HJ60 Spring Troubles

[Shadow]

hi guys, got a 1989 HJ60 with spring troubles

basically its done nearly 400k and the springs have sagged and the bushes are beyond fucked (origonal bushes ? ) theyve completely collapsed and as such the front end bangs around like a tractor.

what would you guys recomend, its only a road pig so even the sagged height isnt a problem, would you guys just throw in a new set of bushes, if so what type, poly urethane? and how much should a set cost?

or is it worthwhile getting them re-set, if so how much should resetting cost? my brother got his hilux done for about $300 from memory?

or would the springs be stuffed? new springs look to be around the $1000 mark :(

Im not sure how to tell if the springs are stuffed or not, they dont look warne, but theyre definantly sagged. the spaces between the springs ( stop them rubbing?) look to be stuffed aswell.


any advicew would be aprreciated, the process of changing the bushes doesnt look to be too technical however any pointers would also be appreciated.

for the record im no mechanic but do consider myself more than handy with a socket set

[bundytunna]

mine was like that
mine had nearly no bushes in it at all
i just got all new springs shocks bushes and shackles for 1500
thats lifted 3"
it drives beatifully now
it goes alright offroad as well (well over the old suspension)

[Trusa]

if you're budget conscience and are only using it on road you may wanna try replacing the bushes. will cost you under $200 for a full set. If then you're not happy then think about new or reset springs.

If you are thinking about resetting your springs do a search on here about reset springs and decide for yourself if you think it's worth it. for some it is, some it isn't. they will sag sooner than new springs but will also be a lot cheaper or you can even do it yourself (depending HOW handy you are beyond a socket set)

[Shadow]

what with an oxy torch and a vice ?

i think ill try a new set of bushes first, is it worth getting poly urethane, someone told me they squeak and need lubeing?

[Sixty]

Go for urethane bushes and a set of greasable shackles. If the old bushes are that buggered, the old shackles will be knackered as well.

[Shadow]

ok thanks for the advice guys

does anyone know a good spring resetter around the springwood area, moss street area would be great but im willing to travel to save a few dollars.

Also are there any particular brand of shackles worth getting, dont think id get greasables as i prefer the flex and cushion of bushes. Toyota ones are no doubt very expensive?

[banjodog]

Try "On Track 4WD Centre" 1/66 Moss Street, Slacks Creek (next to Brisbane Car Sound). However, they sell new EFS suspension components but sometimes reset springs sag.

There is also Pedders further up the road - again new stuff.

If you plan on keeping the vehicle you're better off paying the extra for new as they come with warranty.

Good luck.

[Shadow]

New Springs
Ontrack : $244ea front $282ea rear. $1052 a set (EFS)
Ontrack Kit : $1746 for EFS shocks new U Bolts, Urethane Bushes, no Shackles. Shackles extra $135 set (non greasable)

ARB : $242ea front, $392ea rear. $ 1268 a set (OME)
ARB Kit : $2398 for OME springs OME shocks, Greasble shackles and pins

TJM : Budget $200ea front, $250 ea rear. $900 a set (TJM)
TJM : Comfort $250ea front, $330ea rear. $1160 a set (TJM)

Opposite Lock : $285ea front, $320ea rear (BHP steel), $1210 a set (OL)
Opposite Lock : Top Dog Shocks for $165ea

City Suspension : Full kit including Cross Country Springs, Shocks, Dampner, Greasable Shackles, Urethane Bushes, Ubolts
$1550(35mm shock),
$1650(35mm shock w big tank),
$1750(41mm shock)

Pedders : $500pair front, $550pair rear, $1050 a set

GSA : $182.60ea front, $275ea rear, $915.20 a set

Toyota : $550ea front, 600ea rear. $2300 a set (std height) (Genuine)

Reset Springs + extra 8mm leaf.

