Advice for a smoother ride

4RunnerFever · 10-04-2005, 04:17 AM

Hello all!
I live in a rural area with roads that are bumpy, rutted, and generally in poor condition even though they are paved.

When I installed the Revtek lift I noticed that the coil spring is compressed even more than stock. I suspect this contributes to a poor ride.

Whatever the case, I am sick of being tossed around on my way to work and would like any advice you've got.

Would coilovers solve my poor ride quality? OME?

Thanks!

4RunnerFever · 10-05-2005, 03:56 AM

:chicken:

nrgetic99 · 10-05-2005, 06:09 AM

I was anti any device on my 3rd gen that preloaded the spring to get the lift...it just had to be worse riding. The revtec kit gets lift from preloading the spring and lengthening the strut.

I had the same issues. I went to Tundra valved Sway-a-ways on the front which were night and day for me. They rode as smooth as stock at moderate lifts with far improved control. I was running about 2" in front to clear my 32s as I still had ADD hubs so did not want to tweak the CV joints too bad...

I had Downey Coils in back which were a little firmer than I would like but the handling was much tighter and sharper.

David

calg3 · 10-05-2005, 06:12 AM

If you are running the Revtek lift with the stock shocks then I would probably try a different set of shocks first if I were you.

4RunnerFever · 10-05-2005, 07:07 AM

Thanks for the suggestions. Would you recommend OME shocks or Bilsteins? I was also looking at the performance products sway-a-way coilover kit. Keep the suggestions coming!! I gotta do something.

http://www.performanceproducts4truck...r+Kits&type=20

ebelen1 · 10-05-2005, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4RunnerFever

Thanks for the suggestions. Would you recommend OME shocks or Bilsteins? I was also looking at the performance products sway-a-way coilover kit. Keep the suggestions coming!! I gotta do something.

http://www.performanceproducts4truck...r+Kits&type=20

I didn't realize that when I first read your post that you have stock shocks. Let me chime in and say that I have the Revtek lift with Bilsteins. The main reason I went with this setup was cost. I also looked into coilovers (SAWs) and they were extremely pricey. I don't go over rough roads but when I do hit a bad set of road, the truck has very little bounce and has some stiffness due to the Bilsteins.

If money is not an issue, the coilover setup has got to be one of the better alternatives. If it is an issue, how about the Tundra setup with OMEs in the rear and Bilsteins all around or just upgrade the shocks and see how this works?

4RunnerFever · 10-05-2005, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebelen1

I didn't realize that when I first read your post that you have stock shocks. Let me chime in and say that I have the Revtek lift with Bilsteins. The main reason I went with this setup was cost. I also looked into coilovers (SAWs) and they were extremely pricey. I don't go over rough roads but when I do hit a bad set of road, the truck has very little bounce and has some stiffness due to the Bilsteins.

If money is not an issue, the coilover setup has got to be one of the better alternatives. If it is an issue, how about the Tundra setup with OMEs in the rear and Bilsteins all around or just upgrade the shocks and see how this works?

Good idea - I'll look into the tundra setup, for some reason I thought they would be more money than the saws.

ebelen1 · 10-05-2005, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4RunnerFever

Good idea - I'll look into the tundra setup, for some reason I thought they would be more money than the saws.

IIRC, the cheapest coilovers were SAWs (basic setup, not the advanced) and they were about $650 for the fronts. Add the rear springs, OME/PP/Downey, and you have another $100-$250. Now the Bilsteins are about $300. You're looking at about 1k for the gear plus install.

Now, go to Revtek ($300) plus Bilsteins ($300) and you're at $600 plus install. I never got price info on the Tundra stuff but I'm assuming you'd be in the same price range. Since you have the Revtek, why not just try the Bilsteins first? I don't pay for labor so I'd do this. If the ride sucks, then upgrade springs. If you pay for labor, you should consider the full swap and selling the Revtek kit to compensate for the switch. Just a thought...

li_runner · 10-05-2005, 11:36 AM

I can only offer advice from what I have used.

