Sorry guys. I know this question has been asked quite often but Im sure you can type your answers one more time.

What is the best quality lift for a 1973 Landcruiser FJ-40. I just purchased the LC and I'm looking to get about a 2.5-inch suspension lift. It already has a 1-inch body lift and I'd like to be able to have the option of fitting 35s. I'm looking for something great for off-road and possibly providing a little improvement on-road (judging by the current ride of my FJ, improving the ride seems hard not to do). However, I noticed the BDS lift for the FJ-40 was around $1200 so I'd like to keep the price in that range or lower.

Thanks in advance,
Dave

 

You nut! :beaver: . I guess this is a somewhat pointless post as it doesn't really answer your question, but I'm a nut too so it's OK. I don't know anything about lifts for L/C's, but I did want to tell you something about the tires. If you try to fit 35's on there you will lose power. There was a slight but definately noticable loss of power when I went from 31" to 33". Like you said it's just for off road use, and unless you try to race someone to 60mph on the trails you'll probably still be happy, so this may or may not apply. I think you told me it has 33"s now, and I know you're not too concerned about power like me (S/C going in tomorrow, oh yeah!), but just wanted to remind you of that.

Zach

 

i think a F or 2F should be able to handle 35s without too much grief, since it's a 6 banger

i can't believe it would cost 1200$ for a lift for a fj. those ride on leaf springs front and rear like a 79-85 pickup right?

 

EBAY has a guy sells Hell Creek suspensions lifts for LC for about $450. On ebay do a search for landcruiser and you will find it.

This is their 4" lift:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2428347030

I have also seen a 2 1/2" lift also. email them to ask to have one listed

 

pretty sure OME has a lift for FJ40s.

 

My thinking leads me to believe that you will not be able to run 35's with a 2.5" lift and a 1" body lift. I have a 4-4.5" lift from skyjacker and I would have to cut my rear wheel wells in order to run 35's without rub at articulation of any kind.

I would say go with the larger lift and you may get away without having to cut because of your body lift. But be prepared as you may have to trim anyway.

In reference to power, you have none. Face it! Torque on the other hand is there, at least from 0 - 20 mph You're not going to race anyone in it and win, you probably already know that. If however you would like to have a little more punch, you could always re-gear.

Best of luck, post a pic or two when you can.

Doug

 

Back when I was doing a lot of research and looking to buy an FJ I knew the answer to this question. Now it escapes me though.

Head over to the IH8Mud forums and ask - all they do is cruisers. They'll be able to answer without any problems.

I know the best lift is a spring over axle conversion, but that will give you approx 6" of lift, and not improve your road manners. There is a leaf lift that will do both.

And for what it's worth... I'm not sure you'll be able to clear 35s with a 2.5" suspension lift and a 1" BL. If so, you'll have to do some serious cutting.

 

yea IH8MUD.com is the $h!t. i too am a cruiser head, and i got one of those 2nd gens also.

GO WITH SPRING OVER!! yea its about 6" but if its flex you are lookin for soa is the way to go!!

it cost about the same ~1000 but if you can do the work i have heard of people doing it less than $100 if you use the stock springs. 35's on a FJ40 -- weak that thing needs atleast 38's -- i want 40's on mine -- im going with soa with rancho 44044 j@@p grand wag lift springs.

ih8mud.com has a section on all lift options http://ih8mud.com/tech/fj40-susp.html also go to the tech section and you will learn everything you need to know

i know these arnt 40's but make your cruiser look like these

 

heres another shot

 

I have been doing research as well for the lifts for the cruiser project. I have a set of 4" on my 69 FJ40 with 33x12.5 tires. I was still rubbing on the tub on occasion on the road (tight turns with a passenger in the back). I went with a slightly taller shackle just in the back and that solved the problem although I can still get it to rub offroad. The only complete solution is to either cut the tub or go to a narrower tire.

On my new 78 FJ40 project I am probably going to go with a 4" BDS lift. I found a source to get a 4" lift for $830 with FREE SHIPPING (I think the 2.5" was slightly cheaper). That is huge because shipping of those heavy springs can cost up to $150 or more! The BDS is really the way to go because of their no questions asked lifetime warranty! The only better spring lift kit is probably the OME but they are expen$ive!!!

If you are interested, maybe we can order together and make an even better deal!!!

Al

 

Thanks for all the info guys. Well... what an adventure today was. I took her offroading for the first time. Im running out of time now, so I will post a new thread on the NC 4ROC forum and give you guys a link later tonight.

 

THOSE ARE THE MOST WICKED THINGS I'VE EVER SEEN !

Zach