FJ Cruiser suspension
- Thread starter medtro
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Needs a coilover to T-bar conversion. 
Needs to cut out thost stubby T-rex arms and put in an axle.
discuss what about it?? i know nothing about FJcruiser suspension and dont really care.
Come on guys. You need a friggin direction booklet to figure it out? The thread is here for discussions about FJC suspension. Upgrades, downfalls, what works, what doesn't. That kind of thing. Whether you're interested or not. The FJC is part of the Toyota 4x4 family which means they are now part of the CSC family. With 4 new mebers of CSC being FJC owners they get their time here just like everyone else. In the FJC link thread that Steve started, it was brought up that they might need another thread for additional info. Medtro obliged them and started this one.
Let's keep it on topic.
Let's keep it on topic.
Mine was serious, those arms are too short to ever offer much travel. But the electronic wizardy will keep it moving forward pretty well.
It was my comment that got this thread started as one of those new FJ owners. This discussion is an offshoot of the lower links thread. At this point, I'm looking into options on rear shocks to increase travel and best tuned to the FJ. The 80 series shocks are the same length and my concern is that if I use longer (OME, Bilstien) 80 series shocks, ride quality will be impacted due to design to accomodate the extra lbs.
Also, want to entertain/consider spring options (rear) and different lift packages. In the past my vehicles (74 FJ40 and '94 4Runner) were not the new kid on the block and products could be readily compared.
That being said, what are experiences with OME v. Bilstien?
Also, want to entertain/consider spring options (rear) and different lift packages. In the past my vehicles (74 FJ40 and '94 4Runner) were not the new kid on the block and products could be readily compared.
That being said, what are experiences with OME v. Bilstien?
auphrode said:
Keep the thoughts and efforts coming. Don't let the non-100 and non-FJ owners get you down.
The FJ's suspension weekness is the same as the 100's....reduced front travel. We both have about the same 7.5-7.8 inches. Changing that is difficult.
What transformed the 100 for me was the N74L 80-shock. Since this mod, I can hardly tell the 100 from the 80 on even the most twisty and challenging terrain. The difference is tremendous. The truck is so stable and capable that I wonder now how I ever lived before.
It's very possible this mod will work for you too. I'm not the expert to tell you Y or N though I'm sure the needed experts are out there.
Here's a few examples suspension travel and the link to what I did is here:
http://shottscruisers.smugmug.com/gallery/856625
Thnx, John -
Did you swap out springs too?
Did you swap out springs too?
auphrode said:
I already had the taller 80 springs (863). That's what gave me the idea. N74L work with 863 on an 80. Why not also work on a 100. I tried it. It's a massve success.
Yes, you'd need someone to source you a taller spring. Probably along the lines of 3" lift? ??? Not the expert. Then you'd need about 2+ inches up front to match or it'll look like a 60's roadster.
FJ Rear suspension
Just an FYI, I don't claim to be an expert but I was one of the first to do the spacer lift on the rear of the FJ. I ran into issues with the sway bar and the dog bone link that attaches to the axle long before the shocks bottomed out. When dropping the axle, soon after disconnecting the sway bar, the brake lines and wire connections (ATRAC) for the calipers really started to stretch. I'm just not sure that longer travel shocks are going to buy you as much as you think unless some of these other issues are addressed, particularly the sway bar. For that reason I'm still running stock shocks even with the 1.5" lift in the rear.
My $0.02
Just an FYI, I don't claim to be an expert but I was one of the first to do the spacer lift on the rear of the FJ. I ran into issues with the sway bar and the dog bone link that attaches to the axle long before the shocks bottomed out. When dropping the axle, soon after disconnecting the sway bar, the brake lines and wire connections (ATRAC) for the calipers really started to stretch. I'm just not sure that longer travel shocks are going to buy you as much as you think unless some of these other issues are addressed, particularly the sway bar. For that reason I'm still running stock shocks even with the 1.5" lift in the rear.
My $0.02
OffRoad Rage said:
YIKES! Hmmm....looks like it could be a mess to add in that extra capability.
OME has a suspension including springs on b/o that is f/r. Also looking at Downey rr springs (good history from my 4rnr) and coilover options for the front (no hi-jackersShottsUZJ100 said:
)Thanks for the info.
OffRoad Rage said:
Extenden brake lines are the easy part. I would also look at factory pigtails for extending the A-Trak harness. This should eleviate the "stretching" problems allowing you to go with a longer shock to free up some rear articulation.
well ok then i'll contribute. mind you i know nothing of what makes up the suspension but here goes..... 95% of the FJC owners will be fine in stock trim, 98% will be good with an over the counter lift and tires,,,, and those 2%'ers would be better off getting rid of the fron end, if IFS is to be retained do up a system like the desert race trucks for travel and ride control. the arms HAVE to be longer for proper geometry in long travel suspensions and theres no getting around it. now the rear, again 98% will be ok, but those 2%'ers need to get rid of all the rubber pivots and replace with parts designed to flex. ifyour trying to get more flex, stock joints will fail quickly
how was that??
how was that??
