stiff suspension

[moby_dog]

The '70 FJ I picked up recently has a 4" spring under lift, Rancho 5000s, 33"BFGs @30psi and it's so stiff that plain old pavement shakes me to death. I haven't put it in the dirt yet, I'm afraid to. I'm sure this isn't normal. Any ideas without having to install a whole new suspension? That's my last resort. Thanks!!!

 

[73lndcrsr]

There are a few of things to look at.

If the lift is new it will more than likely be stiff. Remember, this will not ride like the Rubicon.

Look at the shackle angles. If they are stright up, this will also cause the ride to be stiff.

Look at the springs, how many leaves are in the pack? This could be part as well.

 

[camcruiser13]

then again if its a rancho lift your out of luck

 

[moby_dog]

What is wrong with Rancho's? What would be a better brand of lift and shocks?

 

[73lndcrsr]

There are debates on here - do a quick search.

I have a BDS lift and am happy with the flex.

You will need to determine what you want the FJ for. Daily driver, mild wheeling, etc. and determine what you think will work.

Mine does not ride like a new vehicle even with the BDS lift. Some say spring over rides good, but there are quite a few things to learn before you get there.

The tech links are great here as well. Spend some time reading there too.

Enjoy your new toy.

Some of the older Rango lifts have 3 thick spring packs and are very stiff.

 

[71-CRUISER]

The old rancho lifts had 4 leefs per pack and moved about as much as a stock YJ. If you do have these springs your only hope is to get some new springs. I threw mine away and bought some Alcans.

 

[camcruiser13]

i have ranchos and they suck, i hate them. get whiplash evertime i drive it on the road, and they flex for sh@#. im looking at the HFS spirngs from ccot.

 

[sc40]

A bunch of my freinds that drive jeeps will take out the shortest leaf to soften up the ride, I dont know how safe this is or how much lift will be lost. I assume that mabey 1-1.5in less, and no saftey hazerds, but dont take my word 4 it.

 

[fj40charles]

Ranchos pretty much suck. I've had Ranchos and it was a harsh ride. I also had OME springs. Best ride quality IMHO but expensive. Now I have coilover springs... Very soft going over rocks, but more body lean on off camber....

 

[dgangle]

Any opinins on BTB's 4" SUA springs for an FJ40?

 

[redrustbucket]

Those RS 5000's are pretty stiff shocks too. Changing them out might help your ride.

 

[dylan]

take it from one who knows, don't buy procomp springs either.

 

[FLYINGLOW]

What is wrong with Rancho's? What would be a better brand of lift and shocks?

They also increase the chance of cracking the frame.

 

[fj40charles]

take it from one who knows, don't buy procomp springs either.

I wouldn't buy anything with , "procomp" brand on it.. We call it, "procrap."