Suspension on 96 Riding Rough, Help?

[whodkne]

Bought a used 1996 with 120k miles on it. After driving it for a bit and owning a 1991 with 230k miles on it we noticed that the '96 ran really rough.

Any bumps or road imperfections really knock the truck around and while it recovers ok (doesn't continue to bounce) it just doesn't make for a nice ride. Drinks spill out of the cup holders, passengers notice the extreme bumps and the ride is just beyond what it should be.

In an attempt to solve the problem and though my novice car knowledge, I figure if the tire pressures are ok (which they are) then maybe replace the shocks. So, I do. I get KYB for all 4 and replace.

The ride feels pratically the same.

I am almost at my end with this truck. My next step is either replace the springs also (but I have no idea why it would be the springs) or take it to a local shop that I trust and specilizes in 4x4/SUV type stuff.

My biggest fear is that since ride is a opinion thing that they won't notice what I do or won't find any technical problem and then I would be out my money.

Any suggestions?

I know it's an SUV, it rides like a truck, very understandable. But from both my and my g/f memory, the 1991 ran MUCH smoother and softer than this 96.

If you say springs, I'll do it.

If you think I may have screwed the pooch on the shock install, I'll take it in.

Otherwise, suggestions?

 

[lee]

tires and tire pressure are a huge factor, but if youre talking shocks, the ones you choose make an impact as well.

this YT thread will help you a lot... dont get thrown off by the large number of differing opinions.. see what each person says from experience and draw your own conclusions on what works for you.

http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=48524

 

[whodkne]

Thanks for the link, but that thread left me as confused as I was before I read it.

I understand the ride is naturally like a truck, so what is the solution? Why was the 91 that we owned not the same?

 

[Jason B]

Just curious, what is your tire pressure and what tires are you running?

 

[lee]

^^^ good folowup q.

 

[whodkne]

I'm not positive on the brand, but I'll look when I get home. Pressures last time I checked were a cold 35.

I have the exact same description as in the YYT thread about the road joints and potholes bouncing the truck all over the place and rattling the interior. Feels the same from the OEM to the KYB.

 

[Jason B]

Put your tires down to 29 and report back to us.

 

[whodkne]

Will do and I believe they are Bridgestone, now that I think about it.

 

[Jason B]

Will do and I believe they are Bridgestone, now that I think about it.

Ok, when you check tonight, tell me the exact model of the tire/size.

 

[whodkne]

Well, here are the results.

The tires were actually at 38 PSI! from the previous owner. So, I took them down to 30 as a compromise and test. They are Michellin LTX M/S which seem like they would be a decent tire as they aren't off brand, but who knows (On my street cars, some of the best tires are off brand).

So, what are the thoughts now?

Ok enough tire? What might be a better choice when we go to replace?

On my drive in tomorrow I will be able to tell if the 38 to 30 PSI change makes the difference.

Thanks!

 

[Jason B]

Well, #1, you have some of the best street tires made. Those LTX are great.

I think you will like the ride at 30 psi. 38 would break your back!

 

[whodkne]

The ride is a LOT better this morning, thanks!

I'm at 30 and so far so good.

I do have a bit of a shimmy in the steering wheel so I'm gonna get a balance and alignment soon since I haven't aligned it since I did the suspension, hopefully that will take care of that.

Anything else I can do to soften this bad boy up? Will springs make a difference at all?

 

[lee]

apparently, springs dont change the ride all THAT much.

not enough to spend the money.

just stick with your current psi and get a balance... youll be set.

 

[whodkne]

Will do.