Harsh Ride w/20" OEM's

J

jayrandall

Member
Location
Chicago
:tears: When I take friends for a ride in my 2009 FX35 with OEM 20's, many people comment on how jarring the ride is. I tend to agree, but not sure if it is the same for all '09 FX35 owners with the 20's.

fyi: I do keep my air pressure around 33 - 34 psi per tire, so maybe that's the reason for the non-forgiving, somewhat harsh ride? Is it the same for everyone?
 
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Changing the tires will help. I just recently changed mine and it's a lot softer. It won't get rid of the harshness altogether since the FX does have a somewhat sporty ride. It's not a Lexus. :laugh:
 
Yeah, I hear ya, re: Lexus. But I had an '06 FX35 with the Sports package. That car was more compliant, or less harsh. Just seems like the new model translates every bump in the road during the ride.

But get rid of the stock Bridgestone tires? Really?
 
This is why I purchased an '10 with the 18" rims. I rented a FX35 from Hertz with 20" rims. It handled great at 100+ but on rough roads the ride was to harsh. I do not like the looks of the 18" rims but the ride so much better. I bet yours handles better than mine or your friends rides.
 
Mr Noize said:
This is why I purchased an '10 with the 18" rims. I rented a FX35 from Hertz with 20" rims. It handled great at 100+ but on rough roads the ride was to harsh. I do not like the looks of the 18" rims but the ride so much better. I bet yours handles better than mine or your friends rides.
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Wow, Hertz had a FX for rent? :tongue:
 
TK76 said:
I thought the same and hence got 18 inch too. IMO ride is still a lil harsh.
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Recently went from 18 to 20 inch rims. IMHO the 18 inch rim is a better setup for the street. I believe the 20 looks better so I put up with the slightly harsher ride.
The 20 inch wheel is a good compromise between looks and ride.
Going above 20 and it all about what you like, not how it rides:laugh:.
 
I have 18's in the winter and 20's in the summer. The 20's make for a harsher ride of course, but not to the point that it's uncomfortable. I have a sub in my trunk, talk about bumpy for the people in the back seat lol
 
A harsher ride is a small price to pay for beauty. All mods come at a price. I don't know of too many Lamborghini owners that complain of the cramped seating.
 
I think the point I was attempting to originally make is lost. My primary question was comparing my 2006 FX35 (w/ Sports package) to the new generation FX. Is the suspension the same, or more harsh then the first gen car?

For the record, I like a firm ride and I know that I didn't buy a Lexus (not my steez).
 
I traded my '05 with factory 20's and Sport Package for my '09 with 18's. The "05 was definitely harsher but the handling felt more planted and the ride stiffer.
 
jayrandall said:
How does the ride compare with the FX50, or FX50S? Anyone know?
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My 50S is smooth as silk with it on auto. Its weird because chicago streets are not very nice but my fx takes every side street pretty easily. I believe when its on auto, its similar to having air suspension. I mean don't get me wrong, it not like a boat going over waves but its very smooth compared to my previous g. I rode in my friends 10 fx35 with the 20s and his ride is alot rougher...He drove mine and all he kept saying was how smooth the ride is...He switched to sport mode and it drove like his 35.
 
The first gen has a harsher ride than the second all around. The tires also make a HUGE difference. The 21" Dunlop summer tires gave my 45 such a pronounced improvement over the 20" Goodyear RS-A's.
 
My ride isn't harsh at all. It's not too soft and not too firm, but just right in between. You either want a soft ride with poor handling or firm ride with superb handling.


Oh and if any of my friends got inside of my car when I was nice enough to haul their ass around and complain about my car, I'd tell them to get the f*** out. Don't get in my car and start complaining.



Oh and the recommended PSI for the deluxe touring 20's is 31-32 PSI cold for all four wheels. That's what it says on my door frame.
 
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