Ride Quality?

RandyatBBY · 12-22-2007, 11:14 PM

I just bought a 1985 4Runner it is real stock with 31X10.5 15's BFG KM. It is the SR5 with the 22RE motor. It rides a little rough, On smooth roads it is fine going down the freway at 75MPH I feel every little bump, is that normal? Is it possable to get good ride quality?

This ad is not displayed to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Yotatech!

85TurboRunner · 12-23-2007, 12:27 AM

Yeah its normal to have a rough ride especially if you still have the factory springs. They're probably bottoming out on your bump stops. Do a search for suspension lifts and you should be able to find what you need. If you just want a good ride and not alot of lift the Old Man Emu lift seems to be the way to go.

RandyatBBY · 12-23-2007, 07:55 AM

I just went out and did a test on the suspension by pushing down on the front fender and see if there is much spring or shock asober. I did this on all four fenders. It was about the same not much movement (they look to be real stiff) but a lot of little bounces could it be the shocks and the springs are warn out? The front springs have the frown shape and there is about 2 inchs between the spring and the bump stop.

deserttoy84 · 12-23-2007, 09:00 AM

You front springs like most solid axle pickups/4runners(with stock springs) are completely DONE. Go get yourself some OME springs and shocks and it should give you whole lot better of a ride.

RandyatBBY · 12-23-2007, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deserttoy84

You front springs like most solid axle pickups/4runners(with stock springs) are completely DONE. Go get yourself some OME springs and shocks and it should give you whole lot better of a ride.

Ok I get the done part.

Sorry to be a Toyota newbe. I do have a very capable 1974 bronco for off road/rock crawling. This yota will be my daily driver and will get very light duity off road. I want to be able to travel long distances to RC Boat races with it. I was hoping to get rid of my 1979 2wd Blazer and drive a more economical 4Runner.

On the OME springs and shocks is that Orinigal Manfactures Equipment? Or is it Old Man Emu ?

deserttoy84 · 12-23-2007, 11:07 AM

its old man emu... Buying stock replacement springs is a waste of money IMO. The emu springs give you like 2 inches of lift which is almost not even noticeable. For price the emu is the same if not cheaper then going back to stock springs. When/If you do off road youll be glad you bought them.

RandyatBBY · 12-23-2007, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deserttoy84

its old man emu... Buying stock replacement springs is a waste of money IMO. The emu springs give you like 2 inches of lift which is almost not even noticeable. For price the emu is the same if not cheaper then going back to stock springs. When/If you do off road youll be glad you bought them.

Thank you I was not sure. I would love to have both in one (off road/street) rig but I like to enjoy the trail with out fear of denting off road. My Bronco is ruff and ready. The Yota is stright and fairly clean and I want to make it look and ride better. I do like the lift idea, but did not want to destroy the ride quality. I want to make it better. Soften it up way too stiff. I will look more in to OME need to find the best price.

PS I feel that the stock gas tank location is bad for much off road too.

Island_Yota · 12-23-2007, 08:17 PM

You should really try it offroad, You will be quite pleased. The solid axle trucks/runners aren't the greatest on the road without some nicer springs and shocks. What PSI are you running in the tires, My friend had his at 40psi for the longest time until I finally asked, dropped it to 32psi and it was a night and day difference in ride quality. 2" Of lift will not destroy the ride quality at all, especially with Old Man Emu springs, I always hear they are some of the nicer riding springs.

RandyatBBY · 12-23-2007, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Island_Yota

You should really try it offroad, You will be quite pleased. The solid axle trucks/runners aren't the greatest on the road without some nicer springs and shocks. What PSI are you running in the tires, My friend had his at 40psi for the longest time until I finally asked, dropped it to 32psi and it was a night and day difference in ride quality. 2" Of lift will not destroy the ride quality at all, especially with Old Man Emu springs, I always hear they are some of the nicer riding springs.

Thanks for responding. As far as wheeling I may some day, a little. First I need to get all the Bugs worked out. This car was dead for the last 2 years and I am bringing it back to life. The horn and hazard fuse blows each time I pit in a new fuse, There is no horn and I need to figure out the short or problem. I really think will need to move the gas, it tank hangs down way too low, I will check the air pressure the is what ever the tire co set it at. I think it needs adjusting of the cluch too. and there is more. It will be a good little rig some day. I love it when I do not get shook to pices

Island_Yota · 12-24-2007, 12:29 PM

Looks like its in great shape, The gas tank should be fine, lots of people run them in that location, It has a skid plate and they can take alot of abuse. If you do move it you can either raise it up a bit, or you can mount it horizontally between the frame rails with some angle iron behind the rear axle (you'll have to get rid of the spare tire holder etc.. and figure out a place for the filler nozzle.

