OEM SUSPENSION :
The OEM suspension provided in the MSIL Jimny is good and provides a comfortable ride. The Jimny features a 3-link rigid axle suspension with coil springs.
SOME ISSUES WITH THE OEM SUSPENSION:
The OEM set up is suited for off road conditions but while the stock suspension is effective for off-roading some may find it to be too soft for on-road driving.
The Jimny can feel unstable especially when larger vehicles pass by or in cross winds leading to noticeable body roll and wobbling on stock suspension. This is also true for high speed driving or while going over rumble strips. The ride can also somewhat harsh particularly on poorly maintained roads, where the vehicle can rattle significantly or the thump sound while going over bumps( that is the strut hitting the bump stop or bottoming out).
The OEM suspension is also built to a cost with the major components costing Rs. 14,840. The basic major components in the OEM suspension along with part numbers:
- SPRING_RR COIL_R - Part Number:41311M80T20 : Rs. 850
- SPRING_RR COIL_L – Rs. 850 Part Number:41311M80T40 : – Rs. 850
- SPRING_FR COIL - Part Number:41111M80T00 : Rs. 980 X 2
- ABSORBER ASSEMBLY_RR SHOCK - Part Number:41700M80T00 - Rs. 3200 X 2
- ABSORBER_FR SHOCK - Part Number:41600M80T00 - Rs. 2390 X 2
WHY UPGRADE ?
It is because of the reasons highlighted above that Jimny owners in India think of upgrading the suspension. The benefits of upgrading the suspension are as under:
- Improved ride quality : good suspension upgrades provide a firmer ride without sacrificing on comfort. This is true for both lifted and non-lifted Jimny’s.
- Confidence Inspiring ride quality : the most noticeable difference would be what most owners who have upgraded the suspension talk about “it sticks to the road now” feeling. The ride becomes more planted and confidence inspiring in both straight lines and in cornering. True for both lifted and non-lifted Jimny’s.
- Capability upgrade for the 4X4 Jimny : true for lifted vehicles - aftermarket suspensions enhance articulation and provide better ground clearance . A good aftermarket suspension allows for better wheel travel, which is crucial for navigating rocky or uneven terrain. A lift (typically around 40 mm onwards) can help clear obstacles more easily. Also helps in preventing bottoming out as the struts and the coils are stiffer.
- Longer Lasting Suspension : All suspensions will fade or sag over time. This is where superior components in after-market suspensions will come into play. high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of off-road driving. The components are more robust then the OEM’s and handle rough conditions without wearing out quickly. It is therefore desirable to have high quality durable suspension components as are provided by the quality aftermarket suspension options.
- Load carrying enhancement : Weight carrying capability especially for modified Jimny’s with aftermarket bumpers, wrenches, awnings etc. - slightly stiffer and taller springs of a lift help in these conditions.
- Aesthetic appeal (Lifted Vehicles) : Lifting the vehicle also gives the Jimny a more aggressive and commanding presence on the road. A higher stance can make the vehicle look more rugged and capable, aligning with its off-road heritage and giving it a more muscular appearance.
SHOULD I LIFT? OPTIONS AVAILABLE
The options available are:
- No lift : Just a struts or suspension upgrade. This is the safest upgrade for those looking for a better ride quality. The geometry of the Jimny is as given from OEM so has minimal issues. Care must be taken for choosing the brand/OEM as some are more stiff than the others.
- Lifts from 10 mm to 80 mm : The most popular one being 40 mm as this is the one with minimal issues after the no lift option.
Lifts of no lifts are as per individual requirements. The basic thumb rule being the lower the center of gravity compared to OEM, the lesser the corrections required to get the geometry as close to the one provided by the OEM as possible.
DO’s & DONT’S WHILE CHOOSING A SUSPENSION – INDIAN CONTEXT
- Buy from a reputed suspension brand – someone who is known for the suspension quality globally. Should have a well-established R&D with proper established SOP’s on product testing prior to market release.
- Always buy suspension that specifically is for a 5 door and not claims of it being for a 5 door. This is critical.
- Buy from official channels only so that warranty is back to back or provided by the OEM. Take warranty documents - just an invoice (its just proof of purchase ) is never good enough if you have to god forbid go to court.
- Check the reputation of the Official Channel : This is sometimes as important as choosing the right OEM for your suspension. Don’t forget he will be the first point of contact and escalation in case of any issues.
- Installation Instructions : Don’t struggle between guess work and ignorance in getting the installation done. Documents for the installation process with torque figures is a must. Don’t trust a company who can’t even provide torque figures if different for the OEM. Correct installation is the key to getting the suspension to perform the way is was designed. This cant be stressed enough.
- Always record your lift in case of lifted vehicles signed off with the installer/official partner. Otherwise you will be in a “he said she said” kind of situation with no resolution in sight. This is equally true for non-lifted vehicles as well. Always record the figures with the OEM suspension as this will be a starting point of any discussion later.
- Check user feedback in Indian and International Forums : User feedback can provide valuable insights into which suspensions kits perform best in real-world conditions. This can in turn help you make an informed decision based on your requirement.
- Avoid aftermarket add-ons that promise the moon and have no record of delivering except maybe in words or will deliver just the placebo effect. If they are that great why are suspension manufacturers not selling them – this is a question you must ask.
