So...just speaking theoretically...if someone liked to jump his, or her fj... in the dunes for example,... what would be some good mods that are currently available? also cost is an issue so let's not go rebuilding the whole truck.
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Sun Fusion FJ, MT with CQ,A-Track Hack,all weather mats,Bandi Mount,OME medium Lift kit,Body Mount Trim
Last edited by Fussion's FJ : 10-10-2006 at 05:32 PM.
Assuming that you have become thoroughly familiar with the Engineering Section of the FJ Cruiser Bulletin on the Toyota.com website (Platform: Prado Frame, Independent Front Suspension, and Rear Suspension), you will need to ensure that when landing on the front wheels (or rear wheels for that matter) that the springs do not compress to the full extend. This will require replacement of the OEM shocks with something far more substantial, which will be benefical for driving the dunes, but will become a noticably stiffer ride as a daily driver. I have no idea whether the shock attachments, articulation arms, or springs themselves are robust enough in stock form, but maybe someone here has thought about that. Presumably you will have aired down to wheel on the dunes in the first place, so you have already compromised somewhat on the 9.6" clearance. Coupled with the spring compression during landing a jump, you will need full undercarriage body armor (vendor sponsors can help and don't forget to beef up the skid plate protection for the gas tank). To recapture lost clearance you will want at least a 3" lift and 35" diameter tires.
Theoretically speaking, jumping isn't something I would do with a new vehicle. Let the vendor sponsors test the FJ Cruiser and find all the weaknesses first, then when you purchase equipment to strengthen your vehicle, you will be able to buy hardware that is somewhat proven. Dos pesos, por favor.
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“Kansas Law Dog” for admiration of “Tombstone”, the movie, and the legend of Wyatt Earp
Thanks for the 2 pesos worth, Law Dog. So other than the obvious, skids, and some sort of lift. Does stiffer springs mean better landings or stiffer valving on the chosen shocks? and would limiting straps be neccesssary for the rear?
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Sun Fusion FJ, MT with CQ,A-Track Hack,all weather mats,Bandi Mount,OME medium Lift kit,Body Mount Trim
it looks like i'll be aquiring some OME 885 front coils from sbechtold, will these work better with the stock front struts or the OME front struts, for this use?(jumping)don't the OME struts ride soft?
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Sun Fusion FJ, MT with CQ,A-Track Hack,all weather mats,Bandi Mount,OME medium Lift kit,Body Mount Trim
And the jounceshocks to absorb all that energy on landing; the shocks hoops should be reinforced and welded to the frame. The OME's were not designed for and won't be able to withstand these loads. This should set you back about $5k or so.
For really jumping, your only option was stated above... a long travel (LT) suspension. That'll set you back $5k easy. 2.5" coilovers, bypass shocks, airbumps, limit straps, the whole 9 yards. You do that, and you'll be ready to really jump. Of course for those who really jump and race, they usually consider reinforcing the frame a bit, welding the cab to the frame, and also adding in a internal roll cage. The reason, other than the obvious protection of the passengers, is that extensive jumping and high speed maneuvers can totally jack with your frame and cab. Now, since I assume "price is an issue" does limit you to less than $5k just for the suspension, here's a somewhat reasonable way to do it.
First off, forget OME's if you want to jump. They are great in the rocks and slow offroading, but not really meant to jump or go fast. That's pretty much fact.
What you should do, is go with a good coilover replacement system. The best available for the FJ is the Donahoe system. The front coilovers can take speed and have internal limit straps of sorts, so if you fully extend them in the air, you won't destroy them. Get some nice Deaver coils in the rear, nothing higher than 2.5", and preferably a good shock. Donahoe's rear shock should match the front nicely and isn't as expensive as a full bipass or reservoir shock.
For your setup, it would be beneficial if you crank the front Donahoe coilovers a slight bit up so your front is slighly higher than your rear. Trust me, this is the way to do it for what you hipothetically want to do. I adjusted mine this way, and when I was testing it this weekend, I was comfortably (but scared s---less) going 65mph over whoops/washboards in Ocotillo. When I had them adjusted perfectly even, the rear would be dancing everywhere over the whoops.
There is a lot more things you could do to make things safer and more comfortable, but this would be a good start.
best suspension available, for jumping an FJ ?
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