Lifted FJC's:How much front end sag w/aftermarket bumper?

[perez.steve]

I’m shopping around for a suspension mod to gain a lift, keeping in mind that I plan on running a winch bumper up front sometime soon. I want to avoid the pit fall of having to replace the front end suspension modifications because of too much front end sag caused by the weight of the bumper. So, would all of you good folks out there post how your new bumper (all makes) affected your lifted / unlifted FJC. This would be of great use for many of us out here.

There are lots of possible combinations, with and without the winch and again unlifted FJC’s.

I’ll keep this list updated.



Stock Suspension / ARB bumper / No Winch / = 1" SAG /Driver notes: worst during panic braking

OME Lift (heavy frt/medium rear)/ARB Bumper/Warn HS9500 = pretty level

Revtek 3” / Warn Bumper / Warn 9.5ti Winch = 1.5” front end drop/Driver notes: Replacing front suspension with Donahoe

Revtek 3” / Expedition One Bumper / T-Max Winch = ~0.5” or so front end drop/Driver Notes:rides better with added weight, flat on ground looks normal

 

[FJ Cruiser News]

I just installed an ARB Recovery Bumper w/ a Warn 9.5 XP .
I did not measure before and after but I can give you the after w/ OE size Mickey Thompson MTZ's on the FJ. At the center of the front wheel, from the ground to the bottom of the black fender flair is right at 34". The MTZ's are about 1" in diameter larger than the stock tires although they are the same exact call out size so if it had stock tires on it the measurement I took would be about 33.5".
Hope this helps.

 

[1MtnGoat]

I just installed an ARB bumper with a Warn xd9000 winch. Before installation the front fender flares were 34" off the ground measured at the centerline of the wheel with stock tires. At the time of installation I put a 1 1/8" urathane spacer above the front spring (strut) mount. After installation the flare height is 35"

 

[tikoys]

Just installed ARB with no winch yet. No sag at all.

 

[tlcruiserman]

Not to post a teaser but very shorly we will be done testing the Dobinsons suspension and that will be another choice for you. We do have a combination that will for FJ Cruisers with aftermarket front bumpers and Winches, we will probably use the ARB since it seems to be the heaviest combination, so it should be a good guage for other combinations.

Cheers,

Michael

 

[fj_jason]

I have the ARB and warn 9000, front end now sags about 1 inch...looking into a lift or spacers, but nothing noticable about the ride.

 

[Lovey]

Just installed ARB with no winch yet. No sag at all.

Stock front suspension?

If so....sag is on its way.

 

[pressure point]

stink bug

Today , I installed my ARB w/o a winch. I have an OME med lift and my truck now resembles a "stink bug" . I guess a spacer or heavy springs up front are next on the list.

 

[hammer1]

bumper

i measured the distance to the front recovery "loop" before and after the Bentup bumper was put on.
believe it or not, i cant remember the exact umbers, but the difference was only about 3/8".
I dont have a lift, and it used the stock tires ( for now )

 

[1911]

Demello Offroad bumper with Warn M8000 winch dropped the stock suspension about 1/2" in the front, subsequent installation of OME 883 coils lifted the front to within 3/4" of level with the rear.

 

[FJTank]

Demello front bumper and skids with M8000 winch, Donahoe coilovers. Since they are adjustable coilovers, no sag at all..
Rides real nice still even with the extra front weight.

 

[asaunders]

TRD - Front Bumper

Does anyone have any idea how much the front will sag in the TRD Edition (with the Bilstein Shocks) with a aftermarket bumper and winch?

 

[Corey]

Same as a regular FJ.
You gotta replace the coils and struts to prevent sagging with an aftermarket bumper and winch.

Even with just an aftermarket bumper it is going to sag.

 

[BC_FJC]

I lost about 1 1/2" with in a month of installing ARB Bumper, Tabor 9000 and Skid Plates. When I first installed everything it was under an inch of sag but given a little time it almost doubled.

 

[rfjtoy]

I just swapped out my OME 885 (med.) springs for OME 886 (HVY) and the front is ERECT and the sag is gone.

 

[steande]

I just installed the Expedition One front bumper. The wheel flares were measured at 35" before intall and after install measure 34 7/8".
I have not attached the winch yet as I am still deciding on which one to get.

Stock bumper = 35 lbs (includes crossbar, nuts and bolts)

Expedition One fb = 120 lbs (includes weight of everything shipped)

Difference is 85 lbs of added weight between new bumper and stock bumper.

 

[billybongo63]

I went with the OME light springs when I first got myFJC (Easter 2006), I just added All-Pros Bumper and aWarn 9.5xp. Sag = 3/8" fendre sitting at 36 5/8". I am still deciding if I want to swap for the med. or heavy springs, so far I am pleased with what i am running.

 

[tburrell]

I have a couple of similar questions that have somewhat been answered, above; however, I thought I would pose them in case anyone has any more specific suggestions.

I picked up my FJ from the dealer with the "light-duty" OME 3" lift. I just ordered the Demello front bumper (no hoops -- i.e. it's about 75-85 lbs) and skid plate. My wife and I are going to CA for vacation and we'll be right near Corona so Demello is going to install the bumper and skid for me (sweet!). I'm pondering getting a winch and lugging it out there to have them install that, too.

That being said, here are my questions (sorry for taking so long to get to this point):

1. It appears, 1911, that you are running the setup I'll have in a couple months if I get a winch. You only have the 883 springs whereas I have the 884s. In your opinion (or anyone that wants to reply, of course), do you think I'll need to get the 885s or will the 884s work?

2. If anyone feels I should upgrade the springs, should I wait until we're in CA to have them installed? I don't want to have too rough a ride for the wife and boy -- IMHO, the FJ rides quite smooth but my wife tends to disagree.

3. And now I'll demonstrate how much of a rookie I am. Is this a good deal on the Warn M8000 winch?

Thanks, all!