 33X10.50 fits with no mods. I am going to try that when I have money for tires. Good luck.
33X9.5 will fit on stock springs w/no lift, 33X10.50 will rub on stock suspension.
Regarding lifts, I think the options are cheap, or top of the line. Nothing in the middle makes sense to me.
I have the MAF "Safari" lift, with OME shocks/shackles. I didn't pop for the OME springs because of cost. In hindsight, that was a poor decision. No one thing "wrong" with the MAF purchsase, but a lot of little things that weren't quite right. Done again, I'd spend the extra and go OME.
Doc has it nailed on the low bucks side - addaleafs, extended shackles, and tall skinny tires. You can do some serious wheeling on that setup.
