More flex without lift. Ideas?

Busta wrote: Looking at a few lift kits, they all talk about 'uprated springs'. I take it they mean higher spring rates? If so, surely they won't flex any better than shorter, softer springs? I don't want a tall Jimny on stiff springs that rides like a roller skate. If I'm forking out for more suspension travel I want to be able to use it, and have a wallowy Jimny that is so softly sprung it feels like it's floating and rolls in the corners like a Baja truck.

I wish there was a good resource for comparing spring sizes, lengths and rates from all sorts of vehicles. I bet there's dozens of OEM springs for other vehicles that would fit.

you have hit the nail on the head my winch truck has wofully soft long springs and the 3 link allows it to flex without the axle trying to twist for road use every day it would be far to soft but for articulation it works look up spring reversal for SJs that's another very soft flexable system that works just all the time you have the hockey sticks will always limit the articulation

TomDK, the reference to Baja trucks was only the way the lean in corners!

What I want is a softly sprung Jimny with good suspension travel. Not a slightly taller Jimny with a crap ride and less useable suspension travel than standard!

Busta wrote: TomDK, the reference to Baja trucks was only the way the lean in corners!

What I want is a softly sprung Jimny with good suspension travel. Not a slightly taller Jimny with a crap ride and less useable suspension travel than standard!

I understand where you're going. But to what purpose?
It does not make sense to have 16" of suspension travel with 215/75/15 tyres for a greenlaner, and not make it any taller. At least not to me.

Of course it can be made. But as I wrote ealier, you need to make new mounts for the shocks and springs. In reality, what you seek might be easier done by fitting some coilovers on custom hoops.

But there is only so much travel you can get without lifting the Jimny, unless you want a massive amount of downtravel. But again, to what purpose?
Remember, the Baja trucks might seem cool and all. But they also have sway-bars and other cool stuff to keep everything in control. Also, IFS front axle behaves quite differently than a live axle

Busta wrote: TomDK, the reference to Baja trucks was only the way the lean in corners!

What I want is a softly sprung Jimny with good suspension travel. Not a slightly taller Jimny with a crap ride and less useable suspension travel than standard!

Thats just what I am after as well mate
Keep looking and post the results
Denmark must be totally the opposite to English terrain so dont let him put you off

I'm not trying to put him off anything. Just looking a bit more realistic at it. But I'd like to see what he comes up with.

I wish I'd never mentioned Baja trucks! I'm not looking for 16" of suspension travel, just ways to get a little more out of what is already there.

Softer springs, softer bushes, more flex in the joints etc. I'm actually happy with the way the Jimny flexes as standard. It has better articulation than our Rangerover! But if there are clever and simple ways to improve it further then I'd like to give it a try.

The standard route of bigger wheels and lots of lift is all well and good if you're happy throwing money away and don't do many road miles but I'd prefer a more subtle approach.

Anyway
If you do find longer softer springs please share

Busta wrote: Looking at a few lift kits, they all talk about 'uprated springs'. I take it they mean higher spring rates? If so, surely they won't flex any better than shorter, softer springs?

With a lift the centre of gravity is raised which makes it more prone to body roll and dive and squat. Uprated springs help to reduce those effects and can also offset the weight of accessories, although when fitting accessories a longer spring of the same rating would be more suitable.
What you really need to do is to pull the suspension apart and then check just how much travel it has as stock and whether any more could be extracted from it. I'll be having mine apart soon and I'll go through exactly that exercise.

I've been told a Trail Master 2" lift kit rides better than standard.

So it's not always a given that a lift will make it worse.

Kirkynut

I appreciate they want to limit roll, dive and squat on road but it's those characteristics that translate to better suspension articulation offroad! To me that suggests that the kits are built more for looks than any improvement in ability. If the spring doesn't allow full travel you may as well fit a standard spring with spring spacers.

A longer spring of lower rating would be the way to go. Similar ride height, lots more roll, dive squat and flex

Let us know what you find out!

Busta wrote: I appreciate they want to limit roll, dive and squat on road but it's those characteristics that translate to better suspension articulation offroad! To me that suggests that the kits are built more for looks than any improvement in ability. If the spring doesn't allow full travel you may as well fit a standard spring with spring spacers.

A longer spring of lower rating would be the way to go. Similar ride height, lots more roll, dive squat and flex

Let us know what you find out!

Why sholdn't the spring allow full travel?
The Trailmaster kit has a longer spring and shock than standard, and unlike many other lift kits, it tailored to the Jimny. Longer springs and shocks on standard mounts means lift, and also more suspension travel. But the bushes are still the limiting factor regarding articulation.

You need springs that matches the weight of the vehicle. Otherwise you'll be riding on your bumpstops all the time.

You can try using a spring rate calculator. Maybe that will help.

In my humble opinion soft bushes would certainly help you, as already mentioned but it will feel a bit sloopier than does now on the road but will allow a little more 'twist' to the pivot point allowing a touch more articulation.
I love reading these threads, there is a real talent on this site and i am learning so much from all you guys when I read the threads, the only problem is I go to bed, sleep and forget it all :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Mart