Suspension Ideas? (4 Viewers)

[TrailBum]

Need to replace the worn out original suspension on my 2006 LC (factory non-AHC) and looking for ideas. Vehicle will be used on extensive washboard roads in the Idaho/Utah area. No rock crawling. Currently have an ARB bumper with winch, awning on factory roof rails, no rear armor. Will load down with camping gear and family and maybe the occasional trip with the WR250R on a hitch mounted carrier. Looking to achieve 1.5” lift. I’ve considered Ironman FCP, and ARB, but fear the ride will be far too harsh. Looking for a smooth ride, with little maintenance required. Am I crazy to consider the fox 2.0s with OME torsion bars and coils? Should I consider Eibach for the longer shock life benefits? I like the idea of 5160s, but at that price I could get Icon stage 1s. Is diff drop necessary at 1.5”? Thanks in advance for replys!

 

[willyroo]

My n=1

If you want washboard, visit Cape York and the Mereenie Loop down under. On the Peninsula Development Road which gets you to the tip of Oz, they're ocean waves... Ok ok a bit of exaggeration

Our previous cruiser had a 2" lift, Dobinson steel (springs & torsion bars) and Ironman Foam Cell Pros. Ride was firm, however still within WAF * range. Never came close to shock fade, we would see lesser 4WDs at 30-40 km/hr in the table drains waiting for their shocks to cool down to get going again.

IF I couldn't have AHC (gold standard for anything off-road), I would go back to FCPs in a heartbeat.

(Edited - didn't get a diff drop with 2" lift, would suggest 1.5" should be ok)

* WAF = wife approval factor

 

[GerLC100]

I run the stock torsion bars with Dobinson's shocks, rear springs 167 and Dobinsons shocks. The stock TBs keep it "soft" upfront (with Dissent front bumper and winch) and the springs provide enough buffer carrying my camping gear and Dissents rear bumper with spare tire.
It goes down when carrying 3 full jerry cans plus a small offroad trailer and I wish to have some more buffer in the rear, but it drives really nice day to day and regular trips.

My main suggestion:
get a compressor, a MORRflat kit and air down to 15-18psi on washboards. I think this will help much more than the suspension itself. In my personal experience you can do with your "metal parts" as much as you want, but airing down brings the real benefit on washboards.

 

[TrailBum]

Thank you for the input, will be looking into Dobinsons as well! Funny how AHC was looked down upon several years ago but many people are now seeing the true benefits, many have known for years the mechanical genius behind it. I owned a 2007 with AHC and really enjoyed the system. When I found my 2006 I thought I would appreciate the simplicity of a non-AHC, but find myself wanting AHC again. Funny how that works. Compressor is also on the list, as these load E BFG KO2s are firm!

 

[keplerzet]

From my personal experience, I would recommend Koni RAID 90's. Replaced my AHC, done over 40k km on smooth tarmac / rough corrugations and love them. They're not gas pre-loaded, so they retain good small bump sensitivity (mind you, I haven't tried kings or any other high end shocks).

Rear springs are the lightest load EFS, front TB's - Ironman

 

[TrailBum]

From my personal experience, I would recommend Koni RAID 90's. Replaced my AHC, done over 40k km on smooth tarmac / rough corrugations and love them. They're not gas pre-loaded, so they retain good small bump sensitivity (mind you, I haven't tried kings or any other high end shocks).

Rear springs are the lightest load EFS, front TB's - Ironman

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Nice Hundy! Not familiar with Koni RAID but I will look into them! Is that an AUS company?