Been fighting a rough ride in my wife’s kid hauler for quite sometime. This Cruiser predates my knowledge and exposure to this site and the myriad of options. I purchased the truck (160k) with a non-functioning AHC system. This is where the regret begins. I should have immediately taken the truck to the Stealership for assessment and repairs.
The ride is s***. I usually don’t spend much time in her truck because I love my 80 with all my heart (if you know, you know) and this thing is used for picking up kids from school 2 miles away and long road trips. I’ve been in it some lately and it’s unacceptable. My wife isn’t one to complain but she’s mentioned it more than a few times. Gotta keep Momma happy is her 100 so I can keep moving forward with my 80.
Alas, true to form in my know-it-all, cart-before-the-horse style, I started, on advice of counsel, with a Strut Master kit. Total garbage and it was obvious from day 1. I then added used Land Cruiser TBs based on and sourced from this forum. The rabbit hole continued and I then added Land Cruiser rear springs sourced from Mud. I have since moved from the Strut Master Shocks to OME to the Dobinson’s that are currently installed.
I’ve recently been riding in my brother in law’s newly lifted Ironman Foam Cell Pro Stage 2 lift. It’s buttery smooth and is vastly superior to the rough ride in my wife’s truck.
Current setup:
Used Non-AHC OEM Torsion Bars
Used Non-AHC OEM Rear Springs
Used Dobinson Shocks
Michelin Defender 285/75 R1
Is it that I’ve been trying to cheap out with used parts this whole time and that’s why none of this is resulting in a smooth(ish) ride? What is the most effective route to achieving a buttery soft, on-road ride? There is not more than $2k in the budget for parts on this exclusive of installation costs.
If flaming must ensue, please know that I have searched and find that my only factory-ride-height option is to get all-new OEM Toyota Land Cruiser TBs, Rear Springs, and Shocks.
We have 2 small children and lifting them in/out plus buckling them into car seats is why I/She/We would prefer to lifting the truck.
Appreciate the input!
The ride is s***. I usually don’t spend much time in her truck because I love my 80 with all my heart (if you know, you know) and this thing is used for picking up kids from school 2 miles away and long road trips. I’ve been in it some lately and it’s unacceptable. My wife isn’t one to complain but she’s mentioned it more than a few times. Gotta keep Momma happy is her 100 so I can keep moving forward with my 80.
Alas, true to form in my know-it-all, cart-before-the-horse style, I started, on advice of counsel, with a Strut Master kit. Total garbage and it was obvious from day 1. I then added used Land Cruiser TBs based on and sourced from this forum. The rabbit hole continued and I then added Land Cruiser rear springs sourced from Mud. I have since moved from the Strut Master Shocks to OME to the Dobinson’s that are currently installed.
I’ve recently been riding in my brother in law’s newly lifted Ironman Foam Cell Pro Stage 2 lift. It’s buttery smooth and is vastly superior to the rough ride in my wife’s truck.
Current setup:
Used Non-AHC OEM Torsion Bars
Used Non-AHC OEM Rear Springs
Used Dobinson Shocks
Michelin Defender 285/75 R1
Is it that I’ve been trying to cheap out with used parts this whole time and that’s why none of this is resulting in a smooth(ish) ride? What is the most effective route to achieving a buttery soft, on-road ride? There is not more than $2k in the budget for parts on this exclusive of installation costs.
If flaming must ensue, please know that I have searched and find that my only factory-ride-height option is to get all-new OEM Toyota Land Cruiser TBs, Rear Springs, and Shocks.
We have 2 small children and lifting them in/out plus buckling them into car seats is why I/She/We would prefer to lifting the truck.
Appreciate the input!
