I realize that the rear springs on FJ40 have an offset center pin because it is supposed to help reduce axle wrap. To those that have just flipped the rear springs to get more wheel base out of your cruiser, have you noticed any adverse affects? Like increased axle wrap. The reason that I ask is because I am in the process of putting an offset D60 in the back of my cruiser and I am having driveshaft issues. Before I went to the D60, my driveshaft was only going to be like 20" long. Now that I have the D60 under there, it will be even shorter than that.
I know that many of you will say to just get some new springs and move the axle back, but I really don't want to fab up some new spring hangers right now. Eventually I will do it, but I have too many other things to finish in my rig before I can worry about that. I just want to be able to put this thing under my rig, get a driveshaft made and drive it.

So to those that have done it before, do you think that it would be okay to do this for the time being? Or should I just try and run a short driveshaft? Any input that you guys have would be great. Thanks in advance, Thomas

I think most of us here have flipped the rear springs...

The thing is, with any spring-over, you really need a anti-wrap bar anyway...

I'm currently without springs (in the process of a SOA conversion, but I was spring under with flipped springs, and every modified cruiser I run with is flipped as well.

It'll be OK for more than just the time being. It'll be just fine.

The only adverse affect is that the pinion wont' stay pointed up at the t-case under full droop, it will slightly angle down. Hasn't ever been an issue with any FJ I know of.

I don't know that the offset center pin is going to help with wrap. What it does help with is the geometry of the pinion/axles as it travels thru it's range of motion.

You will have an increased tendency to wrap because of the reversal, but this is as much due to the longer spring lenth as anything....even running a 10" longer pack that moves your axle back 3.5" would increase your wrap potential.

IMo, the wrap bar is a necessity. However, if you are careful with the skinny pedal, you can control any problems. First, never pull anyone out. Never get the truck hopping. Sand can be your enemy, easy to get bounding in there as the suspension oscillates.

Go with FJ55 rear packs and there are no hangers to fab up.....reverse the shackle perch (2 rivits and 2 1" welds) and that alone will move you back 3.5", plus give you better geometry during cycling.

IMO, reverse them and drop $100 into a wrap bar. Find the 55 packs later.

so are the 55 springs off-set also? i already have my stock springs backwards and have wrap bars. but if i could gain an additional 3.5 inches with swapping to 55 springs running backwards it would be great. that leaves room for a doubler kit to fit :D :D

55 pins are centered....each half of a FJ55 rear spring is the same length as the long side of a FJ40 spring.

[QUOTE][i]
Go with FJ55 rear packs and there are no hangers to fab up.....reverse the shackle perch (2 rivits and 2 1" welds) and that alone will move you back 3.5", plus give you better geometry during cycling.

Whats a good source for 55 spring packs?
I am SUA 2 1/2 lift but want the extra length

1. You wouldn't want 55s spring with 8 leaves would you?
2. Want to keep my rig level and not higher in the rear( just pull some leaves)?
3. Who sells new 55 spring MTO?

Good source? Good luck. Used is best, but finding is tough. I was VERY lucky and found one set free locally and another set free + freight from a VERY nice PBB lister....but this was "before" they became so hot. I wasn't the first to do the swap, but may be stuck with the credit to push it....

I run all 8 leaves in my rear packs and run an extra in the fronts for 9 leaves. Any less is too soft, and mine may someday get a 10th leaf in front. If anything, ditch the shortest one in the rear only. Pull too many and you increase the negative arch characteristics, which is a good way to quickly sag them or bust them. (Mine neg arch now a lot....)

MAF and SOR outta have new FJ55 rears...or get a set made by Alcan or whomever. I'm considering a fresh set for my rears since mine are pretty worn out and not sagging equally...like I might have a busted leaf back there...

What about Fj60 rear springs? The should be flexy and plentiful...are they the same size as 55 and center pinned?

I had a roommate the used the FJ60 springs in the rear of his FJ40 and the extra length was nice, but they were wider than the stock FJ40 springs. So trying to make them fit in the stock hanger was a chore.