Front:

Stock: Everyone knows the feel.

Tundra Valved SAW's: Like said before a night and day feeling from a shot stock setup, but it does not last all that long, around 30k they really need rebuilding and that can also include the heim? joint (the bottom joint that seems to end up on everyone's SAW's that sqeak horribly). So every 30k they need some if not a lot of maintenace. Up here in the salt belt the spring did not end up looking great the powdercoating came off and the spring is rusting. I took mine off, and will not point anyone in their direction. They are not built for longevity.

TRD: (Tundra springs, OME shocks, top spacer) So far for me the best setup. I like the ride a lot better than the SAW's. On the highway at speed they behave nicer than the saws do. Only small problem is the spring rubbing where it does.

Rear:

Bilstein/Downey: Love it. Yet I honest have not ridden in back to know the feeling of the ride, but it holds weight nicely. I carry 500lbs of DJ gear twice a week in mine and it does not feel like any weight at all is back there.

SC4Runner · 10-05-2005, 12:03 PM

Try some OME shocks for starters.

I think that will help a lot.

FilthyRich · 10-05-2005, 12:16 PM

read my sig. That is the best set up period. Not that expensive and the ride is supurb on and off road.

Come to Richmond adn I will help install it. I have a wall mount spring compressor, air tools, garage....I have done three of these already

FilthyRich · 10-05-2005, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebelen1

I didn't realize that when I first read your post that you have stock shocks. Let me chime in and say that I have the Revtek lift with Bilsteins. The main reason I went with this setup was cost. I also looked into coilovers (SAWs) and they were extremely pricey. I don't go over rough roads but when I do hit a bad set of road, the truck has very little bounce and has some stiffness due to the Bilsteins.

If money is not an issue, the coilover setup has got to be one of the better alternatives. If it is an issue, how about the Tundra setup with OMEs in the rear and Bilsteins all around or just upgrade the shocks and see how this works?

OME springs are desing ed to be used with OME shocks. The ride will be horrible with OME springs and Bilstein shocks. OME are low pressure and Bilstienf are high pressure. You can get a better ride with all OME in the back or OME shocks and LC 80 springs

4RunnerFever · 10-05-2005, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FilthyRich

read my sig. That is the best set up period. Not that expensive and the ride is supurb on and off road.

Come to Richmond adn I will help install it. I have a wall mount spring compressor, air tools, garage....I have done three of these already

Richmond? I love Richmond! Been there a bunch

I might actually take you up on that offer maybe over the xmas season.

What do you all think of just OME in the front?? Worth a try, or go Bilstein because they are cheaper.

FilthyRich · 10-05-2005, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4RunnerFever

Richmond? I love Richmond! Been there a bunch

I might actually take you up on that offer maybe over the xmas season.

What do you all think of just OME in the front?? Worth a try, or go Bilstein because they are cheaper.

I would go with Tundra springs, OME shocks, bamachem top out spacer, extended studs, diff drop and limiting straps. Rear: all OME.
Call up Sonoran Steel and get a pnahard bar or bracket and e-brake extension and new bumpstops.

I love my suspension. The only change I will make is the addition of anothe top out spacer (heavy ARB bumper and I am getting a winch)

My wife has the PP 1" springs with HD billies. It is a nice ride, but you can definately tell the difference between the Billies and OME---two different shocks.

tarheelrunner · 10-05-2005, 12:42 PM

I have the Revtek 3" kit up front, combined with OME firm shocks. I've been really happy with this setup, and in my opinion using OME shocks with the spacers up front provides a really comfortable ride.

4RunnerFever · 10-05-2005, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tarheelrunner

I have the Revtek 3" kit up front, combined with OME firm shocks. I've been really happy with this setup, and in my opinion using OME shocks with the spacers up front provides a really comfortable ride.

That is kinda where I'm heading now because of the low cost. One day I'll redo the entire thing.

Seems like new shocks up front is the way to go.

