how's a 1st gen supposed to drive?

I have a couple of questions about the suspension in the 1st Gen Tacoma. I have had my extended cab for about a year now. When I drive it over a twisty road with a rough surface, the ride is… well… exciting? It bounds and jumps around. I have always figured this was just the way thy ride. On straight bumpy roads, the ride feels like any other pick up truck, rougher than some, but not too bad.

I installed Timbren suspension assists because I haul my own firewood. When I first installed them, there wasn’t the suggested 1” of clearance over the axle, but I didn’t think much of it as the ride didn’t seem to change. That is until I went over the nearby railroad crossing. The Timbrens bottomed out with no load and it felt like my spine had gotten shoved through my skull. I called Timbren and they sent a set that was shorter. That seemed to solve the issue. With the increased clearance, the ride over the rail crossing was just a bump, like before. The truck has run fine for several months, whether loaded with wood or driving to work.

I finally got enough money to replace my tires and went with the Michelins. The ride is great, still bumpy, but muted. All was great until I went over the rail crossing. It’s back to spine crunching. I checked under the truck to see if the Timbrens had come loose, but they look fine.

Here are my questions.

• Is it normal for the front end of a 1st Gen to bounce around when on twisty, bumpy roads (at 45 – 65 MPH)?
• Got any idea what might have happened to my rear suspension when they installed my tires? Is there anything I should look for? Is there a picture I could take that would help the diagnosis?

[FONT=&quot]Any help is appreciated!![/FONT]