Improving ride to keep SO happy

[WiscoProud]

Alright I have a 2004 LC100 with 140k on the factory springs. Last summer I swapped the shocks for Fox 2.0s and put in 30mm spacers. While I don't have a problem with the ride, the other adult who lives in my house is not a fan. Normally I wouldn't care, but we usually use my truck for long drives due to the extra space, and she finds it uncomfortable.

At some point I would like to swap the springs to get a full 2" lift and really don't need any additional weight capacity. I'll likely get sliders at some point, but bumpers are unlikely since its my DD.

What would you guys recommend to smooth out the ride? I realize I should probably replace my bushings, but aside from that what could I do? I know people install airbags for occasional extra weight, but do they help with ride at all? I had an LR3 with air coils and it was the smoothest vehicle I've ever owned.

 

[DirtDawg]

For starters what is undesirable about the ride? Too soft? Too firm? Too much road noise? Im assuming its too harsh since you said you wanted to smooth out the ride.

Your springs/bushings shouldn't be too worn at 104k, so I would assume its shocks? Answering my above questions can help narrow that down. I will say however that the Fox shocks are crap on these rigs and that might be causing the awful ride.

 

[re_guderian]

If you want a tad bit of lift, you're doing it right, except go OEM shocks. The Fox 2.0 's are under-damped and scary-bouncy at highway speeds. At least mine were (early ones). That OEM setup is about as "wife-approved" as it gets, assuming you're not married to Danica Patrick...

 

[WiscoProud]

Unfortunately, I am not married to Danica Patrick.

Road noise isn't bad, but I have some irritating wind noise I need to track down (I think I might have a bad windshield installation in its past.) She really doesn't like the admittedly "truck like ride", which I interpret to mean feedback from rough roads. My OEM shocks were in pretty rough shape when I replaced them, so I don't have a good feel for what's normal. Although if I am planning on running about 2" over stock, won't the OEM shocks be too short? I realize that's not an issue for the front, but wouldn't longer shocks in the rear be preferred?

 

[DirtDawg]

I'll say that if your not lifting now, just throw some OEM shocks on to keep the wife happy. They're inexpensive and will probably solve your issues. The problem is keeping a plush ride after lifting. If you plan on lifting now, do your research and figure out what kit you want to go with. Then shocks can get expensive because thats where your ride comfort really comes from.

For example, I don't like the OME lift kit, its too harsh and is disappointing compared to other OME lifts I have owned in the past. So for my LX I'm going to be going with ironman front torsion bars and rear springs. And then for shocks I am going with fox 2.0 resis for the front and then either slee or icon for the rear. Hopefully with all this I will maintain a nice plush ride that is still sporty enough for offroad use.

 

[savirc]

front and rear Icon's improved my ride dramatically I couldn't believe how much better than stock the truck rode after putting them on. It was a huge improvement. I have 2.5" ome springs and torsions. For description the ride became less bouncy but still very soft and agile at turns, no heavy rolling feeling.

 

[re_guderian]

What tires/pressure are you running? Many of the 18's are e-rated. I put 16" rims back on my '04 to get more sidewall, better off road tire performance, but also run D rated 295/75/16's. Not sure where on your rig you're getting "truck-like ride". You sure springs are OEM? OEM springs and Fox 2.0 non-reservoir is just about the mushiest setup possible. Yes, windshield install is likely for wind noise.

 

[WiscoProud]

I'm running E rated General Grabber AT2 275/70 at around 40psi. I might try backing off to 30-35 to see if that improves the ride, but I routinely cruise at 70+, so I don't want to go too low. The springs are OEM, but I concede they may be getting worn. Regarding the ride, for example there is a stretch of interstate we regularly drive on that is a teeth rattler. Past vehicles haven't been that bad on the same stretch, although the LC has a higher payload than my previous Xterra and LR3.

My gut says its a shock issue, but who knows. I believe I read that the rear Fox 2.0 for the 200 series fits out vehicles too and has higher dampening. Can anyone confirm?

 

[Sandroad]

It's too bad the comfort-valved Ironman aren't available for the 100s. It seems many shock manufacturers assume if you are changing shocks you are carrying hundreds of lbs of bumpers, winches, recovery equipment, and going full expedition. I guess that's why OEM is usually the most affordable answer for a reasonable ride with normal weight in the truck.

