Truck is rocking

[Mudshack]

Just bought a 97 LX450, 73,000 miles. At highway speeds it soaks up bumps but it sure seems to be rocking back and forth a lot! Right away I climbed underneath and checked to see if the PO had taken the sway bars off (similar feeling when I used to take the sway bar off of the Taco). Nope. Doesn't look like the PO ever crawled under there to do any mods.

So what could it be? Or is this a typical thing on the 80 series? Or is this a case of the elusive Lexus softer springs? Do I need to replace the shocks?

Am I just crazy? LOL.

 

[offroadkid]

Is the ass end swaying back and forth at freeway speeds? Mine swayed real bad at freeway speeds. The PO had airbags in the rear springs with adjustable rancho shocks in all corners. He must have towed something that weakened the rear springs. After installing my OME suspension it went away. Mine is a LC though, not an LX, there may be something else going on.

 

[alaskacruiser]

Mudshack- Unfortunately, this is typical behavior of the way-too-soft LX450 shocks. Contrary to popular belief, the springs are not the culprit- the LX450 springs are identical to the Landcruiser springs accoridng to CDan. Some dealerships used to replace the shocks with Landcruiser shocks to fix this common problem. However, because your truck is no longer under warranty, you'll probably have a hard time getting this done (I'm talking with my dealer now and it doesn't look good).

You can partially remedy the problem by upgrading to tires with thicker sidewalls (I have Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revos, which are great). This has reduced the side-to-side motions for the most part, although it is still there to some extent.

Many on the this forum upgrade to OME shocks and springs (you'll get a lift with this upgrade, too!) so you might want to consider that if you were thinking about a lift anyway.

Welcome and congrats on your purchase!

 

[Koffer]

If your going to keep it stock for a little while I would get ahold of CDan and order up some cruiser shocks as they are really cheap under $100 for all 4

 

[sjcruiser]

Mudshack,

Swap the springs out for OME ones (with or without lift). Mine had always been uncomfortable for the rear passengers on long trips before the swap. Putting in new shock simply WON'T help (self experienced)!!!

As a result of softer shocks, most LXs I've seen (about > 90%) sit lower in the rear than the LCs (sagging springs).

Frank.

 

[RWD]

Had the same problem wit my 97 LX daily driver until I swapped out the old shocks and put in LC shocks. Much less body roll on the highway.

 

[Mudshack]

Cool. Just like I thought. The shocks. I bet these have never been changed. So, I will give the FZJ80 shocks a try.

Well actually. I have to have it inspected here in Texas and they may require the rubber. So, new rubber, and springs as well as the shocks. About maxes out the budget.

 

[alia176]

Mud,

I got a set of used shocks from my '96 LC. Let me know if you want them.

Ali

 

[Mudshack]

How used? and where are you located?