Front end slide forward in 40series

[Tonka Tough]

Howdy all,

I just had the pleasure of picking up my FJ40 from a mechanic at closing time yesterday (closed now for 3 weeks) to find that the radiator hose was loose (after a radiator flush) on the thermofan temp sender, steering wheel put back on sideways after looking for bad earth and the spare wheel carrier swinging loose which was found during the very bumpy ride home. The old truck was all over the road like there was no give in the front suspension at all and it normally drives great. Not happy...

After checking tyre pressures (they were ok) at servo then getting home I found the leaf shackles in the front end (have got reverse shackle) had collapsed flat, forcing my diff forward and there was no give at all when trying to bounce the suspension...I haven't pulled anything off yet but it seems like the shocks have seized and somehow levered the leaves and diff forwards. The front end is also now a couple of inches higher than the rear...

Does anyone know if this is feasible or whether something else could cause it to occur?

Could this happen due to the truck being up on a hoist for a couple of days? I know it probably shouldn't but if the shocks weren't well matched to the springs I guess it would be possible.

If I need to replace the front shocks, what would be a good, cost-effective option allowing for the 4" lift? I don't want to spend much as I will be looking at doing more with the suspension in 6-12months and get Ranchos or similar then if possible. I don't want to spend more now and not be able to reuse them later when I am hoping to get some 38.5s under the guards.

Any helpful advice is much appreciated!

Thanks!

T.T

[bj42turbo]

Can you say who the mechanic was or what suburb because I have had similar experiances with 2 so called specialist 4wd workshops...........Dazz