Some very basic suspension questions

TheBigKahuna · Oct 15, 2024

I've got a 2013 AC 5 lug (not 4x4) with 111K miles.

I got it in 2020 with 68K miles and I haven't changed anything on the suspension, front or rear, since I've had it. I doubt the previous owner did either. So I guess it's all original factory.

Lately the ride has been getting harsher, more so the front than the rear.
If I'm replacing the front strut should I replace the coil spring too?
Besides the front strut/coil, is there anything else that could cause a rough ride I should check?

I'm also going to change the rear shocks.

TnShooter · Oct 15, 2024

You might as well replace the front springs.
You can buy it as an assembly.

Monroe at the minimum.
KYB would be better.

Both can be bought at RockAuto.

Clearwater Bill · Oct 15, 2024

We have a 5 lug forum. This is useful because none of the 6 lug stuff works on our 5 lug units

@memario1214 can assist from a vendor perspective

TheBigKahuna · Oct 15, 2024

Clearwater Bill said: ↑

We have a 5 lug forum. This is useful because none of the 6 lug stuff works on our 5 lug units

@memario1214 can assist from a vendor perspective
Click to expand...

I know and I've posted there too.
This forum gets much more traffic.

memario1214 · Oct 16, 2024

TheBigKahuna[OP] initial post: ↑

I've got a 2013 AC 5 lug (not 4x4) with 111K miles.

I got it in 2020 with 68K miles and I haven't changed anything on the suspension, front or rear, since I've had it. I doubt the previous owner did either. So I guess it's all original factory.

Lately the ride has been getting harsher, more so the front than the rear.
If I'm replacing the front strut should I replace the coil spring too?
Besides the front strut/coil, is there anything else that could cause a rough ride I should check?

I'm also going to change the rear shocks.
Click to expand...

At a basic level, your coil springs themselves should be just fine. While they are technically a wear item, we find that they can last a very long time. Might not look pretty, but still work. The most likely scenario is that your OEM shocks are not providing much (if any) compression/rebound so you have nothing slowing the action of a harsh bump. Sure, the spring does some of that work, but it's the shock's job to slow down that transition of energy.

When you say rough ride are you saying that the truck is just feeling chattery, like there's no suspension underneath?

TheBigKahuna · Oct 16, 2024

memario1214 said: ↑

At a basic level, your coil springs themselves should be just fine. While they are technically a wear item, we find that they can last a very long time. Might not look pretty, but still work. The most likely scenario is that your OEM shocks are not providing much (if any) compression/rebound so you have nothing slowing the action of a harsh bump. Sure, the spring does some of that work, but it's the shock's job to slow down that transition of energy.

When you say rough ride are you saying that the truck is just feeling chattery, like there's no suspension underneath?
Click to expand...

Not chattery, like skipping around.
I feel more smaller bumps than I used to and the impact from all bumps seems harsher and sharper. A real jolt sometimes.

memario1214 · Oct 16, 2024

TheBigKahuna[OP] said: ↑

Not chattery, like skipping around.
I feel more smaller bumps than I used to and the impact from all bumps seems harsher and sharper. A real jolt sometimes.
Click to expand...

Okay. My suspicion is that a refreshed shock absorbers all around is probably all you need to be happy as a clam.

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Some very basic suspension questions

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Some very basic suspension questions

#1 TheBigKahuna [OP] Well-Known Member

#2 TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

#3 Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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TheBigKahuna [OP] Well-Known Member

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TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

#3
Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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TheBigKahuna [OP] Well-Known Member

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memario1214 Hotshot Offroad Moderator Vendor

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