New shocks or ?

[maria_bettina]

Hi there! I need some help diagnosing a problem I'm experiencing with my '02 Sport. Last December I turned left onto a street from a standstill and the "i lost traction" alarm sounded. I slid to the right a little, but because I was traveling so slowly, I didn't slide much before my tires caught again. I chalked that up to the road being wet, though I wasn't going fast at all. Since then, I've noticed that the ride isn't as stiff as it used to be, and when I hit a pothole (which we have many of here in Cali), it seems I almost bounce right off the road. Handling just stinks now. And because I have a toddler strapped in the back seat, I need to get this fixed asap. My husband has pushed down on the front bumper, and it's bounced 2-3 times (not big bounces, but they are still bounces), so he thinks it's time for new shocks. (We have about 100k miles with orig shocks on it.)

So, do you think it's shocks, or do we need an anti-sway bar(s)? Or something else? We don't do much offroading anymore, and this is mainly a commute vehicle.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!

 

[JohnsD90]

Ok, its a RWD light SUV, it will slide in rain, if you can't control that then you need to do a few things, and even when you do these things, the truck will still slide wide, as mine does all the time.

Here are some tips:
-New tires that work well in rain
-Watch your throttle control as you have these turns at low speeds (all it takes is a slight movement on the throttle and you will be sideways)
-Put 200-300lbs in the cargo area to help maintain traction in bad conditions

BTW Stiffening up the ride will make the vehicle more prone to slide, but it is a much nice ride in the corner.

Other than that, you really just need to learn how to control the car when this happens, as there is no way around this problem, BUT even with these tips, the vehicle is still prone to slide wide.

 

[Duhockey]

Hi there! I need some help diagnosing a problem I'm experiencing with my '02 Sport. Last December I turned left onto a street from a standstill and the "i lost traction" alarm sounded. I slid to the right a little, but because I was traveling so slowly, I didn't slide much before my tires caught again. I chalked that up to the road being wet, though I wasn't going fast at all. Since then, I've noticed that the ride isn't as stiff as it used to be, and when I hit a pothole (which we have many of here in Cali), it seems I almost bounce right off the road. Handling just stinks now. And because I have a toddler strapped in the back seat, I need to get this fixed asap. My husband has pushed down on the front bumper, and it's bounced 2-3 times (not big bounces, but they are still bounces), so he thinks it's time for new shocks. (We have about 100k miles with orig shocks on it.)

So, do you think it's shocks, or do we need an anti-sway bar(s)? Or something else? We don't do much offroading anymore, and this is mainly a commute vehicle.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!

at 100k u prob need new springs and shocks..

that should fix the problem you are having,

the sliding on the road is a diff issue, and that kinda depends on road conditions and what kind of tires you have, air pressure etc.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

at 100k u prob need new springs and shocks..

that should fix the problem you are having,

the sliding on the road is a diff issue, and that kinda depends on road conditions and what kind of tires you have, air pressure etc.

x2, it's just time.

Don't listen to John and his weight bullcrap, you're a mother and I'm sure the easiest solution is the best solution. Some new shocks/springs and be on your merry ol' way. Your sliding issues may be due to tires needing replacement, don't try and compensate by weighing down the car.

Could you provide us with a little bit of info? Run out to your car and let us know the brand and model of tire you have (example: Michelin LTX, BF Goodrich All Terrain, Goodyear Wrangler RT/S), and if you could tell how deep the tread is.

I'd try not to let this get too far into your head, as many of these situations can be easily remedied by some maintenance or even simple adjustments that anyone can do... before you start listening to 17 year olds who want to fill the back of your car with 300lbs of crap and preach like you're out there trying to race.

 

[kball]

Since then, I've noticed that the ride isn't as stiff as it used to be, and when I hit a pothole (which we have many of here in Cali), it seems I almost bounce right off the road. Handling just stinks now.

Did you hear any knocks or pops when this slide and tire grab happened? Check the sway bar end links.

 

[cj80cruiser]

Did you hear any knocks or pops when this slide and tire grab happened? Check the sway bar end links.

I was reading to see if anyone mentioned this. I bet one of your swaybar links are broken....mine is, just found out yesterday when looking around. I've only had the truck 2 weeks now so I didn't notice any sudden change just that the suspension felt really soft...now I know why. That would be the cheapest check first.

I have an almost brand new set of shocks for stock ride height that I'd sell you if needed.

 

[Duhockey]

Did you hear any knocks or pops when this slide and tire grab happened? Check the sway bar end links.

good call, a broken sway bar link will accentuate body roll etc.

and may add to the feeling of a bad suspension.

Ill tell you though, with new suspension, you almost cant tell the difference on whether you have a sway bar or dont, its when you have old suspension that you need the sway bar most.

 

[maria_bettina]

Did you hear any knocks or pops when this slide and tire grab happened? Check the sway bar end links.

No knocks or pops, and the sway bar bolts are there. Everything looks pretty good pertaining to the end links. The rubber things are worn though, cracked. Could that have anything to do with my woes? We're pulling the 4Runner into the garage so we can take a look at the sway bar itself and make sure it's bolted on there properly. Stay tuned.

edit: the sway bar is bolted on properly and the end links look a-ok 'cept for the rubber washer-like things.

Could you provide us with a little bit of info? Run out to your car and let us know the brand and model of tire you have (example: Michelin LTX, BF Goodrich All Terrain, Goodyear Wrangler RT/S), and if you could tell how deep the tread is.

BF Goodrich All Terrains with about a 1/4 inch of tread left and about 40-50k miles on them.

I'd try not to let this get too far into your head, as many of these situations can be easily remedied by some maintenance or even simple adjustments that anyone can do... before you start listening to 17 year olds who want to fill the back of your car with 300lbs of crap and preach like you're out there trying to race.

Ha! Noted.