Is this a good idea? I'm only looking for enogh to fit 33x 12.5 tires on it so I don't think I'll need very much lift. So what I was planning on was making a set of custom shackles for my FJ-45. Is this a good idea or no?
Using Shackles to get lift?
- Thread starter canadian bum
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I don't think you would be happy with just a shackle lift at that tire size. Are your fenderwells cut? If not, you will get rub upon articulation (will prolly fit on the road). You could, however, run 32X11.50 (MTRs or BFG AT/MT) with a shackle lift. Remember, shackles only lift half the difference in their lenght (2 inches longer = 1 inch lift.) and they can affect handling if too long. A small shackle lift is ok, though. The 32 inch tires are great for cruisers, good for moderate wheeling and comfy on road. In my opinion (I have run them on 40s and 60s) and excellent choice for a moderate rig.
I have re-arched springs and a small shackle lift. I run 32x11.5s and it is faily capable. It looks good, rides well, and steers easily.
That said, I'm putting a 4 inch suspension lift and 1.5 inch shackles on as soon as I can. 32s are fine for weekend wheeling, but I would like to hit a few more aggressive trails that 32s just wouldnt cope on.
Hope that helps.
That said, I'm putting a 4 inch suspension lift and 1.5 inch shackles on as soon as I can. 32s are fine for weekend wheeling, but I would like to hit a few more aggressive trails that 32s just wouldnt cope on.
Hope that helps.
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longer shackels flaten out the leafs springs...that sucks in my book. many people use lifted shackles but I personally feel it is not a good way to lift. Much better off with lifted springs to gain the amount of lift you want.
H
Hodag
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Lifted shackles
The PO of my 40 put on some ridiculous, homemade, piece o' turd shackles. The fronts are like 6" long and the rears are like 8". The box tubing that he used rusted through. It rides like a hardtail motorcycle, and has no flex. Im scrapping the whole set up and doing a SOA as soon as the Pig is done. But I guess to answer your question, Im running 33s and they dont rub (prolly because of zero flex). If youre set on shackles and 33s, dont go more than a little over stock or look into the 33x9.5s (BFG and others make this size). If you do a search, there are several posts of stock 40s running the 33x9.5s. Hodag
The PO of my 40 put on some ridiculous, homemade, piece o' turd shackles. The fronts are like 6" long and the rears are like 8". The box tubing that he used rusted through. It rides like a hardtail motorcycle, and has no flex. Im scrapping the whole set up and doing a SOA as soon as the Pig is done. But I guess to answer your question, Im running 33s and they dont rub (prolly because of zero flex). If youre set on shackles and 33s, dont go more than a little over stock or look into the 33x9.5s (BFG and others make this size). If you do a search, there are several posts of stock 40s running the 33x9.5s. Hodag
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my 40 runs 33's on stock springs, rear fenders are trimmed slightly, but only cause the 12.5's need space width wise, could probably squeeze 9.5's in there.
cruisers came stock witht he metric equivelent of 32's in aust, don't know if your springs are different height to ours though..
cruisers came stock witht he metric equivelent of 32's in aust, don't know if your springs are different height to ours though..
I think that generaly longer shackels are not the best idea, although everything in moderation. One cheep option if you have some metal fab stuff would be to lower the spring hangers an inch or two. make sure you have a good welder on hand because weld failure would be a bad thing! Your better of to bolt them anyway, welds to frames make weak spots (actualy hard spots that crack). I would find a set of cut out flares for the rear and I think you find that you have enough room for the 33's. you may need to get offset rims for the front or deal with a little tire rub at full turn.
Maybe I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure the FJ45 has bigger rear wheel wells than a 40. The rear springs used in the 1ton late 70's FJ45's had a lot more arch so if yours aren't sagged you can probably fit a 33 in the back with no trouble.
The fronts you aren't as lucky with because they are the same as any other 40 series. The 33's will likely hit the outside of the fender at full stuff, and hit the steering linkage as well. Also long shackles up front without shimming for caster will give really bad road manners.
The fronts you aren't as lucky with because they are the same as any other 40 series. The 33's will likely hit the outside of the fender at full stuff, and hit the steering linkage as well. Also long shackles up front without shimming for caster will give really bad road manners.
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I'm not going all huge with shackles I only want a little lift and for the back I could probably fit tractor tires at the moment because the box rusted out and I took it off. I'm going to make a nice flat bed for it. I might just put 32's on but I thik the stock tire size was close to 33 on the FJ-45 due to the 16" rims. I don't know I'll have to stand the stock tires up against my 33 BFG's on my Ford and find out for sure.
