ih8washboard

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2mbb

2mbb

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I just got back from a week in Death Valley. I had a really good time. However, the washboard on the roads to Race Track and Eureka Dunes were a real pain. There were stretches of wash board where I could hardly go more than 5 or 10 mph. Other vehicles seemed to be able to go much faster even over the roughest spots.

So, let me hear your secrets for driving wash board. Thanks. mbb.
 
Heh heh.... Washboard sucks. Around the Racetrack it was very bad this year in March. Low tire pressure and more speed often work. The sweet spot was about 50 mph for me, but it cost me a flat MT/R.

IH8Washboard.
 
A few years ago I installed a set of Ironman springs and shocks on my 83 FJ60, I got them from JT Outfitters who imported them from Australia, they are apparently made by a group that spun off from the Old Man Emu company and they are designed specifically for the washboarded roads of Australia (IIRC 80% of roads in Australia are dirt). Anyways, these things are a dream on washboarded dirt roads. I've driven many hundreds of miles on washboarded roads here in Arizona and this suspension system melts away the shudder and bumps. I've been very impressed. I imagine the OME system would be as good or better. The stock springs suck hard, especially if you have a set of hard KYB gas shocks in them like I did. I don't know whether these springs are still available in the US.

FWIW

Matt
 
I found the OME suspension is a huge improvement on washboard roads in my 60. MUCH smoother.

M
 
My OME very well on washboard roads. Also, going really slow is not always the way to go. Next time, try increasing your speed. You should be able to find a speed where things just smooth themselves out.

_____________________
Cruzerman
'85FJ60
'78FJ40
 
There is no sbstitute for speed. The faster you go the smaller the bumps feel. 5-10mph will make any washboard road feel painful.

Dynosoar
 
agreed. a little more speed and good suspension (OME, etc...) also, don't forget to spend an afternoon tightening all the loose nuts/bolts and lubing everything before you drive on the stuff can help too- all in all, washboard sucks...HTH.
 
Something that amazed me: When walking along a washboarded road in Joshua Tree NP recently, I observed that the actual washboard surface was not rigid, but like little ridges of dust/powder; you could easily flatten it with your hand or even one finger.
 
Yeah, faster is better up to a point. Push the speed until you feel yourself getting loosey goosey and then back off. That's the best speed for extreme washboard, as fast as you can go while in control. Be mindful of large rocks in roadway, ruts, and wash out drop offs and livestock in certain places such as the Panamint Valley.
I've also heard that 4high will help errode washboard while 2 wheel drive will contribute to washboard.
And....yes, air down.


Three things to remember.
1. When approaching other vehicles and /or people, slow down out of courtesy to keep your dust cloud to a minimum.
2. Yield to faster traffic
3. Carry tire plug kit and air compressor (you just might need it).
 
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Thanks for all the advice. My truck has 33x12.5 15" tires and I have the OME suspension. I was pretty heavily loaded down, too, with gear for a week for three adults. I did air down when it got too bad, but maybe I didn't air down far enough. I did notice that it seemed to run a little better in 4-hi vs. 2-hi. Because my passengers weren't too crazy about being off road to begin with, I didn't want to push the speed too hard. My buddy in his FZJ-80 seemed to float right over the tough parts where I would get shaken to bits. I guess practice makes perfect, but frankly, I don't care if I never see wash board again.
 
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