FJ Cruiser Lifts & Suspension Explained - Part 1 - Basics - Everything You Need to Know!

Hey there everyone! And welcome back to another episode of LET'S FJ!
Today's video is part 1 of a 3 part series I'm doing all about FJ Cruiser lifts and suspension. I reckon that part 2 will be the one folks really want to see, but this first video is great for those newer to FJ Cruisers or modifying vehicles who want to learn the basics before diving into the details.
Here is a link to the complete lift comparison thread I put together on the FJ Cruiser Forums: www.fjcruiserforums.com/threa...
And here are links to the other 2 parts of this series:
Part 2: • FJ Cruiser Lifts & Sus...
Part 3: • FJ Cruiser Lifts & Sus...
Thanks for liking and subscribing to my channel, I really mean it! It is so cool! Hope you enjoy the video and find it helpful or informative and stay tuned for more content coming in the future!
- FJX2000
Music:
Paradise by Misael Gauna:
/ misaelgaunamusic
MisaelGaunaMusic
MisaelGauna
/ misaelgaunamusic

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Hey everyone! Thanks for watching, liking, and subscribing! Be sure to check out Part 2 and 3 after you watch this! Part 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKvYXpKnl8atoKM Part 3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGbVY31_hrWWftE

[@jg-pl4ym]

Had my FJ since it was new in 2009. Never really had the money to do any mods until now. These are so good! Honestly you should make a general off-road youtube course that goes over all the components methodically like this. This is some grade-A content man. Keep up the good stuff.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks for watching and for your positive feedback! I wish I could make videos like this and help folks out for all off-roading related stuff, but I'm sure there are folks who know other vehicles like Jeeps much better than I di, so I will stick to FJs/Toyotas since that is much more in my wheelhouse!

[@testingtrail]

Learnt a lot with this video, thanks!

[@airicarus]

Love your work, thank you!

[@rchiggs1]

Man, I have so much to learn! Been shopping for an FJ for like 6 months now and think I finally found the one I'll go for. I have no prior experience with off-roading vehicles, so I'm both excited to start this hobby and a bit overwhelmed. This is a great starting place so thanks for creating this content!

[@fatninjacatmatt]

Hope it’s going well!!

[@rchiggs1]

@@fatninjacatmatt Thanks! Wow, 10 short months later and not only did I buy that FJ, but I've installed a suspension lift and new UCAs, replaced the inner and outer tie rods, and rebooted both CV axels, amongst other things, doing all of the work myself. Really goes to shows the value of an active online community of helpful and knowledgeable people!

[@mohammedabubaker4883]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the FJ

[@jacquecook8665]

Hayden - your videos are always so well researched and well done. Your passion for all things FJ Cruisers is infectious! Love your videos! Keep them coming!!!!

[@monflores]

Great! Informative and fun to watch. Kudos Hayden!

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks so much! I appreciate it!

[@jferro113]

this is honestly such perfect timing

[@FJX2000_Productions]

So happy to hear it! Thanks for watching!

[@IdaelDiaz]

For me too

[@claytonwilson4301]

Nice video dude!! I'm always watching your channel for vids like these

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks so much! Glad I can make videos you enjoy to watch!

[@francisboateng8747]

Very informative.

[@bobslavina7024]

Thank you from Italy! A really useful video. I will watch the other two also. Grazie!

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thank you! Glad I could help 👍😁

[@walterr.2619]

Awesome video

[@brianburns5335]

Good stuff my man. Keep it up please.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks so much! I will be sure to get the next video out soon!

[@RoyFJ65]

Nicely done and much needed, suspension and tires are the most asked queries.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks so much! I agree, lifts and tires are asked about constantly. Maybe I will do a video about tire sizing specifically at some point, but I do cover them a bit in this series, I believe it will be in Part 3.

