Off-Road.com's Land Cruiser Tech - Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 Spring Over
|
Even though the stock suspension was utilized in this swap, the time was taken to freshen up the spring packs and prepare them for being up to the task of tackling the types of trails this truck sees. Stock Land Cruiser spring packs were obtained from a friend who had just installed an aftermarket lift kit on his FJ60 wagon.
These packs were disassembled, cleaned with a wire brush, and painted. Since the FJ60 in question has heavy added accessories, the spring packs were beefed up a bit. Up front, to combat the weight of the ARB bullbar, dual batteries, and Warn M10000winch, one additional leaf (measuring 38.50") was installed third down from the main Toyota leaf. This leaf was originally a 47.5" long Alcan leaf spring meant for an FJ62. Out back, one additional leaf was installed per pack. A single Alcan leaf measuring 42.00 inches long was installed just below the #2 main leaf. As our FJ60 is equipped with custom roof, and cooler racks, swing away tire carrier, and double NATO fuel can basket, it will be interesting to see how this setup handles the weight over time. Keep in mind, this combination may work in this instance, but may not in others. The final result has yet to be seen, and may require more fine-tuning over time. All-Pro's unbraced, 2.5" longer-than-stock shackles were used at all four corners with greasable pins and polyurethane bushings. |
| Parts used: Shocks/Shock Mounting (Front) |
|
Since the goal of this swap was to increase axle articulation, longer shocks were to be used. In doing so, the shock mounts need to be extended as well. After removing the upper stock shock mounts by driving the rivets through the frame, a set of All-Pro's tubular shock mounts were installed.
Secondly, when using shock model 8403, a full 13.5" inches of shock travel can be utilized. We also didn't want the hassle of adjusting the shocks each time the road conditions changed. New lower shock mounts made from 1" flat stock, formed into a "U" were welded to the top of the axle housing. |
| Parts used: Shocks/Shock Mounting (Rear) |
Since the rear differential is not centered on a Land Cruiser, extended shock mounting can be a bit of a problem. Also, as the spring's u-bolt plates also contain the lower shock mounts (and are now mounted above the springs), another way of mounting the rear shocks needed to be found.
The upper mounts are located on a tubular crossmember centered above the axle and just below the rear cargo floor. These mounts were moved inboard of the stock location. This would allow the shocks to be laid diagonally to allow them full travel yet not have clearance problems with the differential. The lower mounts were relocated to the axle housing and obviously were mounted diagonally as well. Doetsch-Tech 8336, 11.00" travel shocks were used. |
| Parts used: Other odds n' ends |
|
Sometimes it's the little things that make a job turn out right and give it that special touch. One little but important item is the u-bolt flip kits that were utilized.
Actually, this whole project began as a way to just flip the u-bolts up, but snowballed into a completely different project! Up front, new u-bolts and u-bolt plates were used but in the rear, the existing plates were used and the old shock mounts cut off. |
|
Since we were using non disc brake FJ40 wheels, All-Pro's Wide Track Axle Kit wheel spacers were used on both axles. Actually, this was error on our part as we didn't even consider for a moment that these wheels would not work on a disc brake Land Cruiser.
Early 1970's FJ40 Land Cruiser wheels were widened to 15x8" with 3.5 backspacing and painted a silver color. The hubcaps and their retaining clips were retained for that coolness factor.
Imagine our surprise after all of that effort that the wheels rubbed on the brake calipers! After a trial test with the All-Pro wheel spacers, the wheels fit. We breathed a sigh of relief! The spacers are manufactured of 356 T-6 aluminum and come with 1/2x20 TPI studs with matching lug nuts. |
| Driveline |
| According to All-Pro's owner Jon Bundrant, a new rear driveshaft would not be needed.
This was a pleasant surprise. Since the shaft was out, new Toyota original equipment u-joints were installed. Up front, the stock driveshaft was lengthened to compensate for the lift and additional travel of the front suspension |
| Since the axles were torn apart and out of the chassis, we opted to do a few other improvements and maintenance at this time.
The front axle seals were leaking badly and the steering knuckle wiper seals were deteriorated as well. We added new knuckle bearings to the list in addition to new wheel bearings, seals, brake pads, and machined.front brake rotors. |
| Since the jump from 32" to 35" tires was being made, lower differential gears were installed. Stock Land Cruiser FJ60s are geared with 3.70 ring and pinions.
While these work well with stock 27" tires, 35" tires demand a bit more (at least in our opinion). All-Pro's expert gear man Jay King installed Precision Gear 4.88 gears and ARB Air Lockers in both differentials. Look for a separate write-up to accompany this article.At that time, we'll also go into detail how to route the air lines and what type of air supply system used to actuate the ARB Air Lockers. |
 |
Off-Road.com Newsletter Join our Weekly Newsletter to get the latest off-road news, reviews, events, and alerts! |
Follow @Off-Road
Your Privacy Choices