Shock?

NateMail · 08-24-2007, 12:52 PM

I have searched the subject but could not find a satisfactory answer. Up front I got the adjustable preload shocks by Bilstein and I have had them for 3 months or so. They work great but I'm unsure whether I want OME med or coilovers because the stock coils are kind-of weak. So my first question is that, are the high end coil overs THAT much better or would better springs do fine?

My second question is: The rear is stock but I'm going to a 2-3" coil. I had a chance to measure the shock length a while ago. It really seems as though the shocks could be 2" longer even with the stock springs. So with 2" taller coils it would follow that a 4" longer shock could be used. I believe that the OME shock is very close to the stock length, which I find quite odd from my own personal research. I do realize the shocks are the limiting factor keeping the springs in place, but does anyone have any experience with going to a longer shock? Pertaining to the type of shock, my #1 chioce would be the mx-6 monotube or a bilstein 5100, are there any other high quality shocks for a decent price that I should look into?

Thanks for any insight,
Nate

daPitbull · 08-24-2007, 04:57 PM

To answer the first part of your question...besides overall better ride quality, the coilovers offer adjustable ride height, which you'll find very helpful as you start adding on weight to the FJ, ie. bumper, winch, sliders, skids. Coilovers are rebuildable too. This is not to say that OME are bad though. THere are a lot of peeps here that use them....and love them. It's up to you to decide if the coilovers are worth the extra money though. I can say that my FJ started to sag as I started adding weight upfront and the adjustability of the Donahoes were nice.

NateMail · 08-24-2007, 09:48 PM

Thanks. What do you think about the rear shocks? There is so much talk about reservior shocks, but is that really needed? Besides that I like the thought of adjustability.

tisilverFJ · 08-24-2007, 10:09 PM

I've been running the stock struts with OME 884 coils for a long time. Now I just switched to the adj. Bilsteins with OME 886 coils. It's hard to tell how good the Bilsteins are because the 886 coils are so stiff. I'll be trying OME 885's next with the Bilsteins. After driving both of those setups and an FJ with Donahoe c/o I would get the Donahoe's or similar.

As far as I know Toytec lifts is the only one that makes a 2.5" longer rear coil. All other companys make a 2" longer coil. If you get the 2" coils the OME N71E's will work or for a softer ride the Bilstein 5125. I have 3" longer custom made coils with MX-6 shocks and no rear sway bar. No need for reservior shocks.

NateMail · 08-25-2007, 03:16 PM

What length shocks did you go with? And how do like the ride with the mx6, do you adjust it for weight or anything like that?

BzWires · 08-25-2007, 05:03 PM

don't forget to get longer brake lines with your lift!

tisilverFJ · 08-26-2007, 01:06 AM

Quote:

NateMail previously said:

What length shocks did you go with? And how do like the ride with the mx6, do you adjust it for weight or anything like that?

You need to have the correct (the one you plan on using) length coil first before you can buy shocks. Then take measurements with just the coil on and no shock. With out all the details this will give you the compressed and extended length #'s needed to find a shock that will work with the coils you have.

I wanted to try the mx6's because of the adjustability. Still have not put it to the test. Hauling my dirt bikes on a hitch mount puts my hitch at max weight. Have not had both bikes on to try them out. Can't remember off hand, but I think they are around 18" compressed and 28" extended.

NateMail · 08-27-2007, 09:46 PM

Now I realize that going with the reservior shock is mainly asthetic but what is the real value in it? Also in the front coil-over what does going with a bigger diameter shocks body help with, other than strength?

daPitbull · 08-28-2007, 02:00 PM

Larger diameter shock bodies gives you more oil capacity as well as more surface area which means better cooling. I think for casual off roaders, I don't think it really makes a difference. You should more be concerned with the reliability and reputation of the manufacturers. All aftermarket coilovers (DR, Allpro, Kings, OME, etc..) will be better than stock, it's just a matter of who you want to give your money to.