Battle Magazine — March 1997
An archive project by Flock MFGNew issue alerts →
About this issue
116 available scans from Battle Magazine — March 1997, in rtl reading order. Original scans with English draft translations and searchable page text. Drafts have not received exhaustive image proofreading; unreadable source remains recorded in the archival data.All 59 provided PDF pages retained as 116 reader pages; completeness against a physical printed copy has not been independently established.
Page 17 — English draft translation
JIC was founded in August 1992, more recently than many people might expect. Since its coilovers are now a standard choice, people may assume the company is much older; that shows how widely its shocks have caught on. Before JIC, the company worked in racing-shop tuning under the name Cross Sports Racing. In 1992 it established JIC as a manufacturer, focusing on shocks and related products.
JIC offers twin-tube and ram-type coilovers. We asked about the main differences. The ram type has excellent weight balance and stable damping characteristics. Twin-tube gas shocks resist losing pressure. Ram types can lose pressure completely, while twin-tube gas types lose pressure gradually. For that reason, twin-tube gas units also have an advantage in durability. Both of our types are gas-charged, so their basic damping characteristics are the same, but their ride feels quite different.
A ram-type unit moves almost like a hydraulic system, while a twin-tube unit operates with gas pressure, so the ride differs considerably. The damping force is fixed. JIC does not yet sell adjustable-damping models, but plans to launch them between summer and fall this year. The company continues to respond to customer needs. The adjustable and existing models use the same cartridge, so the current shock can remain in place; only the adjustable shock needs to be replaced.
Captions and page details
Suspension
coilovers
JIC’s ram-type coilover system keeps the spring captive.
Photo: 水野文幸
Let’s look at JIC’s coilovers and learn how they work. Coilovers are now essential for upgrading suspension. JIC’s first model was the DFR twin-tube gas Type VI, with the spring and shock absorber integrated—a distinctive JIC design.
Understanding coilovers
JIC did not originally manufacture its products in-house, but now makes everything internally. This has made lower pricing possible.
This system made lower pricing possible. JIC is stamped on the shock body.
Ram-type units can lose their pressure completely, while twin-tube gas units lose it gradually. Twin-tube gas shocks therefore offer better durability as well.
Left: ram-type, all-aluminum unit for the Cefiro. Right: twin-tube model for the Silvia.