The FJ Cruiser’s design creates a great base product for adding on to. Donahoe Racing Enterprises picked this fact up immediately and went to work on the 2007 FJ Cruiser’s suspension during the pre-production phase. By having access to test their expertise on the early production models, Donahoe Racing was able to develop the first aftermarket suspension package.

That means Donahoe Racing engineers developed a coil-over product with the needs of the brand new FJ Cruiser owner in mind. The design perfects on and off road suspension performance by increasing wheel travel, making it ride height adjustable from 0-3 inches.

And yes, that means if you own a FJ Cruiser, or will soon own a FJ Cruiser, or are in serious contemplation about owning Toyota’s tribute to the Land Cruiser legend, you’re able to experience what trail and highway life is like on higher ground with all its performance peeks, pluses and perks – right now.

Racing Name Becomes an FJ Cruiser Racing Necessity

Kreg Donahoe, son of desert racing legend Bill Donahoe, is the president and CEO of Donahoe Racing Enterprises. The company focuses its efforts and talents into producing off-road suspension systems for trucks and SUVs like the Toyota FJ Cruiser.

Kreg may have started out with a big name, but he started his organization with as little as three employees. Now with over 25 staff members and growing, the company occupies a 10,000-square-foot building in Anaheim, California.

Kreg has worked, crewed or raced with off road legends from Walker Evans to Robby Gordon. He worked at Fabtech while finishing up college, and he put in three years of employment with Walker Evans Racing as a race truck fabricator. He has won 18 off road racing championships as a car builder, prep mechanic, driver and crew chief. His racing resume also includes the 2004 SCORE Stock Mini Championship, a victory at the Las Vegas Primm 300, and a win at the grueling Baja 1000 in his Toyota Tacoma.

Paige Donahoe, Vice President of Donahoe Racing Enterprises, Kreg’s wife and longtime sweetheart, stated the company got involved with the FJ after receiving a call from Toyota to help out with the exposure of the vehicle at SEMA. “We developed a prototype FJ shock for the SEMA truck and then went into production with them. So far they are very popular,” she said.

Dylan Evans, Engineer for Donahoe Racing Enterprises, said great suspension for a vehicle like the FJ Cruiser begins by looking at each of the smaller factors involved. “We really look at the vehicle holistically and optimize all the elements we can in order for it to all work together,” he said. Dylan mentioned customers look for a lift in suspension, which is where a lot of other manufactures begin and also end. Dylan said what makes their products a solid choice is the fact the company considers many of the characteristics normally overlooked when it comes to quality suspension.

Donahoe Racing originally began manufacturing suspension kits in late 2000 when Riviera Racing approached Kreg with a need to increase the drivability and performance of Rivera's fleet of Ford Super Duty chase trucks. Donahoe Racing Enterprises' team of fabricators designed and built a successful bolt-on suspension system. To Kreg’s surprise, he started to receive calls from other race teams requesting the very same bolt-on system. And so the Edge Advanced Suspension Systems was born at Donahoe Racing Enterprises.

FJ Cruiser Coil-Over System: Those Performance Peeks, Pluses & Perks
The Donahoe Racing’s FJ Cruiser front coil-over kit is available at all of Donahoe Racing’s retail distributors, or go to www.donahoeracing.com. The Donahoe Racing 2007 FJ Cruiser coil-over system includes two state-of-the-art 2.5-inch diameter coil-over shock assemblies, two sway bar relocation brackets, and a hardware kit. This nitrogen-charged race style shock delivers incredible ride quality both on and off the road.

The immediate benefits of the coil-over system include:

· Lift dimensions that prevent overheating of the shocks
· Desired clearance to provide room for larger tires
· 7/8” nitro-steel shaft and a cad plated body to prevent chipping or rusting – creating the best corrosion resistance in the industry
· A digressive piston to handle the toughest off-road terrain as well as the smoothest highway rides – it is the only 2.5-inch shock on the market with a digressive piston
· Custom shock valving designed by Donahoe Racing to specifically match the FJ Cruiser – offering the best possible suspension performance available today

Additionally, Dylan said the coil-over system provides great suspension because the company knows the history about each and every part “all the way down to the oil.” Aside of spending time doing a lot of ride development, Dylan and Kreg personally re-value and take apart the kits. “It used to be about fitting a bigger tire. The consumer is savvier now,” said Dylan.

It takes such a history and background, as Donahoe Racing’s, to be able to deliver high performance suspension satisfaction for a vehicle like the FJ Cruiser. The coil-over system is a result from a devoted family that has learned to harness racing technology and knowledge obtained through being involved with every angle of suspension performance.

Dylan didn’t profess to any secret in order for Donahoe Racing to land business with Toyota, other than the fact the smaller company found itself in a high-end niche market. “What has worked out well is that we aren’t just another race car team – we’re manufactures too. We’re not just in it for the adrenaline, but for the rest of the enthusiasts.”

Many of the biggest names in the 4-wheeling aftermarket business are coming out with their own FJ Cruiser accessories. Donahoe Racing plans to not stop with just the coil-over kits and will extend FJ Cruiser products as well .“Our rear shock applications are currently in the testing phase,” said Paige. Both Paige and Dylan hinted at another FJ Cruiser aftermarket product, but declined to reveal more information.

Check out the May 2006 issue of Dirt Sports Magazine for more information on shock and coil-over mount practice provided by Donahoe Racing’s Dylan Evans and Kreg Donahoe!