Suspension Confusion

[TheFauxFox]

The previous owner of my runner had FJ Trail Teams shocks installed. Not sure how old they are/how many miles are on them but recently I've been driving more than one other person around and this added weight has given the runner a whole new feel, and it's way too soft for my tastes. With a bumper/sliders/armor in my plans for this vehicle I'm not really sure where I want to go suspension wise. I'm perfectly happy with the height (suspension wise at least. I'm doing a 1" body lift soon). Should I just replace my stock coils with heavier ones? Should I replace the shocks with beefier ones?

Not really sure what is primarily causing the softness under weight and what I should do to alleviate it. I know I can just drop $1000 on a heavy duty OME setup but that's just not in my budget for now... Any suggestions?

Edited to add a new question, would potentially putting my stock coils on some 5100s up front/replacing rear shocks with 5100s solve some of this issue? Are my coils or shocks the bigger culprit?

 

[TowMeOut]

Hmmm...."Soft" as in the truck sags under the weight or it's wallowing/spongy going over bumps?

I have no plans to add the weight but I went with all up-cycled parts for mine. The front got Tacoma TRD coils and shocks. I forgot the difference but they're taller/stiffer so I gained about an inch and a stiffer ride. The back got the Tacoma shocks (with some mods) and some FJ springs. I found the back would still sag when loading up the back/roof with camping gear and pulling a trailer so I added some of the Firestone airbags. I've been really happy with the bags so far. I really like the fact the supply hoses run up and through the bumpstop and frame rather than having to be looped up from the bottom (vs some other brands/models).

There are tons of suspension threads on here so do some searching and I'm sure you'll find lots of options. Generally I'd say if the vehicle sags you're in need of stiffer/taller springs. If you're getting a lot of body roll or bouncing over bumps then upgrade the shocks and/or sway bar bushings.

Good Luck

 

[TheFauxFox]

Hmmm...."Soft" as in the truck sags under the weight or it's wallowing/spongy going over bumps?

I have no plans to add the weight but I went with all up-cycled parts for mine. The front got Tacoma TRD coils and shocks. I forgot the difference but they're taller/stiffer so I gained about an inch and a stiffer ride. The back got the Tacoma shocks (with some mods) and some FJ springs. I found the back would still sag when loading up the back/roof with camping gear and pulling a trailer so I added some of the Firestone airbags. I've been really happy with the bags so far. I really like the fact the supply hoses run up and through the bumpstop and frame rather than having to be looped up from the bottom (vs some other brands/models).

There are tons of suspension threads on here so do some searching and I'm sure you'll find lots of options. Generally I'd say if the vehicle sags you're in need of stiffer/taller springs. If you're getting a lot of body roll or bouncing over bumps then upgrade the shocks and/or sway bar bushings.

Good Luck

More of a body roll issue. I'll take a look at shocks, just did the sway bushings 2k miles ago and replaced with polyurethane. Thanks!!!

 

[having fun]

Springs control the weight/roll , shocks control the smoothness of the up and down.

 

[TheFauxFox]

Springs control the weight/roll , shocks control the smoothness of the up and down.

So if I got heavier springs then it would handle weight better but the TT shocks would be too weak and it be an unsettled rocking ride? In that case it makes sense why springs/shocks have to be paired just right... Thanks for the help

 

[Inv4drZm]

In that case it makes sense why springs/shocks have to be paired just right...

I think this might be a little over stated on the forums. This is my opinion:

Leaving the shock out of the equation for now, a heavy spring with a heavy truck will flex/move the same amount as a light spring on a light truck.

Therefore the shock needs to accomplish the same amount of work in each system.

Pair the springs to the weight of the vehicle and how much lift you want, pair the shocks based off the extended and compressed lengths of your desired travel range and the valving of the shocks will determine to some extent how stiff/smooth your ride is as seen when I adjust my CDC knobs on my coilovers. Basically the valving is how well it controls/ how fast it settles the spring. A heavier spring on a heavier vehicle is no more difficult to control for the shock than a light spring on a light vehicle.

 

[having fun]

Post above is the correct way to look/do it.
With you not having heavy weight in the front, as of yet.
Lighter springs will give you this effect with just the extra body in it.New shocks could get rid of some of that feel for you in the mean time before you make a big jump adding armor and will have to change your setup at that time.

I'm full out heavy on the front (v6) and running 885s.
I too even without loaded down lack of passengers, felt I still had too much body roll, nose dive braking.
So have changed up to 886 coils.
Took care of that problem, just need to pair up with proper struts now.

I know where I want to be at with mine, and you are still in the contiplating stages. You will need to figure out your final accomplishment you want, and have the right setup installed.

 

[TheFauxFox]

Post above is the correct way to look/do it.
With you not having heavy weight in the front, as of yet.
Lighter springs will give you this effect with just the extra body in it.New shocks could get rid of some of that feel for you in the mean time before you make a big jump adding armor and will have to change your setup at that time.

I'm full out heavy on the front (v6) and running 885s.
I too even without loaded down lack of passengers, felt I still had too much body roll, nose dive braking.
So have changed up to 886 coils.
Took care of that problem, just need to pair up with proper struts now.

I know where I want to be at with mine, and you are still in the contiplating stages. You will need to figure out your final accomplishment you want, and have the right setup installed.

Hit the nail on the head! Thanks for the help, I'll look for some coils for now til I grab some shocks off the classifieds.