- Look for what works for you and addresses your issue : An example - The panhard relocation bracket is something that I worked very closely with 4XForza to develop for the Indian market as the lateral body sway was an issue that needed addressed with my lift. Took me 8 months including a failed import from UK (3 door and 5 door have a difference with a bolts welded to the chassis for the 5 door) to get it sorted. No one in India was selling this and indeed no one still does. The lateral sway issue is now sorted and the part is helping many others with a similar issue. Issues need to be isolated before they can be addressed.
- Full kits are sold for a reason : the kits with both the suspension and the coils in full kits are sold with a reason. They are tested and developed to work in tandem. Mix and match might be a hit or a miss depending on your luck.
- Larger Tyres (Lifted vehicles) : Contrary to popular opinion lift kits do not increase your clearance to allow you to run a larger tyre as your tyre will still end up tucked up into the guard regardless of the lift kit. Please be mindful of this when considering tyres more than 215/75 R15.
WHAT IS NORMALLY IN THE LIFT KIT:
- Struts or Suspension – Front and Rear in pairs.
- Coils – Different for Front and Rear in pairs. Of different heights for the rear.
- Extended Brake Hose Rear.
- Crossmember Drop Kit – a must for a lift 40 mm and above.
- Caster Correction Bushes – Optional is some brands.
- Panhard relocation bracket – Optional and only provided by OME.
ESSENTAIL BUT NOT PART OF KIT WITH LIFT 40mm ONWARDS:
- Caster Correction Bushes : a must have IMO on any lifted vehicle 40 mm and above. Camber correction in the Jimny is only possible with these bushes. Have data on my vehicle to prove that Caster will go out and the only way to correct is with these bushes. Normal range 1 degree 55 ± 1 degree. Have in fact proven this to Tough Dog as a result of which caster corrections bushes is part of the 5 door kit now. Rubber bushes with steel outer casing would be preferred over Polyurethane but most OEM’s provide Polyurethane bushes only. Another option would be to buy Front and Rear aftermarket Radius Arms (as required) with inbuilt correction and rubber bushes - this is a very expensive but preferred longer lasting solution.
- Extended Braided Brake Hoses : Most kits come only with the extended single rear hose. IMO at full or near full articulation the rear right (it seems to be stressed with any articulation) rear left as well as the front two hoses will face stress. A good solution would be to upgrade all 4 brake hoses to braided with enough slack.
- Panhard relocation bracket/Panhard rods back & or front and back : It essentially just corrects the angle of the rear Panhard to be parallel again with the diff/axels to work as intended. It essentially raises the rear roll centre. A must have for a comfortable ride with minimum lateral sway.
Manufacturers seem to be missing some of more of these 3 above to keep the sticker price down and sell them as accessories.
Some facts on the PANHARD RELOCATION BRACKET/ Adjustable Panhard Rods:
It essentially just corrects the angle of the rear Panhard to be parallel again with the diff/axels to work as intended. It essentially raises the rear roll centre.
The Panhard relocation bracket/rods is a component that is used to keep the Panhard rod level and prevent bump-steer. It is not a must but is considered a good idea, especially when the vehicle has a suspension lift. The bracket raises the mounting position of the Panhard rod to suit the new position due to a suspension lift being fitted.
The purpose of the Panhard relocation bracket is to maintain the proper alignment of the Panhard rod, which helps to prevent lateral displacement and keep the the Panhard bar parallel to the axle , helps to avoid bump-steer, which is the tendency of the vehicle to steer to one side when encountering bumps or uneven terrain. It can also help improve the handling characteristics of the vehicle, reducing roll over steer and settling the on-road and fast road handling.
Brands Available in India through official channel partners/distributors:
- Iron man – 50 mm lift kit (5 door kit?).
- Tough Dog – 40mm lift kit (5 door arriving into India shortly).
- Oldman EMU – kit for the 5 door is nearing launch and will be available shortly
- Dobinson’s – 5 door kit available both in Niro twin tube, and monotube IMS. 1.5’ to 3’.
- Bilstein both for no lift (shocks only) and with coils as well.
- Koni with H&R springs 20 mm lift. Could also be bought with just shocks alone.
- X-Dakkar – 40 mm, 60 mm & 80mm lifts.
- TANABE suspension – 10 to 40 mm lift. Cobra Coils are offered as part of the kit.
- Dr. Nano – our made in India story. 40 mm lift kits.
- MMG – another made in India story. Offering 3” lift kits.
The others worth mentioning but with no direct India presence so not been able to verify if available for the 5 door:
- Pedders.
- Black Raptor.
- Del Sol (5 door kit available).
- TJM.
- Fulcrum (5 door kit available).
- EFS.
- Jimny Style.
- Ohlins.
- Radflo.
- TJM XGS.
- Outback Armour.
- TEIN.
- Showa Garage.
- TANIGUCHI.
- APIO.
CONCLUSION:
We are all new to upgrading our suspensions with most doing it for the first time ever. Would request that the decision to choose the correct suspension is a much thought and researched one with clarity on what the end result as well as the future holds once done.
Warranty is an essential part of the suspension and is not to be ignored. The suspension will sag over a period of time or even develop a leak. Within tolerance levels this is fine but outside of the tolerance levels issues have be resolved by the channel either at their level or at the OEM level. Suspension is after all not a cheap product that can be discarded at will. OEM support hence becomes critical.
Hope this helps and good luck with improving your ride if you are considering an upgrade.