Is it just my imagination or is the ride alot harsher with the top off? I took it off for the first time today and just went for a drive to harbor frieght and back and every little bump rattled my brains. I know the blocks aren't helping, but does that 150 or so pounds over the ass really make that much difference?

 

Simple way to check: Put someone in the back and test drive again.

There's very little weight in the back with the lid off. No sprung weight equals a bouncy ride.

You could add a few sandbags?

 

Can't say much about just the top, but when I take my 3 tool bags (about 40 lbs each average) and climb gear (about 25 pounds) out of the back of mine the ride is noticibly more stiff (and I ride about 1/2-1" higher empty than loaded).