City Suspension : $215 a pair (drop in)
All About Steering and Suspension : $220 a pair (drop in)
Accurate Suspension Service : $220 drop in
Anthony Motsons : $726 a set
Pedders : $330 a set, (inc fitting)

[Shadow]

given the above info what woulkd you guys lean toward?

the shocks have been on the vehicle for nearly 200,000 now and are stuffed, the dampner is the origonal

the shackles dont look too bad even tho the front ones are metal on metal, havent taken em off yet but id prolly get away with them.

all the suspension kits are about 50mm lift over standard. the resrt springs can be whatever i want.

the city suspension kit looks like the best value, as long as "Cross Country" springs are alright.

ARB TJM and On Track give big warranties, On Track 3 year warranty for EFS.

is it worth the extra $200 for EFS springs and kit(no shackles), or is the city suspension kit great value? is OME really worth the extra $800 over the city suspension kit?

[banjodog]

Having been a mechanic since 1977 I've seen a lot of makes and models on the underside and I always go for value for money and not necessary brand name suspension stuff - but that's just me. Not really into heavily customising either - easier for a resale and keeps the blue and red lights out of the rear view mirror.

EFS carry the 3 year warranty and that's pretty had to beat today. They're rebadged Carroll springs not that that's of any issue. Shocks and steering damper are good size also. So for me I'd go the EFS when the time comes ('84 Hilux C/C oiler) - can't beat the 3 year warranty.

I've seen the other top brands sag too over the years and with some haggling by the owner they normally get replaced, some easier than others. Like the price of the new car itself a certain percentage of the purchase price covers the warranty time - so you've basically paid for any incidentials.

A work friend has the Cross Country setup fitted to a 60 - sits high but soft and drops heaps in the rear end when loaded.

Always ask the question BEFORE paying any money over - "Can I swap for a different setup or refund if I'm not happy?" (tip - keep your old springs etc). There may be a time constraint on the change over issue so if the response is positive get it in writing just in case the front counter staff say "yes" but the boss says "no" if you do need a change of any kind.

Do a drive around for quotes and state as much as you may be able to get a better deal or a price match from one shop over another. Some may just have a similar 4wd as yours in the shop to see the end results.

If possible have a chat to the fitters in the workshop and get their feedback on the products they're fitting.

At the end of the day it's your money - spend wisely and don't be in a hurry to make a decision or pressured into it.

[Birlo]

Hey, I've got the same problem with mine... Original springs. My shocks are done in and she rattles like a pig everywhere
I'm lookin' into gettin' an enforcer deal... enforcer shocks, no name springs, greasable shackles and the poly bushes... so on....
You got them up there?
Its only $1100
thats with a two inch lift

[lay80n]

Birlo
Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 8:50 pm

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Hey, I've got the same problem with mine... Original springs. My shocks are done in and she rattles like a pig everywhere

Man your rattles and noises are ya ball joints in ya steering/front end and the flogged out bushes in ya springs..
Get decent springs when ya get ya kit or it will prob sag or not flex too well.
When chosing ya springs and shocks it also depends in the use of the car. If ya only using it for towing and carrying load then a stiffer spring would be better for keeping ride height at load, while if harder offroad performance then go long shocks and soft flexy springs. Greasable shackles are worth getting too.\As you said its only a road pig then may be worth while getting standard height springs to make it easier to get into and load stuff into too. Stuff worth considering.
just my .02c anywayz
layto....

[roscoFJ73]

I got my Dobinsons from TJM in Perth for $660 including tax 6 months ago. I dont remember how much the front and rear cost individually but that was for 2x 75 series and 2x 60 series for my 73.They are double wrap military style .
Personally I would stay away from rebadged springs as its often difficult to know exactly what your getting.
Some of them are really crappy brittle steel from Indian blast furnaces that gives a hard uncompromising ride. Other springs are a combo of quality leaves and crappy leaves with a quality price.
Im really happy with the Dobinsons and cant praise them enough.