Wife wants a "less bumpy ride"

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Elum,

I just recd my set of Bilsteins shocks for my 80. Will put them on in the next week and report back. Previously I put them on my old Runner with 328K and they are wonderful. My wife even says that. Will see if they make a hugh differance on the 80 and I will report back. PM if I don't get back to you in the 5 days or so. I bought them from Downey, the sales rep. said that if the shocks don't improve the ride, that i will need to replace coil springs. He said they manufacter their own coil springs for the 80, and they are not near as stiff as the OMUs.

SS
 
If she doesn't like the ride of an LX, then you're hosed. The Lexus has the softest ride IMO! Doing anything else to the LX (suspension wise) will make the ride only "bumpier"!!!
 
Don't expect OME springs in an 80 to smooth out the ride. They are much stiffer than stock. I don't understand how anybody could suggest otherwise. Only possible exception would be if the current springs are so soft that the axles are bottoming out against the bump stops. Which I really doubt is the case.

Solid front axles are inherently rougher riding than IFS. The IFS in a 100 will make a big difference. It will be smoother.
 
Lower tire pressures and stock suspension may be the only help.

Instead of test driving a 100, maybe test drive a new wife?? ;p

Only kidding, the 100 will be the softer ride by far of the two, and is certainly the better grocery getter........
 
Bilsteins

Well got my Bilsteins on yesterday. Since then I have only put on say 20-30 miles, but my initial response is they feel alot better than OEM shocks. My 80 has approx 145K miles on it and I replaced the original shocks with OEM shocks a few months back. Ride was improved maybe 15-20% is all. Now the Bilsteins have improved the ride another 30%+/-. The ride is much improved. It also feels like all the sag is out of the truck, and it feels like it is actually sits somewhat higher than before.:)

Grouseman
 
my wife and I test drove a new 100 and she said it is comparable to her bmw. If you've got the money I also vote keep the 450 and buy the 100 for the wife.
 
I put a lift and stiff shocks in our VW TDI. Our 80 (stock soprings with billies) is the plushmobile in comparison.
 
Don't do it man. Keep the 450 and somehow persuade her that the 450 is the only vehicle you've ever wanted...in the wide world.... that you'd be hearbroken... something.

I live in San Diego and cruise up the 15 through Temecula often enough. She can take my 80 for a spin. She'll love the 450 afterwards.
 
She can get a ride in my FJ60 with OME 2.5" lift and 33's and see what a bumpy ride is like. Comfortable ride wouldn't be very descriptive.... however go anywhere would be.
 
The 100 is a more comfortable ride, but the 80 feels like it handles better. My wife likes the 80 and loves the 100.
 
e9999 said:
the 100 is very comfy and a real smooth ride, but it's not wishy washy either. Drives very nicely.

keep the 80 for yourself and get the missus a 100! worth it!
Click to expand...



Looks like I will have to go this route as well. Wifey drove my brothers '04, and immediately commented on the smoother ride and noticeably better acceleration.

She's still out of luck though (until our daughter gets out of college) . That should give me a little shopping time.
 
Billys

Well now I put about 500 miles on the Bilsteins. As most of you know when you make a curve really fast you can feel the 80 lean some. With the new Billys no lean, alot better control in curves. Spent the last two days in the mountains in E. TN. The ride on the interstate is very smooth. You can still feels bumps at slow speeds (in-town), but the ride is much better than the stock OEM shocks. Yes I am very satisified with my new Billys.

Grouseman
 
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