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FJ40 Spring under lift options

Jacket

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Hey Jeff, how much did you lower the bump stops in the front?

My 33 9.50's rub a lot at full stuff with the stock bump stops.

Where exactly are you rubbing? Front or back? Top of the fender, front of the fender, frame?
 

rover67

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it was on the front fenders somewhere, I think near the front top part.

I am going to throw it together with the suspension that is on it and wheel it some more to see exactly where it rubs before changing things up. Wouldn't want to ruin a new paint job/body work the first time I take it out :)
 

Rezarf

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My cruiser with 4" lift and unmodified bumpstops rubs all over the place. Mainly right below the turn signals where it makes the turn.

But I am probably going to tube fenders next.
 

Dr. Schlegs

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It's time to talk springs again. I figure we are nearing the end of the wheeling season, so it might be a good time to get some thoughts, while they are fresh in people's minds.

Ok so I'm looking at 4" springs, with the OME Shackles and greasable pins. Leaning towards OME shocks. After reading the thread I see there is fewer options, than compared to the 2.5" lift. HAD BEEN, thinking the Skyjacker Softride was the one I was going to go with, but now . . . After reading Matt Farr's 40 spring comparison and reading reviews of Alcan, BDS, HTS, I am left to wonder if the price jump is really worth it.

Not looking to do SOA, Flip the Spring Pack, or Four-Link:D
 

Rzeppa

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I am left to wonder if the price jump is really worth it.

Short answer:

IMHO, no.

Longer explanation:

I have yet to ride in or drive a 40 with 4" or more sprung under that had a comfortable ride, decent highway manners or even superior trail capability than the ~2.5" or so that will fit 33x10.50s. I have ridden in and occasionally allowed to drive, many, many 4" 40s and have yet to like that setup.

I have ridden in and driven a number of (properly) sprung over 40s on 35-37s that IMHO were way superior to 4" sprung under.

With my ~2.5" and 33x10.50s I can go pretty much wherever I want to. I had 35x12.50s on my HZJ75, but that is a totally different vehicle than a 40. Once you start getting much over ~35-37" you are usually talking about a trailer queen, which adds a whole new complexity (and flexibility) to your trail experience. And now you are no longer talking about a Land Cruiser that you really aren't happy with commuting to and from work, and it becomes more just an expensive toy. That's okay for a lot of people, but it just doesn't fit my personal needs.

I like to be able to drive my 40 to and from the trailhead, whether here or to and from Moab. I do plan to do a proper spring over on my 71 after I get the resto done on my 76. I put OMEs on that rig, but won't be able to test drive until I finish putting her together.

HTH and happy cruisin'!
 

MDH33

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I'm running the downey 4" springs and shackles on my 40 and running 34x10.50's. It was a rough ride at first, but either they have softened up or my butt has hardened because I think it's comfy now. :hill: I'll probably go down to 33x10.50's as these tires wear out. I don't need anything more for the trails I do.

I also agree with Jeff. I enjoy driving my 40, even on long trips. I wouldn't want to do anything to it that would make it less road friendly. (and yes, I do consider my 40 to handle the highways nicely). ;)
 

Uncle Ben

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Shocks are the key to ride quality if using high quality (note multiple leaf pack) springs! Hydraulic (cheap) shocks like Ranch 5000's will dislodge your innerds regardless of what suspension your running!
 

ttubb

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I went with the OME 2.5 springs and shocks with shackle reversal, which gave me about 4 inches of lift. U-Bolt flip kit but no SOA. Ride is very nice with good flex. Even my wife says it rides nice! :p: Terry
 

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Uncle Ben

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Nice Terry! From experience I recommend you gusset the inside of the frame at the back of the SR. It doesn't take much and a simple piece of 1 x.25 strap is sufficient to distribute the loading on the bottom of the frame to the whole frame.
 

ttubb

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Nice Terry! From experience I recommend you gusset the inside of the frame at the back of the SR. It doesn't take much and a simple piece of 1 x.25 strap is sufficient to distribute the loading on the bottom of the frame to the whole frame.

Not sure I know where you mean - SR? t:confused:
 

Uncle Ben

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Not sure I know where you mean - SR? t:confused:

Shackle Reverse = SR


ASCII art is not working for me....

At the rear-ward vertical plane of the front Shackle Reverse bracket you need to add a gusset inside the frame channel so the loading of the spring on the non boxed frame can be shared top and bottom
 

nuclearlemon

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mo, i ran skyjacker 4" springs for years. i got one of the first few sets. loved them and they rode better than stock. their shocks worked well with the lift, but i had issues with the eyes ripping off two of them.

if i had another 40, i would go to them again. i wouldn't bother with another soa40 just because i don't hard core wheel enough. soa, you don't run anything smaller than a 36 or you'll look like a dork. so now figure on the lift, plus the larger tire...soa is huge.

pics of various lifts for comparison. soa with 36s vs. stock 235s & soa 36s vs. 4" downey and 33s (granted, my early top is a touch taller than the roofline of the 66 and later tops). btw, same two cruisers.
 

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ttubb

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Shackle Reverse = SR


ASCII art is not working for me....

At the rear-ward vertical plane of the front Shackle Reverse bracket you need to add a gusset inside the frame channel so the loading of the spring on the non boxed frame can be shared top and bottom

Got it, good point, thanks Kevin. t:thumb:
 

Dr. Schlegs

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Thanks Ige that is very helpful. I always like comparisons. I do like the looks of the 4" downy. I assume the fenders had been cut???? I am planing on cutting the rear fenders, and adding Bushwhackers.
 

Rzeppa

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Shocks are the key to ride quality if using high quality (note multiple leaf pack) springs! Hydraulic (cheap) shocks like Ranch 5000's will dislodge your innerds regardless of what suspension your running!

X a million on that advice! I had 5000s on my 76 with stock suspension, and also on my HZJ75 with - well you all know the suspension on that truck: stock leaf packs with block lift. In both cases the ride was really harsh.

My 71 came with factory shocks, which actually worked pretty well. When I lifted I went with OMEs, which are very nice. I'm not so sure about their longevity though, they seem to be leaking after 6 years of service.

I've never used 9000s myself, but ridden in and driven a number of rigs with them, and if you dial them soft a bit they seem okay.
 
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