So the suspension took a bit more back-and-forth than I had planned. The initial installation of the springs went pretty smooth, but I ultimately had to do the job 5 times to weed out all the bugs. None of the problems were due to the upgrades, it was all from existing damage or worn out parts that popped up as each previously discovered issue was worked out. I'm very glad I did the work myself instead of hiring it out at the quoted $800... I have it down to a 2-hour job now.
I think we also solved the mystery of the smaller, mismatched spare tire on a bent rim. I had an alignment done while getting the tires installed, and when I picked it up the technician said it was the worst he had ever seen. Bent rim, mismatched leaky tire, pulling right, wobble, and rips in the barely-attached front bumper all make it a safe bet the car was out being jumped, and landed badly on the right front corner. The Fozzy now drives smoothly, quietly, and tracks straight. :bike_rider:
On to the good stuff...
Suspension Upgrades—Ironman +35mm and KYB GR-2
The strut in that same front corner was also blown. With just over 100,000 miles on the chassis we opted to simply replace all of them. KYB’s slightly stiffer and better handling GR-2 series struts were selected, and they do not disappoint.
The star of the suspension, however, is the +35mm Ironman spring lift now fitted at all four corners. In spite of the lift, the vehicle has less body roll than it did originally, and handles with impressive competency on the street. It also still rides nice and smooth, making it a pleasure to drive. Bonus: it appears to be impossible to bottom the new suspension out, the
Schooby is now cleared for take-off.
Tires—Geolandar A/T-S 215/70R16
Ever the optimist I elected to follow the
build of a certain Forester-of-the-Month—a build with the same size tire and no lift—despite the warning that 215/70s barely don't fit. The shop called, way too early for the tires to be mounted and alignment done. "We can squeeze it in there if we do a little trimming on the plastic bits." Reluctantly, I gave the go-ahead. The required trimming turned out to be so minor I still haven't found it. The larger tire's effect on performance is undetectable compared to the 225/60R16 that was mounted previously, if anything the car is just a bit zippier than it was.
Just barely fit—clearance between the taller 215/70R16 Yokohama Geolandars and the strut tower is
so tight you can't squeeze a pencil between them. Fortunately, we've experienced no rubbing even with the steering at full lock. The new tires grip fiercely in dirt, and I've been told they are equally capable in sand and snow. They still inspire confidence on a twisty mountain two-lane and are only slightly more willing to break loose, a fair compromise.
Phase One Complete
With an acceptable running ground clearance and some nice grippy tires, the Foz Project is ready for its first real adventure. I think we've settled on southern Utah, but the debate rages on over canoe vs. mountain bikes...