JGM · 10-06-2005, 02:35 PM

Come on - take the cool route for a smooth ride - get heavy duty coils and shocks and add very heavy bumpers, a winch, and big tires.

Nice and smoooooth......

4RunnerFever · 10-07-2005, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JGM

Come on - take the cool route for a smooth ride - get heavy duty coils and shocks and add very heavy bumpers, a winch, and big tires.

Nice and smoooooth......

Localmotion · 10-07-2005, 09:21 PM

I ran OME with bilsteins...BAD CHOICE. If you want to feel every little pebble in the road then do it. I had the bils, with the OME 881 and 906s and it was killer! I have the same setup as filthy and its a lot better

10-04-2005, 04:17 AM	#1 (permalink)
4RunnerFever Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Boone, NC Posts: 890	Advice for a smoother ride Hello all! I live in a rural area with roads that are bumpy, rutted, and generally in poor condition even though they are paved. When I installed the Revtek lift I noticed that the coil spring is compressed even more than stock. I suspect this contributes to a poor ride. Whatever the case, I am sick of being tossed around on my way to work and would like any advice you've got. Would coilovers solve my poor ride quality? OME? Thanks! __________________ 2004 Tacoma Double Cab, TRD Off-Road, PIAA fogs, ARE Shell, Yakima, etc. 4RunnerFever _______ GBNF: 1998-3rd Gen-4Runner, SR5, 4WD, TRD Supercharger, TRD Cat-Back, 3-inch Revtek Suspension Lift, 285/75-16 Revos, 4Crawler Offroad 1" body lift, Sonoran Trac Bar, Hayden Cooler, Hood Scoop, 'Outback' Mod, Optima 34R, Amsoil, Yakima, PIAA, etc. Sold to Mastacox.

10-05-2005, 03:56 AM	#2 (permalink)
4RunnerFever Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Boone, NC Posts: 890	:chicken: __________________ 2004 Tacoma Double Cab, TRD Off-Road, PIAA fogs, ARE Shell, Yakima, etc. 4RunnerFever _______ GBNF: 1998-3rd Gen-4Runner, SR5, 4WD, TRD Supercharger, TRD Cat-Back, 3-inch Revtek Suspension Lift, 285/75-16 Revos, 4Crawler Offroad 1" body lift, Sonoran Trac Bar, Hayden Cooler, Hood Scoop, 'Outback' Mod, Optima 34R, Amsoil, Yakima, PIAA, etc. Sold to Mastacox.

10-05-2005, 06:09 AM	#3 (permalink)
nrgetic99 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: VA Posts: 1,045	I was anti any device on my 3rd gen that preloaded the spring to get the lift...it just had to be worse riding. The revtec kit gets lift from preloading the spring and lengthening the strut. I had the same issues. I went to Tundra valved Sway-a-ways on the front which were night and day for me. They rode as smooth as stock at moderate lifts with far improved control. I was running about 2" in front to clear my 32s as I still had ADD hubs so did not want to tweak the CV joints too bad... I had Downey Coils in back which were a little firmer than I would like but the handling was much tighter and sharper. David __________________ 98 Limited: Taco/Tundra TRD/OME lift, diff drop, LC rims, 32" REVOS, TJM T-17, Magnaflow 93 SR5 V6 4WD * TOTALLED OME lift, Aisin hubs, 31x10.5 Dueller ATon 15x8 AR23's, clears, Silverstars, K&N, Dynomax, Yakima ... 03 V8 Sport. Jaos Center Protector, Landmaster Dual beams, Silverstars, RD leather interior , TRD rims/X-Terrains - gone :-( 99 SR5 "Highlander", SC'd, SAW/Downey,32's,Addco,deck plate, TRD cat back, 1.5Kw stereo ...gone , not forgotten 96 SR5 Dune... 1.5kw stereo

