Different SPOA type Question

[toyotajeep]

Hello,

I have taken a year or two hiatus from FSJ's to pursue some other interests.

Now I am planning to build another Willys Wagon / FSJ hybrid. I did one a few years ago.

For this one, I want to use a FSJ chassis, and keep the rear suspension stock, and make the front spoa. I realize that this will create a severe nose high attitude.

I was looking at my chassis today and I think I can get some flatter springs, and then french the rear hanger into the frame.

Any pics or ideas? I am considering some longer springs and then moving the shackle pivot to the front of the frame maybe.

Basically I want front SPOA as low as possible without redoing the whole front if possible.

Any thoughts or ideas? I know I am asking alot. Very capable here, just working on getting this done in a timely manner.

Thanks, ROB

[Gearhead 1990]

I would suggest stock 73-87 chevy fronts as they would only net you about 3'' over stock but they are 3'' wide at the eyes I do believe....

[toyotajeep]

Which 52" springs are you running?

I am willing to run Tacoma rears or something. Pretty flexible here actually.

I got my screen name honestly.

ROB

[Gearhead 1990]

Which 52" springs are you running?

I am willing to run Tacoma rears or something. Pretty flexible here actually.

I got my screen name honestly.

ROB

I am using chevy 52'' rears all around.... but it sits WAY taller that what you are after I think.

[toyotajeep]

I found a link on pirates to a really good leaf spring chart.

More to follow here in a bit. I am just doing some preliminary planning right now.

The last one of these I built came out way too high. I want it lower and definately spring over. I just can't do spring under. Too many bad memories of hanging up on stuff from my younger days.......

ROB

[toyotajeep]

I was looking at the chart, and it looks like a guy could run rears up front and french the rear into the frame, and then place a shackle up on the face of the front crossmember. That would definately lower it some.

Hmmm....

[Gearhead 1990]

Well if you are up for doing that much work then I would say go with the stock chevy fronts. Unless you want a ton of flex..... but all you would have to do is make the rear mounts wider and make some new shackles.

[AlsChopShop]

hammer was talking about flipping the main upside down, so the eylets of the spring wrapped down instead of up. this would drop the front end down an inch or two. he also had a thread about low lift SOA, you might want to search for it.


Al

[toyotajeep]

Thanks, I will check for that.

ROB

[toyotajeep]

I have had some more time to think, and it seems like I had to move the rear axle forwards etc. last time I did this.

I may just move the springs under the frame in the rear, and french the hanger on the fixed end for both front and rear. as well as the rear shackle pivot. That and lowering the body more on the frame. It was too high last time.

I am not looking for a lowrider wagon, but It was too tall before for sure. I figure those things alone will drop me 4-5" which may be enough.

More to think on.

I am just trying to balance the work vs. benefits angle. The work isn't a problem, the end result is what is crucial.

Thanks for the help. More to come.

ROB

[JeepinPete]

You could always have a set of reverse arch spring made up for you by Alcan or the like. I know early 90's Ford F350's used a two leaf reverse arch spring up front on a SOA axle.