Yet another 60 suspension question

[hbunting]

I'm considering purchasing an FJ60 with ~150K miles, rebuilt engine, looks clean on the inside, but has the classic sagging end issue. I'm meant to meet up with the guy in the next couple days, but wanted to get some opinions regarding options for the rear suspension. I talked to a certified TLC mechanic in my area, and he recommended the OME suspension (of course), but as everyone complains about, it's going to run me about 2800. I've read some regarding the add-a-leafs, and was wondering if this would be a fair band-aid for the short term (a year or so). I wouldn't mind putting the money in for the OME, but would like to drive it for a while and make sure it doesn't need anything else major before I drop 3K (seems like the add-a-leafs may be only a few hundred w/ labor). Could I also put on new springs with an add-a-leaf, or would that not be wise if I plan to upgrade the suspension at some point? Obviously my car knowledge is limited! Just trying to understand my options. I plan on having it looked at by a mechanic before I make my final decision, so some of my questions may be answered after that, but I'd love any input/opinions y'all may have. Thanks!!

 

[Wingit]

2800K for OME sounds like some one is riding you as hard as the PO was riding those sold springs. I was just quoted 1700K 2 days ago installed. AAL will leave you wanting something better. Just me 2 cents.

 

[Jan-78FJ40]

The OME will cost you about half of what you state.
Cruiser Outfitters
cheers,
J

 

[lehiguy]

Yup, I'll second Cruiser Outfitters. The hardware is terrific, you can do the complete kit approach or piece it together and get your own bushings/shocks/u-bolts or whatever. The springs themselves are not that much dinero. Get heavies and you can remove a leaf if it seems to firm.

 

[hbunting]

I was surprised at the cost too. The quote was for parts and labor, but it looked like i could buy a kit from Man-a-fre for ~1500. An additional 1300 seemed like a lot for labor. That was w/ TLC4x4 in Van Nuys. Any suggestions of good places to take in in the LA area would be great.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I That was w/ TLC4x4 in Van Nuys. .

Figure the cost of the parts and 8 hours of shop time, the quote isn't that outrageous. TLC does good work and everything they do and sell is more expensive than anyone else.

Man A Free may be slightly less. Worth a call.

I would not do the add a leafs.

You need to do this yourself. That will save you $1000, and you will learn all about your 60s suspension in the process. Get the suspension kit from Cruiser Outfitters, MAF or Mudrak and get busy. People in the area will often help especially if you're a girl and/or supply frosty adult beverages (or even pizza and cokes).

 

[mainlander]

Get hooked up with the local club where you are. You can probably have a few guys come over on a Saturday and get the lift installed for the cost of a BBQ and you'll have met some new friends.

I wouldn't do the AAL either, it's money waisted IMO.

 

[RAMZ]

x2

do it yourself.
If you really want to get a crusier you should learn to turn a
wrench.
doing the springs and maybe shocks is easy, even for a nu-be.
all the imfo you will need is on this website or just ask the question. good luck RAMZ.

 

[mainlander]

do it yourself.
If you really want to get a crusier you should learn to turn a
wrench.
doing the springs and maybe shocks is easy, even for a nu-be.
all the imfo you will need is on this website or just ask the question. good luck RAMZ.

And depending where in LA you are, RAMZ aint that far away to help you out

 

[srogers]

I paid a little over $1400 for Light Front/Medium Rear OME, with shocks, greasable shackles, and steering dampener, shipping included to a commercial freight dock. Bought from Iron Pig Off Road.

Took about 8 hours to get it installed, with two of us doing it.

Don't deal with the "A" spring on one side and the "B" on the other; get either both A or both B springs for the rears.

Not difficult per se, just take your time and don't use the FSM torque specs for the OME hardware! OME has variations, especially for the fixed pin shackles, and I stripped one of them out torquing it to the FSM specs. Fortunately, Iron Pig had one of the greasable pins and shipped it out to me for $20...

 

[MANUCHAO]

I got a used OME 2.5 complete set for sale..
hell I'll even help yah install it if you want...

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I got a used OME 2.5 complete set for sale..
hell I'll even help yah install it if you want...

Jump on this deal. That is perfect.

 

[hbunting]

I got a used OME 2.5 complete set for sale..
**** I'll even help yah install it if you want...[/QUOTE]

I may have to take you up on that! I'll let ya know once I take a look at it. I'm not sure I could figure out how to install it by myself, but I'd definitely be willing to learn
Thanks!

 

[mainlander]

Jump on it and with the help, you'll get it done easy! It's not a difficult job, I did mine. You just need the right tools for the job, which aren't many. A couple jack stands, a jack, and lube every existing bolt up a couple of days before starting and you should be good to go. Especially if your truck is a CA truck

 

[hbunting]

If I put the heavy/heavy or heavy/medium suspension will the ride be rough if I don't plan on having a heavy load? I may add a small grill guard or roof rack, and hopefully upgrade to the h55f, but not any really large bumpers or winch.

 

[3doghouse]

Jump on that deal. I had a daily driver 60 with OME heavy, and it was just right.

 

[mainlander]

If I put the heavy/heavy or heavy/medium suspension will the ride be rough if I don't plan on having a heavy load? I may add a small grill guard or roof rack, and hopefully upgrade to the h55f, but not any really large bumpers or winch.

You have to remember, it's a cruiser It's going to be a bit of a rough ride, no matter what.

For daily driving and the odd light wheeling, I'd go with Med/Med. If you plan on adding bumpers and a diesel, I'd go with at least Heavy/Heavy. I've never understood why some folks go with a mix like Heavy/Medium....I'm always loading the back of my truck up with stuff... and there is no difference in sag with all extra heavys as my truck has.

 

[TobyB]

air springs... jus' sayin'....

t

 

[rover67]

I had OME Heavies when my truck was stockish and I loved the ride. Just get what MANUCHAO has and don't look back

 

[MANUCHAO]

If I put the heavy/heavy or heavy/medium suspension will the ride be rough if I don't plan on having a heavy load?

The ride was great around the city.. a bit bumpy on the freeway.. and bad on dirt/washboard roads..when empty..... But loaded it was smooth..

You have to remember, it's a cruiser It's going to be a bit of a rough ride, no matter what.
I've never understood why some folks go with a mix like Heavy/Medium....I'm always loading the back of my truck up with stuff... and there is no difference in sag with all extra heavys as my truck has.

Tru dat !!! they will always transfer the road bumps into the cab.

I went heavy on the rear cause I take a lot of friends and their crap when I go out into the boonies and I believe medium on the front cause I have a vortec and that makes it about 200 lbs lighter....

air springs... jus' sayin'....

t

This the reason I put airbags on the rig.. it took the sag away and being an overland rig.. it serve me well.....