RandyatBBY · 12-24-2007, 10:56 PM

My Bronco had the side tank removed and a steel plate under the rear fuel cell. If the toyota will do light wheeling with the side tank skid plate and are able to take alot of abuse, I will just leave it like it is. I want to keep it mostly stock. But I am glad the best choice is the lite lift.

RandyatBBY · 12-27-2007, 11:44 PM

I have decided to go with the OME springs, bushings and greasable shackles. I read a bit about shocks on this site and it boiled down to either stock or Bilstein. So I am trying to decide on OME shocks or I need to know what Bilstein shock to run with the OME 2" lift springs?

OH My 4Runner passes smog today WaHoo!

Wardamneagle · 12-28-2007, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyatBBY

I have decided to go with the OME springs, bushings and greasable shackles. I read a bit about shocks on this site and it boiled down to either stock or Bilstein. So I am trying to decide on OME shocks or I need to know what Bilstein shock to run with the OME 2" lift springs?

OH My 4Runner passes smog today WaHoo!

I would go with the OME shocks. If you aren't going to hang a heavy bumper and winch off the front then go with medium springs front and rear and add the medium OME shocks. You might get a bit more than 2 inches. I did but I went heavy and medium springs. I have answered a few more questions in this thread:

http://www.yotatech.com/f115/need-ad...t-help-131271/

Take a look and see if you have any further questions.

For what it's worth, I had Rancho 5000's and stock suspension and there is absolutely no comparison in ride quality to the OME set-up. It's like having a new 4Runner.

RandyatBBY · 12-28-2007, 01:39 PM

Well I bit the bullet and ordered the lift kit today from 4WheelParts Preformance Center. they matched the price on the internet and went a few bucks under. I should have the kit at the shop by end of next week.

RandyatBBY · 01-09-2008, 10:53 PM

Well I got my kit yesterday. Springs look good, while checking the other parts first I went to the U bolts they sent me one front and one rear , Like missing 6 U bolts. Then checked the shocks, Fromt OK But the rear have one soft and one firm??? WTF!! Looking at the shackles I did not get the Greasable bolts, 1/2 of the bushings, 1/4 of the shacke end plates.

I found a much better deal on the Greasable shackles any way. Big time
http://www.datinfab.com/index.asp?Pa...TS&Category=44

Greg_Canada · 01-10-2008, 07:31 AM

Definately complain to 4WP... it's not OME's fault they ordered the wrong stuff and sent it to you.... good luck...

RandyatBBY · 01-10-2008, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg_Canada

Definately complain to 4WP... it's not OME's fault they ordered the wrong stuff and sent it to you.... good luck...

It is part of the learning curve dealing with Yota/4X4 stuff, I would have hoped that they got it right the first time, But a machanic was trying to do the sales man job, 4WP is exchanging the rear shocks and refunding the parts that I do not need sence I got the Datin shackles. The good thing is the cost savings and the shackles are 5 inch long so I get a little more lift with out going crazy.
The only thing I wonder about is the front locator bar if it needs to be longer to keep the caster correct?

Smokey74 · 01-10-2008, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyatBBY

Thanks for responding. As far as wheeling I may some day, a little. First I need to get all the Bugs worked out. This car was dead for the last 2 years and I am bringing it back to life. The horn and hazard fuse blows each time I pit in a new fuse, There is no horn and I need to figure out the short or problem. I really think will need to move the gas, it tank hangs down way too low, I will check the air pressure the is what ever the tire co set it at. I think it needs adjusting of the cluch too. and there is more. It will be a good little rig some day. I love it when I do not get shook to pices

That's a great looking runner.. Sounds like your on the right track. Can I ask how much you paid for it and where your from? Sometimes I'm shocked how different areas can be. In my area, an 85 runner that isn't totally rusted out is like finding gold. I had to pay $3,000 for mine and it's far from perfect. On here I see guys buying them for $1,000 to $1,500 in decent shape, I searched for almost a year to find mine. I found at least 20 1987's durring my search but who wants IFS..?

TrikeKid · 01-10-2008, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyatBBY

It is part of the learning curve dealing with Yota/4X4 stuff, I would have hoped that they got it right the first time, But a machanic was trying to do the sales man job, 4WP is exchanging the rear shocks and refunding the parts that I do not need sence I got the Datin shackles. The good thing is the cost savings and the shackles are 5 inch long so I get a little more lift with out going crazy.
The only thing I wonder about is the front locator bar if it needs to be longer to keep the caster correct?

Answer to this problem, is to stop dealing with 4WP, they're the AutoZone of 4x4 shops.

