harsh ride please help

[islander671]

Hi,

I recently had my struts and shocks replaced with factory parts about 10000 miles ago and i am still noticing a not so pleasant ride. I own a 2002 sr5 2wd with 108000 miles on it. Could something else be causing the problem? Please help

 

[cknsls@adelphia]

OEM Shocks/Struts?

The first question is - are you sure the dealer used OEM parts and not aftermarket?

What does your invoice say?

Also, the wheels need to be balanced using the Hunter balancing machine.

Also, what is the load range of your tires?

If the tires are out of balance the ride on these short wheelbase trucks is less than pleasant!

 

[islander671]

Thanks for the response, they did use OEM parts. Could the coil springs, ball joints or any other suspension parts cause this problem?

 

[Ray K.]

Hi, I don't know that I can help much, but I'm curious about this also.

I got a '02 4Runner SR5 2wd with 77,000 miles about a month ago. It rides and handles surprisingly well! More car like.

My brother has an '01 with mileage close to yours and his rides a bit rougher.

We haven't had a lot of time, but have been trying to figure out what would be different.

Mine has no trailer hitch, so no "towing package." His has a hitch, but it looks to be after market and we're not sure yet if his shocks/springs are the same as mine.

He also has 16" rims and runs his pressures at 38psi. Mine are 15" and I run them at the factory recommended 29psi.

Btw, I have a new set of Goodrich Long Trail T/A tires. He has Michelin's, but I can't remember what model. I have to think sidewall stiffness might be part of the reason, plus his higher psi.

But, I realize there's more to it than tires. There is something going on with the suspension, I believe. So hopefully someone else will have some answers.

Thanks,
Ray K.

 

[wolfgang]

What tires and how old are they? What air pressure in tires?

Some tires (especially if not C (car) rated --- like LT (light truck)) ride harsh.

Old tires get stiff/dried out and ride rough.

High or low air pressure affects ride quality.

 

[islander671]

Thanks for the response,
Tires are Goodyear ats, pressure is at 30psi, they have about 40k miles on them,(will probably replace with c rated when ready).
Does anyone think that the springs and or ball joints might be contributing to the problem? I