[mudpuppy000]

I have an 05 off road model, and recently noticed that when I'm driving fast on the freeway and hit a sharp bump, it feels like the truck is bouncing/skipping about 4x after I hit it. I'm wondering if my shocks are wearing out, or if this is "normal" and I'm just not used to the feel at high speeds. (most of my driving is on surface streets)

Anyone else experience this?

 

[Lonesome Crow]

Bouncing more than the initial down and back to level is a sign of worn shocks. I get a single bottom out over a hard bump at one spot on the freeway and it settles back to level after the initial drop.

 

[mike100]

I had my front struts replaced recently under warranty (not because they were worn, but because one broke) so I can't really compare, but mine were still damping pretty well at 20k miles.

 

[mudpuppy000]

Cool, thanks for the info. I thought it might be the shocks going bad... Hmm, maybe now is the time for an upgrade!

 

[helofixer]

I believe Ive read on here that some folks have had problems with the factory shocks leaking/blowing out on the off road or 4x4 models. Time to crawl around underneath and look at your shocks. Look for wet area on the shock bodies and compare the height of each shock to its neighbor. Another quick suspension check you can do is to push down on the bumpers at all four corners and see if one corner or the other bounces more that the rest.

 

[Rastaman]

Also you can step on the rear bumper and jump up and down a few times. It should always damp out with no oscillation (zeta ~ 0.7)

 

[XterraDude]

Yeah upgrading is always a good Idea but if that bounce really bothers you DONT BUY the AC coils and struts. :bounce:

 

[mudpuppy000]

ok. so I finally got around to checking my shocks, and it looks like one of the front ones is bent/broken, lol.

Any recommendations on upgrade options? I think I may need something beefier than the stock ones.
I'm thinking of doing a lift eventually (~3") so would that make a difference on what I decide to get now? (no lift)

 

[Creek]

well, i have 2 front stock coilovers sitting in my parts pile. I don't know how much it would be to ship it out there. $30 each + shipping? The truck was never offroad with them on and my truck had roughly 6500 miles on it when i lifted it. Granted when you do a lift, you'd want to go with a PRG setup and that would include new radflo coilovers.

 

[d-rap]

well, i have 2 front stock coilovers sitting in my parts pile.

Just my two cents...Dude, grab these and use them while you decide on the lift. Lift it and upgrade shocks as part of a package based on an overall budget and plan. Meanwhile, great deal!

 

[mudpuppy000]

well, i have 2 front stock coilovers sitting in my parts pile. I don't know how much it would be to ship it out there. $30 each + shipping? The truck was never offroad with them on and my truck had roughly 6500 miles on it when i lifted it. Granted when you do a lift, you'd want to go with a PRG setup and that would include new radflo coilovers.

Hmm, I'm really tempted to take you up on that, but I don't really have anywhere to install them myself (or have the knowledge to do it, lol)

 

[XterraDude]

well, i have 2 front stock coilovers sitting in my parts pile. I don't know how much it would be to ship it out there. $30 each + shipping? The truck was never offroad with them on and my truck had roughly 6500 miles on it when i lifted it. Granted when you do a lift, you'd want to go with a PRG setup and that would include new radflo coilovers.

Hmm, I'm really tempted to take you up on that, but I don't really have anywhere to install them myself (or have the knowledge to do it, lol)

Hey Dude I would be more than happy to help you do this if you are willing to drive down to San Clemente. I have all the tools needed and could do it in about 1-2 hours.

 

[mudpuppy000]

Hey Dude I would be more than happy to help you do this if you are willing to drive down to San Clemente. I have all the tools needed and could do it in about 1-2 hours.

That's awesome man, thanks!

My brother in law is trying to convince me to do a lift while I change out the shocks, so I'm thinking of doing the radflo's as long as I have to take the springs off. Apparently he's done a bunch of lifts on his trucks in the past, so he said he'd help me do mine.

Anyway, I think I'll need a spring compressor for that, anyone know where I can borrow/rent/buy one for cheap?

 

[Muzikman]

If you go with the radflo's from PRG, you don't need a spring compressor. You just replace the entire stock shock and sprint with the new shock and spring that come preassembled.

Also, if you are getting a lot of bounce on the high-way, I would check your tire pressure and make sure it's not too high (35psi should be plenty).