97 ltd rides extremely harsh...WITH new shocks...(OEM)... any wisdom?

[adyer]

I have a 97 Limited that rides like an F- 350. When I bought it (2yrs ago), the Shocks were shot all the way around it. So I bought new ones from Toyota, and put 'em on myself. The "bouyant" ride on the highway was gone, but it has ridden really harshly ever since. (very stiff--no give) Like i'd expect a race car to have more give. Maybe I'm being a pansy, but I figured it would ride a little better. I drive a 97 Jimmy at work, and across RR trax and other Oklahoma road damage it is pretty comfy. This thing hops a lot in the back over road undulations/ repetitive bumps. Ya dang near need a helmet to ride in my T4R.
Are they all pretty harsh/jarring, or does someone think I've got a bound shock?

Any wisdom welcome....

Adyer

 

[RonMAIDEN]

did you do coils too? If the shocks are new and the coils are old it's a bad combo. I installed new OEM stuff all around and mine was a bit stiff at first but it mellowed abit after a couple thousand miles and now it just rides like a 4Runner.

 

[p nut]

First of all, you have to realize that 3rd Gen 4Runners ride rough. Secondly, the ride will depend on what kind of shocks you put on there.

I replace the OEM shocks with some Autozone shocks (Gabriels?) and the ride was still harsh. I heard that Monroe Sensa-traks were pretty plush, and heard the same for Tokico Trek Masters.

But if you really want a smoother ride, you might want to look at the 4th Gens. I don't think you can really make the 3rd Gens ride really well. It's just the nature of the beast.

 

[adyer]

Yup-- old coils. I figured that it would just have more "gushiness" to it. Could it be tires? They are old Bridgestone Dueler H/L s,
I know that T4Rs are by nature true off road vehicles, but it seems oddly harsh...

 

[adyer]

Thanks P Nut,

Yeah, stock OEM Toyota shocks from the dealer. I guess I'm just surprised. I can't believe it would ride that rough new. No "softness" aspect to it at all. Like there's steel rebar in there for shocks (especially the rears...)

 

[adyer]

And RonMAIDEN, how does a 4runner ride? how would I know if mine are typical? It seems to be the rears more than the fronts...
thanks,

Adyer

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Mine rides like a truck but I expect that but it rides similar to my mom's stock '99 with 70k on it but her's does ride a bit softer due to the miles on her truck.

Mine is not darty on the highway but it does have a slightly annoying rebound feel over imperfections in the road at speeds under 25mph but nothing major.

 

[adyer]

Thanks Ron. I think I'll just get over it if that's how it is.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

New coils will help since that's what is actually supporting the truck and tired coils are compressing too much and have too much play overall in them.

 

[techno]

adyer, what are your tire pressures? Try to keep em below 35psi.
Just for a comparison, I drove a Blazer for a year before getting my 4Runner. The Blazer was extremely soft, way to soft for my liking, it was like a boat in a big swell. The 4runner is definately a firmer ride (but not as bad as you are describing), but it is certainly a very noticable difference when switching from a Blazer/Jimmy.

 

[adyer]

Thanks Ron. I'm pretty sure that was my "iniquity" when I did the shocks; I got under there and pushed up and down, and the tired old coils barely keep it off the bottom-out rubber stopper. Makes a lot of sense now!!! Wish I had done the coils too... If I can, I will do those (for now I've got axle seals and tires on the horizon...)

Techno, I checked a week ago (my grandpa swears by running 32psi...) I keep 35. I reduced it to like 33, and I'm not sure it did much. But Hot or cold, it hovers around 34-35.