FJC Offroad Suspension Swap Question

[njharrell]

Hey Everyone,

I've got an '03 w/ about 140K miles on it. I recently swapped out the stock suspension for the FJC Offroad suspension (all four corners) which supposedly only had 10k miles on it. I then took it to the local stealership for an alignment. While i really like the new stance, the ride quality and steering seem to be worse than before! The suspension doesn't feel very 'solid' and the steering seems to be kind of vague. I checked all the bolts, still tight. I checked the rear coils, they are seated properly. Also, when it rains the ride quality seems to get worse. Any ideas what the issue might be, am i imagining it? Are those FJC Offroad edition coils really stiff?

I have the 18" sport wheels w/ Falken tires. Is it the larger wheels & sporty tires?

Anything you could suggest to improving the ride quality / steering would be awesome! It's pretty frustrating after reading all the great reviews on the forum about the FJC suspension swap!!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I swapped just the front coils onto my 03 4runner (with 130k miles). The front feels more firm, but it's needed IMO. I love the new ride, not rough at all. It'll glide over bumps and such on the front. The springs I used had 7k miles on them. Not sure what your problem is, but something there isn't right.

 

[njharrell]

I agree, the stock suspension was too soft, i was looking for a firmer ride, but this just feels wrong. It's hard to describe...not sure what's wrong...but it's driving me crazy!!

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Which corner of Atlanta do you frequent?

 

[Harold1950]

I recently changed out all 4 corners on my 05 SE V8. Went from the XREAS to an 07 Cruiser springs, shocks and front struts. The ride may be more noticable at slow speeds on bumps but overall the ride is better, a little stiffer and I like it.

 

[njharrell]

I am in the NE corner (Northlake/Decatur)

 

[njharrell]

Hey Chris - i got you PM, and i replied but it's not showing up in my sent messages. If you didn't get it please let me know. Thanks!

 

[Bobcat Sig]

Since you swapped for the bulk of the FJC suspension, you're getting the same feel. While the FJ's are great off-road, they have been knocked for their soft and roll-prone on-road performance.

So based on what you've described, it seems normal.

My suggestion would be that if you wanted a bit more lift and firmer suspension, some Bilsteins or the like would have been the preferred option.

 

[njharrell]

I have the FJ TRD edition suspension, which is the bilsteins. But having owned a FJC, that's a good point it does feel similar...