Am I missing out by not having new springs/shocks?

[chansdaman]

I have a 94 Land Cruiser. I am not sure about the age of its suspension, to include the springs and the shocks. I recently put new tires (305/70/16) and it now looks like a low-rider (maybe it's because all I see on this forum are trucks that are lifted...).

For my driving needs (DD), my cruiser runs/feels just fine...but I started to wonder if that's because I just don't know what I am missing out on by having new springs and shocks.

I have about 3 inches from the top of the tire to the bottom edge of my fender flare. I also took a picture of the front spring. Can I keep running with the current condition of my suspension for DD purposes without issues? For those that recentl upgraded from their tired springs/shocks, was it worth it for you?

 

[VCCruzr]

Even if you don't plan on wheeling it, I would replace your springs and shocks with the stock height from OME. This will pobably add about 1" to what you have and the ride quality will be greatly improved. I put a higher OME lift on mine and the improvement in handling was remarkable. Well worth it IMHO.

 

[zx9r]

If the ride is acceptable to you now I don't think you'll have any issues to keep going with original. But, you don't know what you are missing until you do replace with OME or similar. World of difference in handling (body roll, etc) and just better overall feel. Truck will certainly look better too.

You can find good deals on used OME springs from the user classifieds if you don't want to spend the full $800+ to replace everything with new.

 

[Lc80series]

It's nice to have new suspension. The stock suspension will be fine though if it's not high on your priority list. Since you're on MUD, though, you probably will start to catch the sickness. Before you know it you can say goodbye to most of your disposable income!

 

[Ebag333]

At the very least pick up a set of shocks from Cdan. They're extremely cheap, and will improve the ride.

If you're towing or loading lots of weight you may want to look into some new springs, otherwise I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[Manuelsv]

Since you're on MUD, though, you probably will start to catch the sickness. Before you know it you can say goodbye to most of your disposable income!

Second that Kiss your disposable income good bie!!
"Abandon all hope ye who enter here!" :whoops:

Is it possible Dante had a Cruiser??

 

[chansdaman]

$500-new radiator and belts
$700-front axle service
$700-new tires
$100-royal purple fluids for diffs/transfer
$50/week on gas
$$$-opportunity cost of being on ih8mud several hours a day

sucking me dry of my disposable income just on maintenance! I'm happy though...gotta pay to play!

 

[Checkbook]

.

Let me see how those 305's look with out any lift.
Thanks,
Check

 

[Nilster]

My 94 used to wallow like a drunk hippo on ice skates until I replaced shocks and springs with OME stuff. You can not believe the difference. Mine was unsafe... I strongly recommend the upgrade and the lift is nice.

 

[super90]

OME stock height springs and Yota shocks from CDan. Great improvement !!!

 

[chansdaman]

Ok...I'll be looking for some springs and shocks...would you guys recommend getting a used set of OMEs? I see several on the classifieds...what kind of mileage are people getting on their new suspension? I would be interested in something close to stock so feedback from those who have near stock set up would be greatly appreciated.

As requested, here are some pictures with the 305s...doesn't she look like a low rider???

 

[superjuice]

You "need" new springs, question answered. As long as your at it get some shocks, and maybe a side job welcome to mud

 

[1973Guppie]

stock toyota suspension stuff just sucks, period. It sucked on my 4runner and it sucked on my 80. I replaced mine with a 2.5 OME kit and love the ride now.

Noah

 

[FirstToy]

I think your truck looks pretty great as is!

cheapest option is just new shocks from cruiserdan

If you want OME, the "low lift" option would give you a bit of lift with firmer ride. That's what I would do in your shoes.

I felt the OME heavy 2.5" was too firm without a rear bumper or heavily loaded.

 

[GR8WHTCRZR]

Night and day, IMO.

Went back and forth for a couple of years before getting the OME level stance lift. Regretted not getting it sooner. Made a world of different. Not a whole lot of price different in the stock height replacement vs the 2.5", just keep in mind your future plans for the vechicle. My springs were so old I ended up getting a little more lift than stated though.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[wakesetter]

the only thing that makes me think it looks like a lowrider is the white lettering on the tires

 

[darwink1]

The flares and steps contribute to the low rider look and a 2.5" would help make it look "right" imo.

After reading this thread I cant wait for my ome junk to show up........... My stock 17 yr old springs dont seem to have the up travel the may have once had, especially since Ive added a bit of weight.

D

 

[chansdaman]

the only thing that makes me think it looks like a lowrider is the white lettering on the tires

Haha...nice. Perhaps I should "slamm" my truck a few inches to complete the lowrider look!

My next question is what are the pros and cons of just switching the shocks? I ask this based on the assumption (please correct me if I am off) that adding new springs would raise the truck but not really add that benefit in increasing the handling (versus changing out shocks). Thank you so much for your input so far.

 

[Steve Harris]

I just put a 2.5 OME on my 94 and I love the difference. If you can find these forsale I would go with them. If not, give me a month or two and I will probably be selling mine because I also just put 315's on and now need a 4 or 6 in lift.

If you replace the springs, just go ahead and replace the shocks as well. While my truck sits higher now, with the new suspension it now handles better than before.

 

[Ebag333]

My next question is what are the pros and cons of just switching the shocks? I ask this based on the assumption (please correct me if I am off) that adding new springs would raise the truck but not really add that benefit in increasing the handling (versus changing out shocks). Thank you so much for your input so far.

New springs will be stiffer, which will reduce sway/roll and improve handling.

Shocks will probably make the biggest difference as far as bang for the buck goes, but both will help.