I have fitted (or at least my local garage has) a 2 inch dobinson lift kit to my FJ and am very happy with the result is all respects except one. When I got over speed bumps the rear suspension is VERY stiff and kicks badly. As a result it is very uncomfortable at any speed above about 10kph.
I used to be able to hit the same bumps at 80kph with the stock suspension and no worries (not that I ever did officer ).
What I would like to do is work out if it is possible to change something to soften up the rear suspension to allow me to make the speed bumps a little more comfortably (I promise I will still go within the speed limit )
Now as far as I understand the two parts of the suspension my lift kit replaced are the springs and the shocks. And I understand that the springs take out the bump and the shocks dampen the rebound.
Therefore I presume that what i need to do in replace the springs.
Is it possible to buy springs that match the stiffness of the original stock springs but with an extra couple of turns on the spring to make up the length needed for the lifted suspension? This I presume would result then in the same "stiffness" of suspension as the original but with the increased height or travel?
Any ideas would be VERY welcomed because at this rate I am seriously considering switching back to the original suspension.
Thanks
YBOD
Post edited by: yellowboxofdoom, at: 2008/06/18 22:49
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Re:2 inch lift kit - Stiff rear end
Date: 2008/06/20 05:32
By: admin
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Posts: 503
Sounds like a RunnerRyan question and answer session.
He's usually around on the weekends.
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Re:2 inch lift kit - Stiff rear end
Date: 2008/06/25 17:15
By: Runner_Ryan
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Karma: 30
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I'm on holidays for a bit, so I'll be in and out...
Your theory with replacing the springs would help, but if the shocks are valved too stiff, it will still be a jarring ride. Are you sure they replaced the rear shocks? Are they longer than stock? If they aren't longer than stock, they could be too short, and be topping out. (Trying to pull apart). What is the spring rate of your new springs? It is possible to have custom coils made to your specs, and it's surprisingly cheap, but you'd be better off buying a pre-made one. Most lifts will change the ride quality from stock. An option would be to get a spacer for the stock coil in the rear. It's a cheap way to see a difference. I'd start with finging out if the new shocks are longer than the stock ones.
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