Help needed! Off Road Suspension Recommendations

offroader

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May 20, 2009
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I drive about 300kms per week on dirt roads with washouts, bad corrugation and plenty of rocks. The stock Forester suspension is too harsh for this and the car rattles severely and is rather noisy. I've tried running lower tyre pressures which reduces this somewhat, but was wondering what sorts of suspension mods others have found work well in off road situations. I'm not really interested in lift kits or anything extreme. I just want to upgrade the suspension for a more comfortable ride over rough stuff. (MY 07 Forester X)
 
I think the only real solution lies in getting tyres with a larger rolling diamater, which might then bring in legality issues. Even then, corrugations will always be a pain. Where do you live? WA has the worst corrugations I have driven on, but Queensland can be unimpressive too.
 
G'day & :welcome: to ORS offroader.

My first thought would be to drop a few psi's.

eden said:
might be best talking to a suspension retailer and ask about adjustable struts.
Click to expand...
But since you have already tried that & still not satisfied, I'd do as eden suggested, & try talking to a suspension speciallist. :)

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
Welcome!

Most of our mods for offroad give a harsher ride. As suggested lower tyre pressure (say 25-28 psi) may help and I also agree that adding some weight would help. Because my springs are so stiff, my car rides a lot better when its fully loaded.

Maybe you need a different spring type (e.g. progressive) and/or even different shocks so, yes, a visit to a suspension shop might also be worthwhile.
 
Thanks for all your advice. Driving corrugations in a Forester with stock suspension is no fun. Never been over to WA. NSW has it's fair share of the stuff as well. I guess I'll need to go and talk with a suspension specialist to see what they say. I've driven the same roads in a Hilux modified with Prado coils and Old Man Emu Nitro Shocks. The difference is absolutely amazing. Will let you guys know what I find out... Cheers.
 
My mates Hilux with ARB raised springs F & R and Koni ajustable shockies was cetainly an eye opener to me.
When we got back to Innisfail from the Cape i took him to a spot i would fish now and again. In the Forrie i would have to slow to 10-20-30 in some spots and in the Lux we sat on 70-80 almost all the way.
Great stuff!!!!
I think the shockies cost about $1100 and he told me just the other day that he had just adjusted them after 70,000.
These are the rebuilable ones anyway.....around $110 a go.
 
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