RandyatBBY · 01-10-2008, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokey74

That's a great looking runner.. Sounds like your on the right track. Can I ask how much you paid for it and where your from? Sometimes I'm shocked how different areas can be. In my area, an 85 runner that isn't totally rusted out is like finding gold. I had to pay $3,000 for mine and it's far from perfect. On here I see guys buying them for $1,000 to $1,500 in decent shape, I searched for almost a year to find mine. I found at least 20 1987's durring my search but who wants IFS..?

With the the repairs so far, the new tires, used wheels, lift kit and the purchase price of car I have about $3800. in the Truck

RandyatBBY · 01-17-2008, 11:49 PM

This weekend I will be installing the OME springs, shocks, Datin greasable 5" shackles and Polly bushings.

Allso I have been getting a sound system together a 300 amp, two 10 inch woffers and Pioneer speakers 3.5 and 6.5 inch size. All run therw an Poineer deck.

Looks like the motor will come out soon and get new bearings, clutch and main shaft trany seal.

Bodock · 01-18-2008, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrikeKid

Answer to this problem, is to stop dealing with 4WP, they're the AutoZone of 4x4 shops.

Who would you suggest as an alternative to 4WP?

I am looking at an OME set up for my 79 and they appear to have the best price on the net for the springs.

Wardamneagle · 01-18-2008, 08:02 AM

I had good luck with these guys last summer. I ordered an entire OME lift kit (springs, shocks, shackles, pins, etc.) and an ARB bumper.

http://www.4x4connection.com/

All of these ARB orders are shipped directly from ARB in Washington State...as far as I could tell at the time so I wouldn't worry about "where" you buy them as far as location of the retailer.

ocdropzone · 01-18-2008, 08:35 AM

Truck looks like a nice one, like you said with some time, $$$$, work and more $$$ will be great...

RandyatBBY · 01-18-2008, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bodock

Who would you suggest as an alternative to 4WP?

I am looking at an OME set up for my 79 and they appear to have the best price on the net for the springs.

Direct to OME it takes about two weeks to get a price but worth thye wait. wish I was not in such a rush would have saved a bit.

12-23-2007, 12:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
85TurboRunner Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Vancouver WA Posts: 1,064	Yeah its normal to have a rough ride especially if you still have the factory springs. They're probably bottoming out on your bump stops. Do a search for suspension lifts and you should be able to find what you need. If you just want a good ride and not alot of lift the Old Man Emu lift seems to be the way to go. __________________ 1985 4runner 22re 5spd.

12-23-2007, 09:00 AM	#4 (permalink)
deserttoy84 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: san diego Posts: 862	You front springs like most solid axle pickups/4runners(with stock springs) are completely DONE. Go get yourself some OME springs and shocks and it should give you whole lot better of a ride. __________________ 1984 toyota sr5 4x4 22r w/ weber 32/36 Pro comp 4" front springs & 3" rear downey spring Home made On-board air system V6 4.88 lock rites F & R Bilstein 7100 reservoir shocks

12-23-2007, 11:07 AM	#6 (permalink)
deserttoy84 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: san diego Posts: 862	its old man emu... Buying stock replacement springs is a waste of money IMO. The emu springs give you like 2 inches of lift which is almost not even noticeable. For price the emu is the same if not cheaper then going back to stock springs. When/If you do off road youll be glad you bought them. __________________ 1984 toyota sr5 4x4 22r w/ weber 32/36 Pro comp 4" front springs & 3" rear downey spring Home made On-board air system V6 4.88 lock rites F & R Bilstein 7100 reservoir shocks Last edited by deserttoy84; 12-23-2007 at 11:09 AM.

12-23-2007, 08:17 PM	#8 (permalink)
Island_Yota Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vancouver Island, B.C. Posts: 672	You should really try it offroad, You will be quite pleased. The solid axle trucks/runners aren't the greatest on the road without some nicer springs and shocks. What PSI are you running in the tires, My friend had his at 40psi for the longest time until I finally asked, dropped it to 32psi and it was a night and day difference in ride quality. 2" Of lift will not destroy the ride quality at all, especially with Old Man Emu springs, I always hear they are some of the nicer riding springs. Last edited by Island_Yota; 12-23-2007 at 08:19 PM.

12-24-2007, 10:56 PM	#11 (permalink)
RandyatBBY Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Walnut Creek Ca. Posts: 102	My Bronco had the side tank removed and a steel plate under the rear fuel cell. If the toyota will do light wheeling with the side tank skid plate and are able to take alot of abuse, I will just leave it like it is. I want to keep it mostly stock. But I am glad the best choice is the lite lift. __________________ Randy bbyracing.com

12-23-2007, 07:55 AM	#3 (permalink)
RandyatBBY Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Walnut Creek Ca. Posts: 102	I just went out and did a test on the suspension by pushing down on the front fender and see if there is much spring or shock asober. I did this on all four fenders. It was about the same not much movement (they look to be real stiff) but a lot of little bounces could it be the shocks and the springs are warn out? The front springs have the frown shape and there is about 2 inchs between the spring and the bump stop.