10-05-2005, 06:12 AM	#4 (permalink)
calg3 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Old Line State Posts: 1,039	If you are running the Revtek lift with the stock shocks then I would probably try a different set of shocks first if I were you. __________________ 2006 Subaru Outback, miss my 4Runner! Look at my previous truck(s) in the Yotatech gallery: http://yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=42494

10-05-2005, 07:07 AM	#5 (permalink)
4RunnerFever Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Boone, NC Posts: 890	Thanks for the suggestions. Would you recommend OME shocks or Bilsteins? I was also looking at the performance products sway-a-way coilover kit. Keep the suggestions coming!! I gotta do something. http://www.performanceproducts4truck...r+Kits&type=20 __________________ 2004 Tacoma Double Cab, TRD Off-Road, PIAA fogs, ARE Shell, Yakima, etc. 4RunnerFever _______ GBNF: 1998-3rd Gen-4Runner, SR5, 4WD, TRD Supercharger, TRD Cat-Back, 3-inch Revtek Suspension Lift, 285/75-16 Revos, 4Crawler Offroad 1" body lift, Sonoran Trac Bar, Hayden Cooler, Hood Scoop, 'Outback' Mod, Optima 34R, Amsoil, Yakima, PIAA, etc. Sold to Mastacox.

10-05-2005, 11:36 AM	#9 (permalink)
li_runner Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 281	I can only offer advice from what I have used. Front: Stock: Everyone knows the feel. Tundra Valved SAW's: Like said before a night and day feeling from a shot stock setup, but it does not last all that long, around 30k they really need rebuilding and that can also include the heim? joint (the bottom joint that seems to end up on everyone's SAW's that sqeak horribly). So every 30k they need some if not a lot of maintenace. Up here in the salt belt the spring did not end up looking great the powdercoating came off and the spring is rusting. I took mine off, and will not point anyone in their direction. They are not built for longevity. TRD: (Tundra springs, OME shocks, top spacer) So far for me the best setup. I like the ride a lot better than the SAW's. On the highway at speed they behave nicer than the saws do. Only small problem is the spring rubbing where it does. Rear: Bilstein/Downey: Love it. Yet I honest have not ridden in back to know the feeling of the ride, but it holds weight nicely. I carry 500lbs of DJ gear twice a week in mine and it does not feel like any weight at all is back there. __________________ -Pete RIP 97' 4Runner SR5 New baby: 07' Sport v6 Shadow Mica Last edited by li_runner : 10-05-2005 at 11:39 AM.

10-05-2005, 12:03 PM	#10 (permalink)
SC4Runner Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 5th Gen San Diegan, California Posts: 5,179	Try some OME shocks for starters. I think that will help a lot. __________________ 1996 4x4 3.4L 4Runner on 35's 1966 FJ40 - SOA with stock springs, stock 1F motor, and a smelly tailpipe.

10-05-2005, 12:42 PM	#15 (permalink)
tarheelrunner Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 277	I have the Revtek 3" kit up front, combined with OME firm shocks. I've been really happy with this setup, and in my opinion using OME shocks with the spacers up front provides a really comfortable ride. __________________ 2000 4runner Limited 4wd, TJM-15 w/Hella 500s and Warn m8000, Stubbs Sliders, Surco safari rack, 3" Revtek in the front, 890s in the rear, OME firm shocks, 2" RB body lift, Custom Hitch, 285/75 MT/Rs, K&N FIPK, Dual Exhaust, remote start, Pioneer 8600, 2 JL Audio 12s

10-06-2005, 02:35 PM	#17 (permalink)
JGM Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 342	Come on - take the cool route for a smooth ride - get heavy duty coils and shocks and add very heavy bumpers, a winch, and big tires. Nice and smoooooth...... __________________ 1996 4Runner & 1971 FJ40

10-07-2005, 09:21 PM	#19 (permalink)
Localmotion Banned Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 7	I ran OME with bilsteins...BAD CHOICE. If you want to feel every little pebble in the road then do it. I had the bils, with the OME 881 and 906s and it was killer! I have the same setup as filthy and its a lot better