What does a stock 3b with stock leafsprings ride like?

[rustybucket]

I replaced my old ones years ago with ironman but have never ridden in another bj60 with a different set of springs. I was told that with my shackles pointing down, that the ride would be rough. Well the day after I put the springs on whole crap, it was so stiff, the truck did not drop when I stepped on the rear bumper. It would have taken 800 bls of cement in the rear to have the rear drop down a inch.

Fast forward to today, its now very bouncy soft "shock tube rusted off long ago" so no rear shocks. Would Love to find another fj60 to replace my truck but as always, do not have a shop in Vancouver BC to use or enough $ to buy a replacement truck. I need to get my work as a IT subcontractor to make the $ to replace it

 

[Speediet44]

My stock 85 bj60 rides as well as my 06 tacoma does, in terms of absorbing potholes bumps etc. Doesn't corner very well.
My stupidly lifted 83 bj60 rides like garbage. Previous owner or 2 back put 7 leafs in the back and it is terrible. Taking 3 leafs out this winter as well as installing a new shock tube, mine rusted off too

 

[roalco]

When my '84 BJ60 was new, and box stock (with Michelin LTS M+S tires)it rode great, and cornered like it was on rails. Slowly the rear end started to sag, after about 15 years of DD, got the springs rearced once (waste of money and time) and added firestone ride-rite bags in the rear. Ran that for years and eventually replaced the stock springs with iron man units all round. Gained about two inches front and rear, and installed rear Boss airbags for heavy loads. It still handles VERY well for a thirty year old truck (close to 500,000km) with extra heavy suspension.

 

[cheric]

I replaced my old ones years ago with ironman but have never ridden in another bj60 with a different set of springs. I was told that with my shackles pointing down, that the ride would be rough. Well the day after I put the springs on whole crap, it was so stiff, the truck did not drop when I stepped on the rear bumper. It would have taken 800 bls of cement in the rear to have the rear drop down a inch.

Fast forward to today, its now very bouncy soft "shock tube rusted off long ago" so no rear shocks. Would Love to find another fj60 to replace my truck but as always, do not have a shop in Vancouver BC to use or enough $ to buy a replacement truck. I need to get my work as a IT subcontractor to make the $ to replace it

I use OME 3 inch lift. The rear was too high. I removed one leaf. This means I cannot tow thousands of lbs or carry thousands of lbs of wegiht but I don't care. It sits flat and looks nice this way. So you might try removing one leaf. It is cheap to do and easy to reverse if you hate it.

 

[rustybucket]

The leafs were desined for the 6 cylinder diesel. The leafs were way way WAY to stiff when new. Worse then riding in a tank. now they are soft, but ebi said to take the third leaf from the top. I wont do this as the truck frame is very rusty and will eventually replace the truck for something else or another 60/62

 

[watrob]

The only difference in ride is in the old days you had a horse, now you have a engine, but the ride stayed the same?

 

[rustybucket]

Right now its okay. I am a fuel sipping driver so, fuel consumption is a concern. Loved it when it got 28 mpg. Not so good right now. Like 22 mpg which to me is a big knock on the fuel economy. I will eventually find a 62 and do a engine/transmission change.

 

[HiQPen]

Like a stage coach, but half the power. But doesn't matter if you love it.

 

[Crusherfied]

Had the stock springs in my BJ60 when I bought it 12 years ago. It was ok but started to see noticeable sag over the years and a lean to one side. Finally checked underneath one day and noticed that almost every leaf pack had broken or missing springs. I ordered an OME 2" lift and installed right away. I took measurements from all four corners and from the center of front and rear bumpers. I gained a right height adjustment of anywhere from 4 to 6 inches. On the road it felt like it was riding on rails and acceleration seemed smoother, or perhaps just less bouncy. Off road felt a little weird at first, but once the suspension settled in it rides great.