BigJimnyMeet (North) 2024 (12 Jan 2024)
14th July 2024
Parkwood Nr. Leeds
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Lift Kit shopping list
- Caelite
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I know from searching that this topic has been done before, but not so recently (last thread I found with details was from 2015).
Basically I have a 2006 VVT+ Jimny, with the big front bumper, I want to fit a set of 215/75r15 BFG KO2s on 15x7 ET-15 Jimnybits modulars. Going for the -15 as it maintains the same shock clearance as the stock 15x5.5s 205/70r15s, however in my mind will minimise the wheel bearing life and mud 'overspray' issues found with the ET-30 wheels. Not fully set on KO2s, but due to positive experiences I have had with them on my works trucks, they are my default go too choice unless an exceptional deal comes up. Same with the wheels, I know the JimnyBits ones are widely used on here, so I assume they are of adequate quality.
With that being said, I recognise I need a lift to make my tyre choice look 'natural' in the arch, and as my 110k mile old stock shocks are giving me the tell tail signs that they are cooked . So settling on a full suspension lift to kill 2 birds with 1 stone. That is where I am looking for some help, firstly, I am undecided as to whether I should go for a 3" lift, or stick to 2", as I am led to believe the 3"+ requires substantially more work to do correctly.
Secondly I am wondering if anyone can recommend a shock and spring setup, it is for predominantly road use, however, I will admit, I beat the living daylights out of my vehicles, it will be thrown into corners at the limit of front end grip, it will be rattled down gravel tracks at 90kph, etc etc. Basically I am looking for sure footedness, serviceability & longevity over comfort.
Finally, I am wondering if I am missing anything from my 'shopping list' of periphery to ensure optimal performance post lift, so far I have noted down:
0. Shocks & Springs, currently I am split between Jimnybits springs and Pro-comp ES1000 shocks, have experienced pro-comps in the past on Land Rovers & people speak highly of them for bang4buck, also looking at Trailmaster sports on Martins shop. The only other brand I know the green oval brigade enjoy is Old Man Emu but they don't seem to offer a Jimny lift in the UK.
1. Castor correction bushes
2. Rear shock relocation
3. Brake lines (ARBs will remain in position, any excuse to put some breaded steel lines in though)
4. Adjustable panhard rods
5. Driveshaft extension
6. Steering damper (not lift related, In my mind I think it would do much to improve the Jimnys road manners)
Any advice welcome, I have plenty of experience in the past lowering cars and setting track geometries, however this is my first foray into putting together a 4x4.
CAE
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- When I first installed the lift I had 15x7.5" zero offset wheels and when I went to 215/75s they rubbed on the arch, this was completely resolved by going back to stock width wheels. I imagine the same thing would happen with 7" -15 wheels, especially as your bumper is bigger than mine. It was the outer edge of the tyres rubbing because they stuck out from the stock arches a little.
- I really like my trailmaster comfort lift, as it is much smoother than stock, but it does have a little more body roll so might not be ideal for your purposes. Having said that I don't think I have to drive it any slower than I did with stock suspension. I understand the procomps (and presumably the trailmaster sport) are much stiffer.
- The trailmaster kits include a brake line extension, so if you go for that you won't need to buy one separately. Having said that I don't believe an extended brake line is necessary for a 2" lift. Also note the trailmaster kit is far cheaper on this site than on other sites.
- I understand that driveshaft extensions and rear shock relocaters aren't necessary with a 2" lift (at least I certainly haven't done them).
Again, I'm very much a novice and don't pretend to be an expert! These are just some things I've found out while sorting my lift. All the best!
2004 Jimny Mode: General Grabber AT3s (215/75/R15); Trailmaster 2" Lift; Jimnybits Snorkel; Jimnybits Front and Rear Recovery Points; Suntop Roof Rack; AVM Manual Hubs; Stainless Steel Exhaust System (SOLD)
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Temeraire (2018 quasar grey automatic)
One of the last 200ish of the gen3s, probably.
ADOS Attention Deficit Ooooh Shiny!
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- TomDK
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No reason for rear shock relocation brackets. A waste of money a best, worst case you bottom out your shocks damaging them.
Old Man Emu shocks are also available for any vehicle from ARB dealers. Also great quality shocks and springs.
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When my original shocks and springs were tired I replaced them with stock springs and Munro 4x4 shocks. These dramatically improved the handling but it's obviously impossible to tell whether that's because of how good the new bits were or how buggered the old stuff was. In the end I regretted not having gone straight for the lift kit, but it sounds like I drive a lot slower than you lol.
I've sold the Munro shocks, but haven't been able to sell the stock height springs so you could have them for free if you decide to go that route. I'd recommend changing both because when I did mine a couple of the original springs had cracks in them.
I guess it makes sense to get the tyres first and see what you think of the handling and look. Then you can either go for replacement shocks and springs or a lift kit.
2004 Jimny Mode: General Grabber AT3s (215/75/R15); Trailmaster 2" Lift; Jimnybits Snorkel; Jimnybits Front and Rear Recovery Points; Suntop Roof Rack; AVM Manual Hubs; Stainless Steel Exhaust System (SOLD)
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- TomDK
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TomDK wrote: Busta's idea isn't all that bad. And on top of that, for that kind of driving you could always put on some Koni Heavy Track shocks Probably among the best shock available for the Jimny
Koni video (with a nice black Jimny hiding in there):
They list jimny on their website, but only standard spec ones. Will send them an email methinks
J999 MNY, ULYSSES M18 VVT with ITB's Dyno tested at 130hp
Pickup/tipper, R7me gearbox & 6.4 Rocklobster, 31" Toyo MT, 2x ARB air locker 3.9 diffs in braced axles, 6" total lift, Floating rear conversion, Raptor painted, CB, Recaro's, Caged, etc, etc...
www.youtube.com/user/riclemus
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- Caelite
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With that being said, need to think about the wheels, would much rather run steels than the current alloys, I have seen several pictures of Jims running the stock 15x5.5 with 30mm spacers with 215/75r15s, these only have 4mm less poke than 15x7 et-15, so I had just assumed they would fit, might need to consider a small trim, or different wheel size (possibly the stock jimny steels).
Anywho, so I can cross shock repositioning & driveshaft extensions off of my list for only a 2" lift? Is there anything you need to do too keep the driveshaft angles in phase? Or is the change simply not enough to cause any vibration/wear?
Giving it some thought but the Trailmaster it does seem like a good option, especially considering it appears ProComp ES1000s aren't available on the Jimnybits store anymore, only 3000 and 9000, which I think would be overdamped at stock weights.
Thanks a lot for the advice guys, hopefully getting some bits of another car I am tearing down sold, then building the Jimny up
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- 1066Boy
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removed for more flex. I have only done springs and shocks. Not fitted relocation bushes etc just longer brake lines because of the extra flex.
Still running standard rims because I like the look.
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Temeraire (2018 quasar grey automatic)
One of the last 200ish of the gen3s, probably.
ADOS Attention Deficit Ooooh Shiny!
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