I just completed a spring over on an '86 FJ-60. Just one little problem, the front driveshaft just about hits the tranny crossmember at ride height. Just wondering how anyone else might have solved this problem. I have a couple ideas, but would like to get more input since this is the first FJ-60 SOA I have done.

On mine I cut a notch out of the crossmember to give the shaft some room and then took some strap and reinforced the notched aera, in a Ushape. Sorry no pics tossed that old cross member in the trash when I did the engine/tranny conversion. It worked fine the shaft never touched.

have seen a notched one and a tube one
liked the tube, notched would eb sooooo much easier, notch it, reinforce it...done

its because of the longer gearbox (5 speed) and the crossmember sitting in the stock location under teh 4 speed part of the box, that you lose so much distance 3.5 inches i think, which leaves no room for flex in the front!

Originally posted by bj42
have seen a notched one and a tube one
liked the tube, notched would eb sooooo much easier, notch it, reinforce it...done

its because of the longer gearbox (5 speed) and the crossmember sitting in the stock location under teh 4 speed part of the box, that you lose so much distance 3.5 inches i think, which leaves no room for flex in the front!

Yes the crossmember gets in the way in these models but the extra 3.5 inches also gives you a longer front shaft thats not at such a steep angle wont bind!!!

I had the problem on a 86 that I did a SOA on, but it had a 4speed and the front shaft did'nt have a CV on it. I just did what Justin (USFSIHC) did and notched the cross member and reinforced it.

Jeff

Thanks for the thoughts guys. I was planning on doing the notch and reinforce routine, just wanted to see if anyone had any other tricks up their sleeves. It almost looks like if I put a toy p/u CV on the front shaft I might not have to even touch the crossmember because of the CV being longer. Might have to try that tomorow, I'll let you know how it works.

I might not have to even touch the crossmember because of the CV being longer This is true, I think the only difference is that yours does,'t have the CV, so the shaft sits further back into the cross member.

Jeff

Did the same as Justin and Jeff, cut a notch, reinforced it, got it over with. I *have* seen a custom tube crossmember on another SOA FJ60 that was kind of sexy, but beyond my capacity at the time...

Originally posted by dog walker
This is true, I think the only difference is that yours does,'t have the CV, so the shaft sits further back into the cross member.

Jeff

Actually 1985-87s do have a longer front shaft cause there is a spacer on the USA modles for where the 5 speed is supose to be. there for giving you about 4 more inches I think thats why they got rid of the front CV. I doubt that putting a CV on it will keep you from having to cut the crossmember. But we will see I guess:D

Well, no-go with the CV. There is not enough clearance for it to fit without notching the crossmember, so that's what I did. I may still put the CV on it to try to get some more operating angle. The stock U-joint binds up before the axle is anywhere near full droop. If that doesn't solve the problem I guess it'll get a pick up U-joint.