I have been reading all the suspension threads and FAQs. I understand that a lift will really help with all the aftermarket wheeling goodies on the 4R…help it not sink lower. I have read mainly about ICON, Bilstein, and OME. I don’t know which are the most durable and have not figured out the ride qualities of each either. That is mainly what I am here for.
Here are some thing I am thinking about doing to the 4R, since we plan on really exploring Colorado and Utah this year. I want to start by putting some bolt-on rock sliders. That is easy enough to do. The next step would be bumpers- front and rear. There lies the complication. My 4R does have a TRD FJ’s shocks, springs, and struts. However, the front and rear bumpers add a lot of weight and I am afraid it will lower the vehicle by an inch or so. That kills the clearance and my undercarriage eventually. I do love the ride now- way more than stock. The ride with the FJ suspension is firmer than stock but still complaint and well-controlled. I had some Old Man Emu shock/springs on my Pathfinder and it was a bit rough when the vehicle was empty. It was not as bad as other lifted SUVs I have been in though. Some of them were ridiculously stiff and did not absorb bumps and expansion joints well at on the roads and highways.
So what springs, struts, and shocks should I use to stay close to the feel I have now and not let it (especially an unloaded rear) become too stiff? I really detest that stiff truck-like ride. I don’t think I can use the FJ stuff I have on it now, right? I am thinking a 2”-3” lift will be more than enough. However, I am not sure I want to use a body lift. I will if there is good reason for it though my inexperienced-in-wheeling mind tells me there is no need for spacers.
Tires- I will deal with that later since my tires are pretty new. I will not upgrade that till these tires are worn out.
Thanks for any advice and help. I really want to do this right the first time, and not be constantly annoyed by an overly stiff ride after spending several thousand dollars.
Here are some thing I am thinking about doing to the 4R, since we plan on really exploring Colorado and Utah this year. I want to start by putting some bolt-on rock sliders. That is easy enough to do. The next step would be bumpers- front and rear. There lies the complication. My 4R does have a TRD FJ’s shocks, springs, and struts. However, the front and rear bumpers add a lot of weight and I am afraid it will lower the vehicle by an inch or so. That kills the clearance and my undercarriage eventually. I do love the ride now- way more than stock. The ride with the FJ suspension is firmer than stock but still complaint and well-controlled. I had some Old Man Emu shock/springs on my Pathfinder and it was a bit rough when the vehicle was empty. It was not as bad as other lifted SUVs I have been in though. Some of them were ridiculously stiff and did not absorb bumps and expansion joints well at on the roads and highways.
So what springs, struts, and shocks should I use to stay close to the feel I have now and not let it (especially an unloaded rear) become too stiff? I really detest that stiff truck-like ride. I don’t think I can use the FJ stuff I have on it now, right? I am thinking a 2”-3” lift will be more than enough. However, I am not sure I want to use a body lift. I will if there is good reason for it though my inexperienced-in-wheeling mind tells me there is no need for spacers.
Tires- I will deal with that later since my tires are pretty new. I will not upgrade that till these tires are worn out.
Thanks for any advice and help. I really want to do this right the first time, and not be constantly annoyed by an overly stiff ride after spending several thousand dollars.
