daily driver suspension

[illcruiser]

I have a 95 80 120 k miles with stock suspension, looks like the shocks were changed recently with gabriel shocks. I need advice on how to improve the ride quality, when driving over pot holes its very harsh the total opposite of a cadillac i guess. This truck is only used for daily driving never driven off-road. I want to keep vehicle stock height since im not gonna use it off-road. With that said can any one suggest what i need to do to improve the ride? like most of us money is a factor for me so i would start with cheaper suggestion first.
Thanks for your help in advance

[Cj80cruiser]

Just buy the stock height OME springs, maybe, and keep the shocks since they're new to save money. Although the shocks might be your problem since most people complain of the stock springs being too soft.

[illcruiser]

If the springs are too soft and they bottom out would that cause a harsh suspension/ride? OME springs are stiffer?

[cheap 40]

IIRC, OEM Toyota shocks are something like $100 for all four. My guess would be that the Gabriel shocks are not specifically set up for an almost 6000 pound vehicle. I'd replace the shocks first. If that doesn't fix it to your liking, maybe some OME stock height springs are in your future. I love the way my 850/864 combo rides, and I don't even have bumpers built yet. I expect the ride to smooth out quite a bit once those along with sliders are done.

Tony

[Cj80cruiser]

If you're bottoming out on the street then I would definately suggest new springs. Some people say the OEM(Toyota) springs are good too. Just call cruiserdan and have him send them to you. If you're a mud member you get a discount but not sure if that would be negated by shipping cost. Call you're local dealer and get a price then call cruiserdan. He works @ American Toyota---it's one of the vendors.

[cheap 40]

Originally Posted by illcruiser

If the springs are too soft and they bottom out would that cause a harsh suspension/ride? OME springs are stiffer?

Yes and yes. If you are bouncing off of the bumpstops because of weak springs, it will ride quite rough.

Tony

[Brentbba]

Old Man Emu Stock height springs will improve your on road ride tremendously. 120K miles on original springs - you're due to replace them. Personal opinion would be to do the matched OME shocks while you're in there and you're good to go for another 120K miles, or until you decide you want the lift and begin off roading.

[ed97fzj80]

For a daily driver that is never going off the pavement, just get the Toyota shocks and call it good.

[illcruiser]

Ill try the OME springs im assuming by what i read here Emu's are better then toyota springs? Is the 850/864 set up with more weight in mind? my truck is mostly stock with the exception of a 100 pounds of audio in rear and front bush bar any suggestions on what emu springs to use? Thanks for your help your guys are great!

[FirstToy]

I would go for the stock Toyota shocks. I think they are inexpensive, you can check with cruiserdan.

The next step up the money tree would be the Old Man Emu 'low lift'. Upgrading the weight capacity without undue lift.

850/864 is a real lift. I think you were trying to avoid that- plus it does ride stiff if you are running empty.

Also, I think idahodoug runs it stock and likes the toyota shocks (??) for some reason, i thought that was the case.

[ed97fzj80]

The 850/864 is completely wrong for what you said you wanted. The stock height suspension is the 861/862 springs with corresponding shocks and a replacement steering stabilizer, and that kit runs just north of $750.00 plus shipping.

The 86x suspension is designed for a rig with a heavy front bumper and some weight on the back, and it will get you about an inch of lift if your truck is unweighted. Since the springs are designed to carry more weight than you will have, the ride will be very firm, considered harsh by some.

Unless your objectives of a smoother ride and keeping costs to a minimum have changed since post one, I stand by replacing the Monroe shocks with the Toyota-provided units and calling it a day. If you want to spend $250 instead of $100 and have a ride that is firmer than stock but not as stiff as a full suspension replacement, get the Bilstein shocks instead.

[maybe_a_80...]

here's some food for thought:

I'm in a similar situation. I need new suspension. I am holding out for the right time to put OME on my FZJ cause I know it is going to ride sooo smooth. I am parking my FZJ for four months while I am out of the country - when I return suspension is happening like in the first two weeks!

Also, I am not sure if I want no lift or a very mild lift (like an 1" lift). Regardless, I plan to level out the body of the truck by adding an inch or so the front end of my rig when I change suspension because I like the level-look as opposed to the hood-down look. I may decide to go with that 1" lift to get a more squishy ride and better articulation and clearance for off roading with the planned 33" tires that will find their way onto my FZJ as well. Spend a little time deciding what you ultimately want is the key to making the right decision.

Here are three simplified ways to go:


simple, inexpensive option:

Call Cruiserdan in Parts at Amercian Toyota in Albuquerque New Mexico and order new OEM Toyota Shocks and Springs, install them yourself or have them installed.

more expensive, not so simple option:

call any one of the many shops that stocks OME suspension and talk to them about your needs. they will tell you which springs you need. chances are good the stock height, medium ride suspension kit is what you are looking for. get it installed or install it yourself.

most expensive, most complex option:

get a OME lifted suspension kit, requiring all kinds of additional hardware to make your truck steer nicely on the road (castor correction, CV, longer brake lines, etc). get it installed at your nearest hardcore TLC shop.

[illcruiser]

so ill go with stock toyota shocks, would you suggest doing springs as well sicne i will be there working on suspension anyway after 120k miles? if so toyota or emu? thanks

[FirstToy]

i don't think you would need new springs. do the shocks first and see how it goes. you can always get springs later, it is not difficult to change them.
you can practically change the shocks the same amount of time as a tire rotation so it's not a big deal

[cruiser-poor]

Check this discussion, particularly post #23. You are option #1. OME no-lift springs, Toyota shocks.

