[bobharly]

Hypothetical question: Can you remove the one of the isolators, front and/or rear, in the suspension to lower the jeep a little more?

I only ask because I noticed the other day my 4runner does not use a lower isolator on the front strut and I've read posts on wk owners removing the rear upper isolator to fine tune their ride height on lifted wk's.

 

[Strongjeff]

you can But I wouldn't recommend it

 

[bobharly]

For the sake of intellectual discussion...

Why not? It doesn't seem to bother my my other truck.

 

[dmsfun]

I cannot see how it could hurt anything, but it will increase NVH over bumps, which is why I would not remove them.

 

[bobharly]

Nvh???

 

[dr.lee.baugh]

NVH = Noise Vibration Harshness.

Engineering term for the objective (noise and vibration) and subjective (harshness) experience of interior noise. Basically, a measure of how quiet and smooth the car rides, according to the passengers.

 

[Strongjeff]

what they said

 

[bobharly]

Well, today I was thinking about it mechanically and the isolator shape centers the coil. Without the isolator, I fear the coil would shift side to side, perpetually changing the front alignment. I had seen other websites where with some "creative engineering" had sleeved the coil in vinyl hose, but those cars were not daily drivers.

And yes, regarding the NVH, my 4runner is harsher and more prone to road vibration than my jeep. However, it would seem that it was designed that way.

Thanks for helping me think this one out.

 

[dmsfun]

LOL I did that "creative engineering" on my SHO when I put Eibachs on last year; used heavy gauge reinforced vinyl tubing on the bottom coils and the springs are seated tightly. They don't budge at all under load, and have done several track events at Road America and Autobahn CC.