 

[costalcat]

I went with new OEM shocks as I have no lift or bumpers. Recently added airlift 1000's in the back as I do tow and trailer for camping and a boat at times. Wife likes the ride, I think it rides really smooth on the highway. I want to say a total about $150 for all 4 shocks and $89 for the Airlift. At those prices and the ease of installation you should try it and see if it gets you where you want....

 

[badlander]

I don't think you should be at 40 psi unless you are seriously loaded. Chalk test the tires to see how the wear pattern is. You may be getting great mileage but prematurely wearing out the center of the treads.
Plus, 40 psi, unloaded, will definitely give you a crappy ride.

 

[WiscoProud]

I went with new OEM shocks as I have no lift or bumpers. Recently added airlift 1000's in the back as I do tow and trailer for camping and a boat at times. Wife likes the ride, I think it rides really smooth on the highway. I want to say a total about $150 for all 4 shocks and $89 for the Airlift. At those prices and the ease of installation you should try it and see if it gets you where you want....

I've been eyeing up the airlift systems. While no one has really mentioned it, I figured it had to affect ride somewhat. Thanks for the info, for the cost, might as well try it out.

 

[WiscoProud]

I don't think you should be at 40 psi unless you are seriously loaded. Chalk test the tires to see how the wear pattern is. You may be getting great mileage but prematurely wearing out the center of the treads.
Plus, 40 psi, unloaded, will definitely give you a crappy ride.

Its less about mileage as I only get 16-17 on a good day anyways, but about handling. I don't like the mushy feeling of lower PSI. I'll try 30-35 to see if it improves though.

 

[costalcat]

I've been eyeing up the airlift systems. While no one has really mentioned it, I figured it had to affect ride somewhat. Thanks for the info, for the cost, might as well try it out.

Certainly does. I have settled on 22lbs for daily driving. With the OEM shocks it seemed to squat a bit in the rear at times and the air ride have stiffen it but not added a harshness. I had 400 lbs of pet food in the back yesterday brought the bags up to 25# and rode like a top. Very easy to adjust....

 

[re_guderian]

I have airlift springs in both my 100's. I use them for towing. Not sure I'd rely on them for every-day suspension needs, but that's just me. 22# in mine with no weight feels like I welded the axle on. They are 35# max, so it would seem they are taking on the work of totally shot OEM springs. However, if it's working for you...

 

[costalcat]

I have airlift springs in both my 100's. I use them for towing. Not sure I'd rely on them for every-day suspension needs, but that's just me. 22# in mine with no weight feels like I welded the axle on. They are 35# max, so it would seem they are taking on the work of totally shot OEM springs. However, if it's working for you...

New OEM shocks and springs last spring.... but I do haul a bunch of stuff around.. Soccer team.. Coolers, Dog food etc... I would expect that the shocks and springs are doing their job but I can definitely tell the difference with the 22lbs in ...

 

[ponytl]

I'm running E rated General Grabber AT2 275/70 at around 40psi. I might try backing off to 30-35 to see if that improves the ride, but I routinely cruise at 70+, so I don't want to go too low. The springs are OEM, but I concede they may be getting worn. Regarding the ride, for example there is a stretch of interstate we regularly drive on that is a teeth rattler. Past vehicles haven't been that bad on the same stretch, although the LC has a higher payload than my previous Xterra and LR3.

My gut says its a shock issue, but who knows. I believe I read that the rear Fox 2.0 for the 200 series fits out vehicles too and has higher dampening. Can anyone confirm?

I think you will be surprised at how much better/softer ride you will get by dropping the air pressure to the 32-34psi range... just spend a whole day doing it and then come in worn out and dirty and let her know how hard you worked on all the "adjustments" and that you didn't have to spend much money .... but that you think she will be pleased with the NEW ride...

 

[Haring Bagsik]

I'm on the same boat as @WiscoProud. Wife loves the smooth ride of the 100 but I do want to lift a little bit. If I used OEM shocks, what springs will work with it to lift it up a little? I do admit I'm loving the smoother ride of my 100 compared to my 80.