Suspension questions

[gloch]

I have an 03 with a worn-out suspension I suspect. I replaced the front struts with FJ pulls, but the rear springs and shocks are original. There are two problems now.

First, it rides rough in the front over bumps. It rattles and is jarring. I have replaced the right front LCA assembly because it was creaking. How deep do I have to go to make this solid and smooth?

The second issue is the whole thing feels bouncy. It takes a few bounces to settle. Is this a combination of front and rear or will replacing the rear shocks and springs address this?

 

[jcaino]

Assume its a base/sr5? otherwise, you would have xreas and would need to replace the rear shocks when you swapped for the fj ones.

sounds like your shocks f/r might be shot, also need to check the top mounts for the fronts and make sure they're not worn.

 

[Syr4RinNC]

Hmm
- Have you made any modifications or is the vehicle largely stock? Are you carrying additional weight anywhere?
- the front FJ struts - these are the original toyota struts on them from the factory? Any idea what year/ how many miles on them?
- What did you do with the front springs/ coils?

Usually I think of a bouncy suspension as one that has worn out and become too soft. I think of a firm, jarring suspension as one where the suspension is too stiff for the weight or use of the truck. So im not quite sure what to make of this mix.

What tires are you running and at what pressure

 

[gloch]

It is a V8 Sport so Xres, yes. I cut and drained the lines up front when I installed the FJ struts. I did not remove the rest. Could that be a factor?

Assume its a base/sr5? otherwise, you would have xreas and would need to replace the rear shocks when you swapped for the fj ones.

sounds like your shocks f/r might be shot, also need to check the top mounts for the fronts and make sure they're not worn.

 

[gloch]

The truck is stock except for the FJ struts and 5th gen wheels and tires.

I think the FJ struts have maybe 20k miles on them, but I can't be sure.

The only modifications I made to the struts were to grind the eyelets down to fit into the LCA.

Hmm
- Have you made any modifications or is the vehicle largely stock? Are you carrying additional weight anywhere?
- the front FJ struts - these are the original toyota struts on them from the factory? Any idea what year/ how many miles on them?
- What did you do with the front springs/ coils?

Usually I think of a bouncy suspension as one that has worn out and become too soft. I think of a firm, jarring suspension as one where the suspension is too stiff for the weight or use of the truck. So im not quite sure what to make of this mix.

What tires are you running and at what pressure

 

[5thToy]

bouncy usually means shocks are toast and not dampening spring movement.

rattling could be any number of suspension/steering elements.

 

[OopsIBrokeIt]

It is a V8 Sport so Xres, yes. I cut and drained the lines up front when I installed the FJ struts. I did not remove the rest. Could that be a factor?

Yes.

XREAS is corner linked, Left front -> Right rear, and Right front -> Left Rear.

If you replaced the front with FJ cruiser bits and left the rear with now non-functional XREAS, you likely have a decently solid front end and a very soft and bouncy rear which will only make the front feel stiffer by comparison.

 

[gloch]

So, the fix is to remove the rest of Xreas and replace the rear shocks and springs. All should be good after that?

Yes.

XREAS is corner linked, Left front -> Right rear, and Right front -> Left Rear.

If you replaced the front with FJ cruiser bits and left the rear with now non-functional XREAS, you likely have a decently solid front end and a very soft and bouncy rear which will only make the front feel stiffer by comparison.

 

[gloch]

Is there a priority in terms of replacing the various suspension/steering components? Start with tie rods or just try to figure out what is the most worn? Not sure how to do that.

rattling could be any number of suspension/steering elements.

 

[5thToy]

Is there a priority in terms of replacing the various suspension/steering components? Start with tie rods or just try to figure out what is the most worn? Not sure how to do that.

Getting the front end off the ground and tugging on wheels and suspension components in various ways can reveal excess play. Inspect all bushings. Also check shock mount and control arm bolts.

 

[OopsIBrokeIt]

So, the fix is to remove the rest of Xreas and replace the rear shocks and springs. All should be good after that?

None of us can guarantee anything without actually inspecting the truck. Removing the already disabled xreas will definitely be a good step, but then you may still find other noises or worn components.

 

[Bluesky 07]

As I understand the X-REAS system, it only works as whole, there's no way for it to work independently or in a front or rear configuration. So you essentially have no rear shocks now. Replacing the rear shocks and springs will help though as stated above, it's tough to make a comprehensive diagnosis without seeing the truck.

 

[jcaino]

It is a V8 Sport so Xres, yes. I cut and drained the lines up front when I installed the FJ struts. I did not remove the rest. Could that be a factor?

Absolutely. As others have said, they are linked, so you basically have no shocks out back right now. Replacing XREAS shocks is an all-or-nothing endeavor.

 

[rdruss]

So, your rear shocks are dead, meaning no gas pressure and possibly low on oil so they don't control very well. Replace them with Bilstiens 4600 or 5160 and put some FJ springs on and you'll be happy!

 

[Iparker]

4th vote regarding xreas. Unless the lines were capped, I’m guessing your car was shooting out fluid for a while until all of it was gone. If they were capped, I don’t think they would function well without the front interaction. 5100 are relatively affordable and it seems highly unlikely they wouldn’t improve your situation.