RHINO said:well ok then i'll contribute. mind you i know nothing of what makes up the suspension but here goes..... 95% of the FJC owners will be fine in stock trim, 98% will be good with an over the counter lift and tires,,,, and those 2%'ers would be better off getting rid of the fron end, if IFS is to be retained do up a system like the desert race trucks for travel and ride control. the arms HAVE to be longer for proper geometry in long travel suspensions and theres no getting around it. now the rear, again 98% will be ok, but those 2%'ers need to get rid of all the rubber pivots and replace with parts designed to flex. ifyour trying to get more flex, stock joints will fail quickly
how was that??
Not bad.
Most off-roaders should luv their FJ's after they add a lift. I agree. For those wanting more off-road performance....spending the dough to swap out the IFS isn't necessary IMO, as been proven on my 100. If they can add-in some added rear articulation to get it to the 80-100 level they'll be thrilled. When you've add some extra rear articulation to compensate for the lesser front articulation you'll increase overall traction and stability. Man, it sure worked for me in the 100. I'm sure it can work for the FJ too.
Funny how I keep seeing Shotts defend his IFS 100. 
My most relevant experience w/ IFS has been on my 94 4Runner. I trussed the frame behind the control arms and used Downey springs (downey kit had the brake line xtension incl) w/ bilstiens front and rear. I never got it stuck after those mods, it survived all kinds of nastiness in Baja, So Cal and AZ. Had great rear articulation, but at times did force me to teeter totter on two wheels down some washes and over obstacles.
The FJ is definitely more capable than my 94 4Runner and a hell of a lot more friendly than my '74 FJ40. I guess I'm not in the 2%, 'cuz I don't expect to need the SFA. I've run both, and for my purposes the IFS will do on the bypasses if need, or fear, be..
My most relevant experience w/ IFS has been on my 94 4Runner. I trussed the frame behind the control arms and used Downey springs (downey kit had the brake line xtension incl) w/ bilstiens front and rear. I never got it stuck after those mods, it survived all kinds of nastiness in Baja, So Cal and AZ. Had great rear articulation, but at times did force me to teeter totter on two wheels down some washes and over obstacles.
The FJ is definitely more capable than my 94 4Runner and a hell of a lot more friendly than my '74 FJ40. I guess I'm not in the 2%, 'cuz I don't expect to need the SFA. I've run both, and for my purposes the IFS will do on the bypasses if need, or fear, be..
auphrode said:Funny how I keep seeing Shotts defend his IFS 100.
Defend? Are you serious? There's nothing to defend about my UZJ100. That truck and it's capabilities speak for itself.
A smart person would see that the "100 referals" in this thread as and "example" of what can work for an FJ Cruiser too. The posts are meant as help only.
Your comment really puzzled me. ????
auphrode said:Funny how I keep seeing Shotts defend his IFS 100.
BTW....if you change the word for "defend" to "educate", I'll agree.
So many haters and not enough time. Patience is a virtue, with time, good things happen. The FJC is a very capable vehicle out of the toy box,IT MAY BE A TONKA TOY BOX, but with all of the modifications people are creating, we will see what it has in store. The original FJ's did not have a lift kit or anything for them-people had to create, as problems needed to be solved. People will do what suits them best, leave the IFS, or bust a SAS, leave it stock or do a tire swap. Toyota made the decision to sell it as an IFS to make money, you can't blame them-they're trying to take over the world don't chu know. If that's what appeals to the populous, and is also quite capable for the offroaders, fine. The weekend warrior will put coilover shocks and other modifications as needed, the die hard rompers will do a SAS and switch everything out, richies will leave it stock be oblivious to it capacities. To each his own, most people who need a SAS probably also can afford their hobbie of huge tires and constant mods, which they will still be able to do. Technology, where has it brought us, obviously to much more complicated lives, and that damn IFS W/ electronic wizardy. If everyone is so displeased, express your concerns w/ the MAN himself, TOYOTA, if enough of a response is given they will listen, look where it got the FJ cruiser concept----to production!!! 
We all like to get out and hit the rocks(not like Rick James), some just to get away, and some to conquer mountains. So unite brothers, we have the same hobbies- and the same vehicles(Toyota), well most of us, who cares what vehicle, let's all go romping!!!!!! SEE YALL ON THE TRAIL
FJ cruise school bus yellow used and abused with smiley fellow.
. If everyone is so displeased, express your concerns w/ the MAN himself, TOYOTA, if enough of a response is given they will listen, look where it got the FJ cruiser concept----to production!!! We all like to get out and hit the rocks(not like Rick James), some just to get away, and some to conquer mountains. So unite brothers, we have the same hobbies- and the same vehicles(Toyota), well most of us, who cares what vehicle, let's all go romping!!!!!! SEE YALL ON THE TRAIL FJ cruise school bus yellow used and abused with smiley fellow.
