Suspension Question - Clarification Desired

econhonda

econhonda

New member
Hi Everyone,

I recently purchased a 99 Limited 4X4 with 140,000 miles. When I have time I'll submit a formal intro, but for now I would like some advice regarding the suspension. I want to know if it is normal for small bumps, cracks, pot holes, etc. to have a "jarring" effect on the car. I realize that it's a truck we're talking about, but I'm beginning to think the shocks might be shot. However, most people think that the shocks becoming soft and mushy indicate a needed repair. Could it be that I just need to get used to the stiffer ride, or would you say the shocks need replacing? The rear coils sag just a tad, just enough to eliminate any rake in the car, but no more.

Thanks for the help!
 
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Sounds like your shocks need replacing. Are the bumpstops making contact? (you can tell by loooking at the lower bumpstop pad...if it's dirty, they are not making contact)
 
Blown shocks will normally give you a mushy, bouncy ride, but like Jeremy said, if they're so bad that you are bottoming out, then that will feel harsh. Sounds like your coils may be shot too if this is what is happening.

Bounce the truck up and down and quickly let go. If it continues to bounce more than once or so after you let go, your shocks are probably bad. If it takes hardly any pressure to push the truck down, then your coils are probably shot too.
 
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Thanks for the input. I haven't checked yet, but I would be surprised if the coils were touching the stops. It doesn't ride like the coils are too soft. It's almost as if they're too firm, or the shocks won't absorb anything. Maybe I'm just overthinking it...
 
econhonda said:
Thanks for the input. I haven't checked yet, but I would be surprised if the coils were touching the stops. It doesn't ride like the coils are too soft. It's almost as if they're too firm, or the shocks won't absorb anything. Maybe I'm just overthinking it...
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Not the coils.....the bumpstops. For example, in the rear of the vehicle, inside the coil, there is an upper and lower polyurethane pad that stops the axle from traveling to close to the frame. Here is a picture (not from a 4R) of what I am talking about:
858d1201057303-lift-your-tj-installing-rubicon-express-2-coil-spacer-kit-bump_stop_cup_jeep_wrangler_coil_suspension_lift.jpg


You can see that where the wrench is attached, there would be (had the owner not removed it) a piece of rubber. Below the wrench is the other piece of rubber. These two pieces make up the "bumpstop". You can also see in this guy's picture, that there is a clean spot on the lower bumpstop....meaning that the two had been contacting one another as he was driving. This will cause a HARSH ride and can be caused by sagging springs.

The front of the 4R has similar bumpstops near the struts.....the lower part of which is on the control arm.
 
Thanks for the detailed explanation. I see how it all works now. I still would be surprised. The reason is because the jolting bumps only occur when I hit a small, but abrupt crack or bump in the road. Whenever I go over a more significant bump or dip, I can tell the suspension has plenty of travel still. For this reason, I find it hard to believe the bump stops could be touching on such a small bump when they don't appear to do it on larger ones. I'll take a look tonight though just to make sure.
 
You'd be surprised. I recently replaced my springs....the bumpstops had been contacting one another. My ride was just as you described.
 
JeremyH said:
You'd be surprised. I recently replaced my springs....the bumpstops had been contacting one another. My ride was just as you described.
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Well I guess I might be in the market for new coils/shocks soon. Did you go with a lift, or just replace with similar components?
 
econhonda said:
Well I guess I might be in the market for new coils/shocks soon. Did you go with a lift, or just replace with similar components?
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lift it, might as well it will be the same price regardless......


just remember this is a ifs truck and on the freeway if you catch a hole off camber it may feel a bit weird if your used to SA trucks, i had to get used to the tracking going over stuff at first as well, if the truck feels too bad then something is indeed wrong, i'm just not sure how in tune your ass2road meter is and what your idea of a good ride is, check the bumpstops and see if there is any damage or wear from repeated contact.....
 
What was the net result? I'm really looking to leave it close to stock height to preserve fuel economy and resale value.
 
That will give you about a 2" lift. It wont affect your mpg unless you switch to larger tires, but it will greatly increase the quality of the ride. IMO, adding the lift would only help your resale value. BTW, here is a pic of my 4R with these coils:
P1030091.jpg~original


That picture was taken right after I installed the coils and they have settled since then. It now sits just a tad lower...

I have received quite a few compliments from my buddies about how much better the 4R looks now...
 
econhonda said:
What was the net result? I'm really looking to leave it close to stock height to preserve fuel economy and resale value.
Click to expand...

Just keep your stock coils and shocks and then it can always be switched back to stock if you decide to sell it (or the new owner would have the option to do it if he wants to). I also agree with Jeremy, a nice small lift will entice more people to buy IMO.
 
Thanks for the input. I think the lift appeals to a smaller amount of people. For instance, even though I would like some aspects of a lift, I was wearisome about purchasing a 4runner that had already been lifted. The reason is that I felt that someone who went to the trouble of lifting the vehicle may have been harder on the vehicle than someone who used it as a commuter. Obviously there are exceptions, but those were my feelings. I'll consider lifting it, but I would like to stay between 1-2" if I did.
 
Oh, by the way, I didn't take any pictures, but I went home and checked the bump stops. While I couldn't see if they had signs of contact (still in work clothes), I did notice that sitting still in a level position, the bump stops rest about 1.5" apart from each other.
 
I had the same "jarring" effect and replaced my shocks, they helped with the "bounciness" but the jarring was still there so I then installed OME 881's in front and 906's in the rear, I netted about an inch and a half of lift. This significantly improved the ride, I would definitely recommend new shocks and springs in your case.
 
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juiceboxer said:
I had the same "jarring" effect and replaced my shocks, they helped with the "bunchiness" but the jarring was still there so I then installed OME 881's in front and 906's in the rear, I netted about an inch and a half of lift. This significantly improved the ride, I would definitely recommend new shocks and springs in your case.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice. If an inch and a half is all, that sounds like it might be for me. What was the estimate price for parts needed? Also, was the diff drop necessary?
 
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