I need new struts/shocks and springs BUT...

G

giantsoobs

Member
Location
Oakland, CA
Car
2003 FX35 AWD
I don't want to lower the ride the 1-2 inches that seems inevitable.

My ride quality is &%$ to say the least, especially here in the land of neglected roads. It is apparent this needs to happen, and at 116K I am sure they are due.

I am sold on the KYB strut/shock and the H&R spring combo, there's more than enough success stories to be convincing. However, I have some pretty beefy Toyo Open Country A/T II on there and I dont want to run the risk of rubbing or bottoming out on these crappy Oakland streets.

Is it possible to get H&R springs that DONT lower from stock ride height? Should I do the KYB and new OEM springs? Should I save my $$$ and go coilovers?

Thank you all for the help in advance.

EDIT: So I think I read somewhere that KYB is the same as OEM, and that the factory springs shouldn't EVER need to be replaced?.... So if I am looking for stock height, it sounds like just a complete set of new KYB shocks/struts all around and new bearings up front should solve my poor ride quality???

Thanks again.
 
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youll be fine with kyb and h&r spring combo. I would throw away the stock springs and switch to h&rs. I personally run this setup and im fine with it
 
I am mostly worried about tire rubbing on tight turns. I cant remember exactly what my tire size is, but i know it is a little bigger than factory, like 285 instead of 275. A small jump.

You don't think I will have an issue with rubbing?
 
oh i see, if its 285/50/20 i think you will rub. But if its like 285/35 profile i think ull be fine. We need more feedback from members.
 
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If you don't want to go any lower, new shocks and original springs are fine. Springs never wear out unless they corrode or something. But H&R's will be fine for your setup as well; your bigger tires on OEM wheels still won't rub. 285 isn't much bigger on an OEM wheel and the offset is still pretty recessed.
 
This is great to hear that I don't have to worry about interference.

Now another question, with the new struts, will I notice a difference in the ride quality between stock springs and H&R springs? Will the factory ones feel softer and more plush as they are longer and "broken in"?
 
The stock springs with new struts and shocks will definitely give you that stock suspension feel. The H&R springs will give you a firmer feel over the stock springs.
 
If i am in an environment of horrific road quality, it sounds like the stock springs will probably be the better bet to smooth the ride out. I swear I am rattling the FX apart every day I drive it.
 
Good thread, I have wondered this myself. Already feel the road bumps a lot with sport stock 20's on California's deteriorated infrastructure. I also like my FX being an SUV rather than a lowrider. I think the coilovers are adjustable, but not sure if they go back up to the original height. I know the Jeep grand cherokee has some system that lifts the car up and down several inches as desired. I assume that would be a pricey add on though.
 
You can have coilovers at stock height or higher. I remember a member from Vacouver adjusts his coilovers up high during the winter months. He posted a pic on here somewhere.
 
If you go with H&Rs I have a set sitting in my garage. I think they are still on my stock struts as well. So, it you want them just let me know we can work something out.
 
But wont the coilovers give me a harsh ride on these )($*#$ streets? I mean, a large part of the coilover system is to create a firm planted suspension for ideal handling, isn't is? It wont be as plush and forgiving as stock springs... right?
 
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stock springs arent plush there really harsh, my h&rs feel better than my stock springs.
As for coilovers you can adjust the dampening and preload for better ride comfort. It would be just a little bouncy compared to stock/aftermarket spring setup. Coilover will make a big difference in the feel of your car, you wont regret it
 
The ride will be harsher. The damping on coilovers is adjustable, but the spring rate isn't without swapping springs. Having gone from stock to H&R to coilovers, I can definitely say that coilovers ride harsher. No way around it. H&R's suprisingly ride a little better than stock. The spring rate is higher, but the car floats around less so it feels smoother.
 
Dracula said:
stock springs arent plush there really harsh, my h&rs feel better than my stock springs.
As for coilovers you can adjust the dampening and preload for better ride comfort. It would be just a little bouncy compared to stock/aftermarket spring setup. Coilover will make a big difference in the feel of your car, you wont regret it
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shadow191 said:
The ride will be harsher. The damping on coilovers is adjustable, but the spring rate isn't without swapping springs. Having gone from stock to H&R to coilovers, I can definitely say that coilovers ride harsher. No way around it. H&R's suprisingly ride a little better than stock. The spring rate is higher, but the car floats around less so it feels smoother.
Click to expand...

All great feedback. Thank you guys for helping me clear this up. Looks like I may be contacting FX45Chicago... the project begins.
 
shadow191 said:
The ride will be harsher. The damping on coilovers is adjustable, but the spring rate isn't without swapping springs. Having gone from stock to H&R to coilovers, I can definitely say that coilovers ride harsher. No way around it. H&R's suprisingly ride a little better than stock. The spring rate is higher, but the car floats around less so it feels smoother.
Click to expand...

You seem to always post good info thanks

Coilovers are harsher, most of the time. There are certain roads I drive regularly where I smile over certain ground imperfections. Don't get me wrong, I can rattle my teeth loose on some whoopsies that aren't spaced far. But the ride is so much tighter down low I love it.
 
Totally agreed with shadow. I too go from stock, H&R and now Coilovers. It is definitely less plush feel on the Coilovers.
 
Hi great thread,was wondering how things turned out with OP , what did he end up using and how is it working. Is ther any speedo issues or traction control with the larger tires. Do you need recalibrtion with 285 tires thanks guys
 
Hi Iron40, unfortunately I got side tracked with my girlfriends "new" 2002 VW Jetta TDI that needed a few things done to it. My attention and funds got diverted. But now that her car is all good, I have my FX bug back and will hopefully be tackling this project soon.

Regarding the larger size tires. I pretty sure there must be a slight variation in the speedometer, I am now going a little faster than my gauge says, right? I am sure there is something that could be done to properly account for the larger tires, but wouldnt that require a tune to correct it?

My tires are Toyo Open Country II 285/60R18, where stock size is 265/60R18 or 265/50R18. I looks like my tires are 1" larger diameter than OEM, thats why I was a little apprehensive about going to a spring that may drop my ride 1-2" closer to the tires.
 
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