Looking at an FJ40 shorty

[cycomut]

G'day all

Im looking at getting an fj40 as a bit of a play around project car and maybe future comp vehicle, now the 40 im looking at seems to be in pretty good nick an has just had a v8 dropped into it. But im worried about the approach angle on these things as the front leaves stick out a fair way is there an easy way to fix this, well more a cheap way lol lookin 4 a cheap project dont care how long it takes. im also not familiar with Toyota's particularly the older ones is there anything to look out for.

Thx in advance

[GeneralFubashi]

only ways to fix the approach angle for the front chassis are to either, fit bigger tyres, or to turn it into a coil front at great expense and trim @ even greater expense.

Its a great cheap project car if you dont start modifying the chassis, and the front leaves really dont stick out that far with larger tyres, and you soon get used to it, even if you are digging holes in the dirt with the front shackles.

There are heaps of things to look out for, the main one being rust, as the mechanicals are lots easier to repair. Certainly there are heaps getting around with v8s too, some are well done, but because its such an easy car to work on, plenty have the yobbo backyard v8 installation, which can look good, but still work poorly in so many ways.

Sam

[hulsty]

Fit larger rubber and move the front diff forward, will increase approach angle. I run leaves and dont find the approach angle much hingerance.

[matt.mcinnes]

Fit larger rubber and move the front diff forward, will increase approach angle. I run leaves and dont find the approach angle much hingerance.

Don't stop me Just larger rubber here 35's

[jessie928]

once you flip the springs and run 35's it negates the issue somewhat
you can also change the hangers and run them behind the diff and the pins up front for a bit more clearance again,

Jes

[TWISTY]

I've only hit the shackles the once, and when I did they just grinded up over the rock and I kept going. They look like more of a problem then what they are. Mine has the diff forward 1" from stock, and runs 35s.



Would like to do a shackle reversal one day to improve the approach angle, but its a fair bit of work.

[DIRTY ROCK STAR]

shackle reversal is your best option i think.
or if you werent in QLD Spring over axle.

coils help to negate this problem.

[AZZA FJ40]

Just fit bigger tyres,
i think you will be suprised though, you dont have as many issues with hitting the leafs as you think.

[RAY185]

I hit mine often when attempting a decent step up. You learn to get around it by approaching at a bit of an angle to get one wheel climbing first.

From my understanding, shackle reversal is pointless while still spring under as you have to space the fixed hanger down a fair bit on the front to get castor right. Ends up being almost as low as the shackle was. Spacing down the fixed hanger isnt needed if you go spring over like the pic above.

If I'm wrong please let me know.

ps: for the record, I run 35s and extended front shackles.

[TWISTY]

You can do a cut-n-turn of the knuckles to get the castor back after a shackle reversal. Which would then make it worth while.

[shorty_f0rty]

1) get the 40
2) wheel the piss out of it
3) when you start hitting front shackles, investigate your options

[Ricko]

1) get the 40
2) wheel the piss out of it
3) when you start hitting front shackles, investigate your options

Excellent advise.