Are the 55 spring the same width as the 40 springs, or are they the same width as the 60 springs? Also, what is the overall length of the 55 springs?

See Medusa's post on his new suspension....he has info on the FJ55-FJ60 comparison. (he used FJ60)

FJ55 packs are the same width as 40 packs but have a larger diameter eye. They do fit snugly in a stock FJ40 hanger, but no grinder work is required.

FJ55 packs are 3.5" longer than FJ40 packs. FJ60 packs are 3.7" longer I think.

Thanks woody. You are always a shoe-in when it comes to good technical info.

So now that the spring issue is somewhat settled, what do you guys think is the best wrap bar idea? Overall I have heard that the Sam's Offroad style works really well. The problem that I have seen with it is that in some cases it spins the axle tube in the center section. I had a friend that had this happen to his D44 in the rear of his CJ because he was using this style wrap bar. In a matter of moments, it totally grenaded his whole rear end that was freshly built. Basically the tube twisted inside the housing and then cracked the center section in half. So maybe you guru's have a better design for a wrap bar that would not cause this to happen. Also, this was not the only time I have heard of this type of carnage happening. I have talked to a couple of guys that run 14 bolts that this happened to as well.

I gave up on using 55 springs on my SO.. I can't find them for even a semi-reasonable price.

I'm gonna run reversed 40 springs for now.. and maybe some hybrid ones later on if I wanna kick my wheelbase out further.

What about reversing the front springs? Haven't thought much about this...

I am working on some new FJ-55 rear springs....they will be very affordable and well built.

I will let you know when I get a price.

I fabbed a anti wrap bar similar to the one at Sams offroad. I put a 1 1/2" x 1/4" thick square tube from the top of the long side axle tube to the top of the diff. housing. It acts as a combination axle truss wrap bar mount. The axle end of the wrap bar mount is welded to the axle tube and the truss. This may help to keep the axle tube from spinning in the housing.

Eskimo, I reversed my front springs and have never looked back. :D

T wrecks,
I had a roommate that did something similar with his cruiser axles. The only problem that I would have with that is that I am running an offset D60. So welding to the top of the diff is a little tricky. I have an idea for a pretty simple wrap bar that might work, I will just have to play with the design of it.

Nolen, keep us posted on those FJ55 springs that you are working on. I might be interested in some.
By the way, where do find all this time to do the things that you do? Just curious., because you always have something new up your sleeve.

I would be interested in the 55 springs also.

Yeah, keep me posted on the 55 springs!

Even though we're using the 40 springs for now, I could always swap 'em in later!

One thing for all of you that have flipped your front or rear 40 springs.

REDRILL the second leaf so that the military wrap is at the spring hanger, not the shackle!!!

Thanks for the heads up Jason, I was going to keep that in mind. Just curious if you were still looking for a set of TJ springs? I sitll have that set that I told you about. I would be totally willing to work out a deal with you. Just let me know.

Originally posted by ouibus
Thanks for the heads up Jason, I was going to keep that in mind. Just curious if you were still looking for a set of TJ springs? I sitll have that set that I told you about. I would be totally willing to work out a deal with you. Just let me know.

:confused:

Really?
You replied to my ad in the wanted section?

I must have missed that.

I'll pm ya..

Actually, I replied to your ad twice.:D

Most people that I have talked to that redrilled the spring have broken the spring at that point. The military wrap is a great safety item but I would think that you are creating a weak point where there normaly isnt one.

I am working on some new FJ-55 rear springs....they will be very affordable and well built.

Some fresh 55 springs at a resonable price would be way cool!
Lets us know.

Originally posted by t wrecks
Most people that I have talked to that redrilled the spring have broken the spring at that point. The military wrap is a great safety item but I would think that you are creating a weak point where there normaly isnt one.



Some fresh 55 springs at a resonable price would be way cool!
Lets us know.

Mine are redrilled and I have not had any issue. You are only redrilling one spring in the pack and it is not at a high stress area.

I have personally seen how easy it is to make a stock main leaf fail when the military wrap is not in the correct place. I will never have the military wrap on the shackle end again.

4 sets down here all redrilled with no problems too.