The ride is stiffer than the stock chassis. We drove the FJ from St. Louis, MO. to Salem, MO. for the TLCA event in Sept. The FJ did fine. The trails were real narrow between trees, but we managed not to cave the sides in. A couple new FJ Cruisers were not so lucky. I think I need to install some type of rock sliders before venturing on another trip like the last TLCA trip. There is a fab shop here in town I may contact. I want the sliders to protect the body as much as possible, but not protrude out too far to catch on objects. I'm hoping to use the sliders as a step to aid climbing into the cruiser. The lift kit raised the body just enough that you need to grab something to pull yourself in. I'm afraid someone is going to grab something not meant to be pulled on. Everyone was betting on when I would smash the stock tail pipe. Somehow, we avoided that damage also. I really don't want to modify something that is working. If I smash it, I guess I could cut the pipe off with a hack saw to return home. Then I can address the exhaust system. The 33 x 10.5 x 15 tires pucker just a little on the stock rims. I don't notice any abnormal handling when I replaced the stock tires. I run around 32 psi around home. I let the tire pressure down when we were on the trails. I'm really new to off-roading and the Landcruiser so I'm open to any suggestions. Thanks in advance.