12-24-2007, 12:29 PM	#10 (permalink)
Island_Yota Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vancouver Island, B.C. Posts: 672	Looks like its in great shape, The gas tank should be fine, lots of people run them in that location, It has a skid plate and they can take alot of abuse. If you do move it you can either raise it up a bit, or you can mount it horizontally between the frame rails with some angle iron behind the rear axle (you'll have to get rid of the spare tire holder etc.. and figure out a place for the filler nozzle.

12-27-2007, 11:44 PM	#12 (permalink)
RandyatBBY Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Walnut Creek Ca. Posts: 102	I have decided to go with the OME springs, bushings and greasable shackles. I read a bit about shocks on this site and it boiled down to either stock or Bilstein. So I am trying to decide on OME shocks or I need to know what Bilstein shock to run with the OME 2" lift springs? OH My 4Runner passes smog today WaHoo! __________________ Randy bbyracing.com Last edited by RandyatBBY; 12-27-2007 at 11:46 PM.

12-28-2007, 01:39 PM	#14 (permalink)
RandyatBBY Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Walnut Creek Ca. Posts: 102	Well I bit the bullet and ordered the lift kit today from 4WheelParts Preformance Center. they matched the price on the internet and went a few bucks under. I should have the kit at the shop by end of next week. __________________ Randy bbyracing.com

01-09-2008, 10:53 PM	#15 (permalink)
RandyatBBY Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Walnut Creek Ca. Posts: 102	Well I got my kit yesterday. Springs look good, while checking the other parts first I went to the U bolts they sent me one front and one rear , Like missing 6 U bolts. Then checked the shocks, Fromt OK But the rear have one soft and one firm??? WTF!! Looking at the shackles I did not get the Greasable bolts, 1/2 of the bushings, 1/4 of the shacke end plates. I found a much better deal on the Greasable shackles any way. Big time http://www.datinfab.com/index.asp?Pa...TS&Category=44 __________________ Randy bbyracing.com

01-10-2008, 07:31 AM	#16 (permalink)
Greg_Canada Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 812	Definately complain to 4WP... it's not OME's fault they ordered the wrong stuff and sent it to you.... good luck... __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/ride/1147271/1 My 1989 Toyota 4runner

01-17-2008, 11:49 PM	#21 (permalink)
RandyatBBY Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Walnut Creek Ca. Posts: 102	This weekend I will be installing the OME springs, shocks, Datin greasable 5" shackles and Polly bushings. Allso I have been getting a sound system together a 300 amp, two 10 inch woffers and Pioneer speakers 3.5 and 6.5 inch size. All run therw an Poineer deck. Looks like the motor will come out soon and get new bearings, clutch and main shaft trany seal. __________________ Randy bbyracing.com

01-18-2008, 08:02 AM	#23 (permalink)
Wardamneagle Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: UK and Gulf Shores, AL Posts: 322	I had good luck with these guys last summer. I ordered an entire OME lift kit (springs, shocks, shackles, pins, etc.) and an ARB bumper. http://www.4x4connection.com/ All of these ARB orders are shipped directly from ARB in Washington State...as far as I could tell at the time so I wouldn't worry about "where" you buy them as far as location of the retailer. __________________ 1985 4Runner 1997 FZJ 80 2007 HDJ100 - DD

01-18-2008, 08:35 AM	#24 (permalink)
ocdropzone Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: PDX, OR Posts: 4,710	Truck looks like a nice one, like you said with some time, $$$$, work and more $$$ will be great... __________________ ~Robb '81 Trekker The B4Runner Build TREKKER Forum Mini FAQ/Misc Ideas Thread TRY THESE SEARCH LINKS GOOGLE FOR TOYOTA WEBSITES LINK TO ONLINE FACTORY SERVICE MANUALS Drive a real 1st Gen Wheel Responsibly, Don't Screw It Up for Others

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Ride quality issue	jasonomni	Early Land Cruisers	4	09-01-2007 05:11 PM
Ride Quality	sts2usnss	86-95 Trucks & 4Runners	11	06-17-2007 01:08 AM
Downey vs. PP (Ride Quality)	jodynich	95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners	5	12-23-2005 05:32 PM
Lift ride quality	shiftMX	95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners	4	07-23-2003 12:19 PM
Tacoma Ride Quality	trdtacoma01	95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners	8	09-05-2002 12:11 PM