[@RoyFJ65]

@@FJX2000_Productions and if possible the impact of overall balance and ride with modified suspension vs stock. There is day and night difference in ride with a suspension upgrade with better shocks and springs and a mild lift. Anything over including bigger tires tends to change the whole nature of the vehicle including on and off road. Maybe in future an article about that combined with very important issue of gearing with 285 and bigger tires and engine response. Also a chapter on why every FJ Cruiser needs a transmission oil cooler. Keep up the good work.

[@AlbertAguirre]

Excellent

[@cajetan88]

New to FJ community. Very informative video 👍

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Welcome aboard! Glad it can help out!

[@LouisianaSpey]

Baught a used lifted FJ and that thing is all over the road when the wind is blowing, i need to calm this thing down.

[@inferno8346]

We took our FJ to the desert today with all the huge dunes. We easily kept up and maybe even did better than a Land Cruiser from the same year as out FJ 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

[@malaisee]

Thank you for the detailed and competent video. I have a 35” MT tires and Total Chaos UCA on my rig and 2.5” lift with body mount chop. Despite this still i have some rubbing a little. So I am looking for info about UCA with high Caster than can made a job. - to take the wheel forward. What do you suggest me? JBA or SPC, another option may be?

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Hey there! Where is it exactly that you are rubbing just so I know how to better answer your question.

[@abdulmonemalbalushi711]

Would you guys recommended installing 3" lift from Dobinsons MRR? Please let me know if you have those installed or if you would recommend something better with the same adjustability and price range

[@roybatty-]

I wouldn't lift my truck, puts too much strain on components and wears faster. Stock height is fine.

[@jwmmitch]

(Edit: never mind, you answered in video#2) Hmmmm I got a lift kit quoted as 2" in the rear and adjustable in the front (up to 3.25 maybe) is that a 3" lift then?

[@dingdongdaddy589]

Whew, good thing you had that snorkel crossing that stream…l

[@taneloutdoors8987]

So are the bilstein 5100s considered a "3 inch lift"? On amazon, the claim 0-2.5". Thanks for the content!

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Yeah in my videos, specifically in part 2 of this series, you will learn more about that, but yes even though companies may advertise 2.5" lifts, they simply fall into the classification of a 3" lift 👍

[@LouisianaSpey]

I want to convert mine into 4wd diesel and a standard transmission

[@Darksire.]

I just brought my 2007 Manuel FJ back in April, How can I tell if it has a lift? Thanks for the detailed info.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

If the shocks have Toyota written on them then it will probably have factory suspension and if there isnt a spacer above the front struts or rear shocks then it isnt lifted

[@Omar-up3qr]

I just want for my 2007 fj cruiser 2 Wheel drive to replace my original shocks for a better conforble Ride on regular roads. I was told Ranchos are good fit but I don't know which one for the front & back. What specific shocks,( i guess package or kit & comes with strats & spring coils) affordable purchase do you recommend ? Only the shocks?

[@FJX2000_Productions]

I wouldn't recommend Rancho shocks, but I certainly do recommend other lift brands.

[@hting218]

Great video! I got a fj last year that came with a 6inch pro comp suspension lift. I would like to go to a 3 inch lift, would all suspension components need to be changed?

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Watch Part 2 of the video series and you will get a better understanding for 6 inch lifts and what it would take to go back to a 3 inch lift.

[@hting218]

@@FJX2000_Productions looks like i won’t need to worry about spending money to lower it 😂

[@FJX2000_Productions]

@@hting218 yeah unless you want to weld and fabricate a new rear crossmember you probably will have a 6" lift for a while 😁👍

[@hting218]

@@FJX2000_Productions With your knowledge on lifts and suspension, could you give me a ballpark figure on how much it would be to get it down to a 3 inch lift? The biggest issue would be fabricating the rear crossmember?