[cheap 40]

Originally Posted by illcruiser

so ill go with stock toyota shocks, would you suggest doing springs as well sicne i will be there working on suspension anyway after 120k miles? if so toyota or emu? thanks

I'd do the shocks only first. See if that feels better to you. If not, then look into springs.

Sorry, didn't mean to throw you for a loop earlier by mentioning my 850/864 setup. Those springs will, in some cases, be tall enough to clear 35 inch tires. Totally not what you are looking for. I was just trying to relay my experience with the ride quality of OME springs.

Tony

[Brentbba]

I have to disagree with James (FirstToy). At about the same mileage as you IIRC, I replaced the shocks with Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks. Ride improvement was very good. A little while later I did the OME no lift 861/862 and I think the OME shocks and steering stablizer as well. Ride was WAY, WAY better and not harsh at all. In retrospect, I wish I'd have done the shocks/springs at the same time, but was, like you, looking to save a little $$. I've since gone the OME 3" lift heavies all around due to ARB/Kaymar/sliders/fridge/storage box, towing, etc.

I like what Dan had to say in the link provided by cruiser-poor.

[FirstToy]

for less than $120, you have new toyota shocks. Besides tires, shocks are the single most effective thing that will change your ride quality.
Forums are a good way to justify spending a lot of money but I am sticking to what the OP wants.

I never said there was anything wrong with OME, I even said it was a good option.

[illcruiser]

Thanks guys i think i will go with toyota shocks emu no lift springs. Ill try to do work myself and save some money that way now for my final question can any one recomend a good source for emu coils
thanks

[ed97fzj80]

You mentioned a Cadillac ride in your first post. Is that your goal?

[illcruiser]

Well i said cadillac just to show the dirrection im looking to move towards i know it will never be like a cadillac i just dont want my cd to skip everytime i go over a pothole and I intend to keep this truck for long long time so i want to use parts ill be satisfied with and that will last even if i have to spend a lil more initially

[maybe_a_80...]

you'll be happy with OME springs and Toyota shocks for sure.

[Cj80cruiser]

I think Iron Pig Off Road has the best price on the OME springs, $75 each. You will need to call them but I know they can get the stock height springs. I wouldn't replace my steering stabilizer either. In my opinion that is a waste of money unless you get larger tires and then it's kinda if'y.

Here's the link:

Iron Pig Off Road : Toyota 4WD experts

[peepers]

Originally Posted by illcruiser

so ill go with stock toyota shocks, would you suggest doing springs as well sicne i will be there working on suspension anyway after 120k miles? if so toyota or emu? thanks

I personally think you should update it all at once with original Toyota shocks and springs. The truck will ride very well just like it did the day it rolled off the lot. All of the other aftermarket applications are specific to a certain type of preference that is/was not necessarily designed for the general masses. Some were designed to carry more weight, to reduce body roll, to lift the truck etc...

Why not just go with what Toyota intended the Landcruiser to ride like? As for my suggestion to do the springs and shocks at once, if it fits in your budget I would just do it and be done with it and get

HTH

[Cj80cruiser]

Originally Posted by peepers

I personally think you should update it all at once with original Toyota shocks and springs. The truck will ride very well just like it did the day it rolled off the lot. All of the other aftermarket applications are specific to a certain type of preference that is/was not necessarily designed for the general masses. Some were designed to carry more weight, to reduce body roll, to lift the truck etc...

Why not just go with what Toyota intended the Landcruiser to ride like? As for my suggestion to do the springs and shocks at once, if it fits in your budget I would just do it and be done with it and get

HTH

From what I've gathered from your needs/wants I'd have to agree with peepers here since this would probably be your cheapest option. I haven't priced OE springs or shocks but I've heard some say they are cheaper.

[mainemike]

Originally Posted by illcruiser

This truck is only used for daily driving never driven off-road. I want to keep vehicle stock height since im not gonna use it off-road. With that said can any one suggest what i need to do to improve the ride? like most of us money is a factor for me so i would start with cheaper suggestion first.

Call your dealer or call Cruiser Dan (800-432-6668) and order new factory Toyota coils and shocks. Cheapest and easiest option, and the original ride is very hard to improve upon for street use.

[jditom]

Originally Posted by maybe_a_80...

you'll be happy with OME springs and Toyota shocks for sure.

X2,

Do them at the same time and there will be a world of difference, not to harsh. If you never have done a suspension then you should read about it here. If you have rust it will take a while longer and do not listen to folks that say they can rotate tires in the same time they can change shocks. That is BS but the more times you do it the easier it gets. Your springs are gone at 120K so just save yourself all the time and do them together.

Slee - Toyota 80 Series Land Cruiser - OME Lift Kit details

Slee - OME Suspension Installation (Toyota 80 Series Land Cruiser)

Before I did a lift I ran OME no lift springs with Bilstein shocks and it was great until I started adding a lot of weight (bumpers, sliders, winch aux gas tank etc). Then I went to a 2.5 inch lift and heavy springs.

So I would go OME springs with Toyota shocks unless you want it firmer then go with OME shocks unless you want it even firmer then go Bilsteins.


Good Luck