Rear Shock/Spring Question???

[srkpaco]

I have a 2004 LC with 90K miles on it all stock with running boards removed and tosion bars cranked.

With the third row of seats in and two 150 pound people back there when I hit a bump it feels like it is bottoming out. I repleaced the front shocks about six months ago because one of them was leaking and sagging.

Now my question, is the rear issue a spring problem or a shock problem? If I change out the rear shocks will if fix the issue of bottoming out. I don't feel like that is a lot of weight for these vehicles and it is not like I am off roading with people back there just going in and out of parking lots. Or do I need new springs?

Thanks.

 

[marshotel]

Maybe cranking the torsion bars threw the balance off?

If the front is riding higher-than-stock, and the rear is stock, it makes sense that the rear would bottom out over bumps.

Try uncranking the torsion bars up front and see if that helps.

If not, you could put new shocks in the back.

I cant imagine that the rear springs are shot on an 04 w 90k miles unless you have been towing a trailer with ridiculous tongue weight, or transporting shipments of depleted uranium or something.

 

[PoppaWheelie]

I would replace the shocks. OEM shocks from one of the sponsor venders are cheap. If you had to replace the fronts, rears are probably due anyhow.
I also agree with marshotel, you might drop the front a hair to see if that helps.

 

[OregonLC]

Does it feel like your bottoming out or are you actually bottoming out? If so, you have some soft springs. The oem springs are pretty soft IMO.

Does it otherwise float or wallow? Does it continue to ocilate after the initial bump? If so shocks.

 

[12guns]

My 2000 LC is getting OME 865 coils on the rear for that very reason. I load mine down a little more than you, but I've learned over the years, the stock coils are designed to give a good ride vs. take alot of weight. New coils on the 4runner got rid of the rear end sag, now new coils on my cruiser should do the same. And I'll be cranking my TB's a inch or so, so I need the 1"-1.5" on the rear as well.
New shocks are a good idea, but mine have 152k and no leaks. They do their job fine until I am able to replace with Bilsteins.

 

[srkpaco]

Great I will replace the reat shocks and see what that does? I just didn't know if springs wear out in 8 years?

 

[buddysharp]

We have an 04 with 125K. When loaded with kids and dog, definite bottom out not to mention a little wallowing. Going for medium OME springs and Bilsteins and hoping the dog doesn't bounce off the roof in the back.

 

[George 2000]

I'm having my mechanic do the exact same on my 2000 stock LC. Heavier springs in the rear - not sure if the shocks need to be done also, but at 13 years and 134k, it's probably time. I tow a boat that weighs in at 5k, plus, I've always got a bunch of crap in the back. I was thinking that it would make sense to replace all 4 shocks, but this is starting to add up ($$). What do you guys think would be reasonable to pay for 4 shocks and upgraded springs in the rear? The mechanic always sticks to OEM parts, so if you have some suggestions that work better than stock parts for what I do, I'd love to hear it.