FJ40-GPT
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 · All · 1958–1984

Planning a two-inch FJ40 suspension lift

A system-level checklist for springs, shocks, bushings, U-bolts, steering, caster, brake hoses, and driveshafts before buying a lift kit.

Reviewed by
FJ40-GPT source review
Updated

Short answer

A two-inch lift should be planned as a suspension system, not four taller springs. Start with the truck's current ride height, weight, axle position, steering condition, and intended tire size. Choose matched front and rear spring packs, then verify shocks, bushings, U-bolts, brake-hose travel, caster, steering linkage, pinion/driveshaft angles, bump stops, tire clearance, and final alignment. Do not promise an exact final height from the kit label alone.

Tools and setup

Before you start

  • Measure all four corners on level ground
  • Record bumper, winch, hardtop, spare-tire, and cargo weight
  • Inspect frame, spring hangers, shackles, steering, wheel bearings, and brakes before modifying ride height
Tape measureRecord hub-to-fender and frame-to-axle baseline measurements · required
Angle finderRecord caster-related and driveshaft/pinion angles · required
Floor jack and jack stands · Rated for the vehicleCycle and support the suspension safely · required
Torque wrench · Appropriate rangeTighten suspension hardware to verified specifications · required

Safety equipment

  • Eye protection
  • Wheel chocks
  • Rated jack stands
  • Gloves

Materials

  • Matched spring packs
  • Correct shocks
  • Spring-eye and shackle bushings
  • Correct new U-bolts and nuts
  • Brake hoses or brackets if travel requires them

Procedure

  1. Establish the baseline

    Measure ride height at all corners, shackle angle, axle centering, driveshaft angles, brake-hose slack, steering play, and current tire clearance. Photograph spring orientation and hardware.

    Check: A before sheet records measurements and existing faults.

  2. Select springs for actual weight

    Choose matched packs based on front and rear constant load rather than lift height alone. Confirm front/rear orientation and left/right instructions from the manufacturer.

    Check: Each spring's position and load rating are documented.

  3. Plan every dependent part

    Match extended and compressed shock length to travel. Verify bushings, shackles, U-bolts, bump stops, sway-bar hardware if fitted, brake hoses, parking-brake cables, steering linkage, and driveshaft slip travel.

    Check: No hose, cable, shock, or driveshaft becomes the travel limiter.

  4. Install and settle

    Install one axle at a time using rated supports. Leave spring-eye and shackle fasteners ready for final tightening at normal ride height according to the component instructions, then settle the truck.

    Check: Bushings are not locked at full droop and U-bolts seat evenly.

  5. Correct geometry and align

    Measure caster and driveline geometry after the truck settles. Use only a documented correction method, then perform a professional alignment and steering inspection.

    Check: The truck tracks, returns to center, and has no driveline vibration or brake-hose tension.

Verification checks

  • Cycle steering lock-to-lock at ride height and safe suspension positions
  • Check hose and cable slack at full droop
  • Recheck U-bolts and suspension fasteners after the manufacturer's settling interval
  • Confirm braking and emergency handling at low speed before normal road use

Common mistakes

  • Buying by advertised lift height without accounting for vehicle weight and existing sag
  • Reusing stretched or corroded U-bolts
  • Using shocks as suspension limit straps
  • Adding caster shims without measuring
  • Ignoring driveshaft slip travel and brake hoses

Safety notes

  • Suspension, steering, and brakes are safety-critical. Never work under an axle or frame supported only by a jack, and have the completed system inspected and aligned before highway use.

OEM and aftermarket options

aftermarket

Matched spring-and-shock system

Best default because spring rate, lift, shock travel, and intended load are designed together.

oem

Rebuilt stock spring packs

Useful when originality and stock geometry matter more than lift. Re-arching alone does not replace cracked leaves, worn bushings, or incorrect load distribution.

adaptation

Custom spring pack

Appropriate for unusual weight or use when a spring specialist has actual corner weights and travel requirements.

Video references

Watch · 0:07FMS Toyota FJ40 leaf spring conversionVisual installation context. Verify parts, geometry, and torque specifications for your exact kit.

Evidence

  1. E1
    Old Man Emu / Emu Dakar leaf spring selectionTechnical article · Spring selection, orientation, and troubleshooting

    Manufacturer-specialist guidance; verify the exact current spring application.

  2. E2
    2.5-inch Ultimate Lift Kit installation on FJ40Technical article · Installation planning and dependent components

    Vendor installation guidance; this article does not claim an exact delivered height.

  3. E3
    Best way to install caster shims?Community synthesis · Caster measurement and shim-installation discussion

    Community practice; alignment values and correction parts require independent verification.

  4. E4
    FJ40 leaf spring conversionVideo procedure · Visual spring installation reference

    Aftermarket video procedure; use as visual context, not factory specification.

Related knowledge

Written with AI assistance and reviewed against the evidence listed above. Verify safety-critical procedures and specifications against the cited factory source.