A...softer ride..?

[Kotrin]

So now that I seem to have the mechanical problems worked out I was finally able to take it out on the sand. I know that it naturally has a tougher ride than a car..my question is their anything I can do to give it a smoother ride or do I have to lift it? I'm ok if I need shocks out what not, just looking for a possible less expensive at the moment. Thanks in advance

 

[dgarci24]

You should buy new shocks, you could buy some Tokico TrekMaster's online(they are 3rd 4runner's original manufacturer so its just like buying them at the dealer but cheaper) and some springs.

 

[Baja Runner]

Stock springs are going to be WAY softer than any aftermarket spring. So get that out of your mind. Yes, you should probably try some new shocks.

How close are your rear bumpstops from the axle? Maybe your bottoming out in the rear (and/or front), in which case you'd want some replacement OEM springs.

 

[IanB]

Lower tire pressure will soften the ride, so if you're currently running really high tire pressure, try backing it down to the 32psi range and see if that suits you better. If your tires have stiffer than stock sidewalls that can make the ride harsher as well.

 

[Kotrin]

The bump stops seem to suit at regular height. I just remember one year wheni was out on my quad and seeing a chevy avalanche doing like 55 across the sand and the people inside were barely moving but the suspension was just going crazy...lol

I'll look into the new shocks maybe an adjustable one would be better? Mainly highway drive and sand little logging roads and snow too.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

are you running P series tires or Light Truck?

P series (passenger) tend to ride a bit softer.

Read up on the sticky "About rear sag" and see if your springs are sagging out back as well.

 

[brian2sun]

It doesn't get any softer than the stock coils. That's just how it is, like Baja Runner said. When I ride in people's non-lifted 3rd gens, I feel like I'm riding in a car compared to my off road suspension, but I like mine to feel solid for off roading. New shocks may help out a little, but when shocks wear out, the ride is really bouncy. That's how you can tell the shocks are worn out if they aren't leaking or anything.