[@FJX2000_Productions]

@@hting218 yep that would be the biggest hurdle. But it could be done. If you had a shop do it, the price could be high, but you would want to take off the lift and install a 3 inch at the same time probably

[@lonelybri7338]

The ultimate suspension has a trd branded springs and shocks . I’m wondering if I could use it on my trail team 2013 !? Will it work? Do I need to modify anything on my 2013? Thanks Rick

[@FJX2000_Productions]

If you’re talking about the suspension from a 2014 Trail Teams Ultimate Edition, yes! That would work in your 2013 👍

[@lettersandnumbersuc]

Wish someone would make a package to upgrade 2x4 to 4x4.

[@calvindesouza83]

Hello I really need some info on the rough country 6 inch lift. I have tried contacting RC on mail and chat with no reply. I want to purchase the 6 inch lift but they only supply upto 2009 models and my FJ is 2011. I wanted to know if the kit will fit my 2011 model with some modification? And if yes what kind of modifications? I own a fabrication company so it shouldn't be a problem.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Hey there! I'm sure with enough customization you could adapt the Rough Country kit to work with your needs, especially if you own a fabrication company. But I'm not sure on what specific changes you would have to make to the kit to make it work. But if you want to look into another option, Fabtech sells 6" lift kits for 2010+ FJ Cruisers, so that may be the better and simpler option. The whole benefit though of Rough Country is that it is bolt on only, while other kits like Fabtech require some cutting and welding. So if you're having to fabricate anyways, might as well get the specific kit for your model year.

[@RaghuveerMetla]

wow your videos are incredibly informative. i’m planning to lift my rig by 6inches. Can i use 3inch eibach + 3inch rough country spacer? because i currently have 6inch rough country and i feel a little off with geometry

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Watch part 2 of this series for more info on 6 inch lifts but I wouldn't recommend that setup personally. Some brands make full size aftermarket coilovers for 6" lifts that I would choose.

[@daArchitect-]

Could go with sway bar disconnects. That way you have the best of both worlds

[@FJX2000_Productions]

True! I think I mention those in the Part 3 video of this series.

[@daArchitect-]

@@FJX2000_Productions On second video..will watch third soon. I'm a new FJ owner a week ago

[@grantmoon624]

what is the best lift kit for the money?

[@FJX2000_Productions]

For a non-adustable lift, probably Old Man Emu since it can be paired with different spring rates to accommodate heavy bumpers and equipment. For slightly adjustable, probably a Bilstein 5100 lift. And for an adjustable lift, probably like Toytec or Dobinsons

[@robertburks2126]

your audio is on mono. I hear it in only the L side with my headphones (Bose). Just FYI

[@dmac9777]

1st time 1st. Get lifted!

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Nice! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@dmac9777]

No worrys man watching from Australia. Here we mostly have 2 inch lift because state laws only allow 50mm lift and 25mm change in tyre size. Plenty of cars run slightly more though

[@mitchamgw]

Where can I buy FJ bash/skid plates?

[@FJX2000_Productions]

This video has links kn the description that will help you out kzbin.info/www/bejne/oImrYXSkl5iSobs

[@noobasdfjkl]

My left ear thought there was a lot of great info in this vid

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Yep hahaha I didnt figure out the audio issue until the next video, my bad!

[@noobasdfjkl]

@@FJX2000_Productions Lol. No biggie. Lemme ask you something: If you found a 2012 6MT with 117k miles, total chaos UCAs, Icon lift and shocks, gobi roof rack, and a metal tech front bumper with wern winch for $35k, do you think that'd be worth it? I'm currently thinking that's a little steep, but I'm not sure.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

@@noobasdfjkl sounds a bit much to me, even with the mods, it is too high mileage for that price

[@noobasdfjkl]

@@FJX2000_Productions That's what I figured. Probably like $5k too much, but the used market is insane right now.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

@@noobasdfjkl exactly! That's what I've noticed too!

[@carloscuriel-vazquez7372]

Great video but whats up with the sound

[@FJX2000_Productions]

This was before I learned how to make the audio come out both speakers haha