Stock suspension and washboard roads

Hi all, I have a trip to Death Valley coming up and I read that the washboard roads are no joke and will rattle your truck apart. There is a stretch of road that I will be on that is 40 miles of washboard roads. My truck is completely stock and the suspension is original(2003 TRD 4X4) but still functional and will be carrying about a 500lb load in the bed with 3 total passengers.

Do you think it would be OK on stock suspension? If not, what do you suggest? I've read a thread here where people said that the Bilstein 5100 is horrible on washboards. TIA!

 

Something like this I have found there is always a sweet spot you just need to find it. which changes because of so many variables .

Now if this is a excuse to upgrade the suspension by all means go for it

 

If its anything like the local washboards here, either go real slow or speed up until it smooths out. Any reasonable speed will infact rattle your truck apart. It was miserable with my stock suspension, but my aftermarket isnt much better. All I can suggest if you're looking for aftermarket suspension is avoid ironman. I'm guessing whatever route you go, you will also want soft springs. If you have a heavy setup and go with stiff springs to hold it up, good luck.

 

Thanks fellas. It's just that with such a old truck we are worried about getting stranded. I've heard of radiator supports cracking, battery tie downs cracking, lights falling off, RTT and bed tack falling off, etc that it's giving me some pause.

 

Those things can happen just take your time .

It is not a timed event is it??

At the wrong speed it sets up a harmonic vibration that can shake almost anything apart.

 

Yeah so the issue is that if I drive 10mph.....it will take us 4 hours to cover that ground. Probably not the best use of time. But going faster....we run the risk of the truck falling apart lol. Decisions.

 

If you can air your tires down it becomes quite a bit more manageable. It's a 40 mile stretch, so I would think it would be worth it to stop and air down. Back when I had my stock suspension (140k miles) I tried airing my tires down to 20psi and I was able to go a respectable 30+ mph without any issues. I didn't try going any faster, but I suspect you could.

 

Drop tire pressure about 10lbs and keep your speed constant

 

Even if you weren't going to death valley, that original suspension was due for replacement over +13 years ago

 

I know the stretch of road you are talking about in DV, its brutal. No aftermarket suspension will make much diff on stuff like that. Do a good thorough check of your truck before the trip and check all the bolts, especially battery tie downs. Stop and check things over half through and before getting back on the highway, and listen for any new noises. I've dont that stretch many times and am always surprised how the truck stays together, trust in the truck and your prep and have a good time.

With that said, fix anything that is suspect before going.

 

What stretch is that?

 

Low tire pressure helps the most. A non e load side wall will help too.

 

Is there another route????

Washboard happens due to interaction between soft ground and vehicle suspension dynamics. The "bumps" occur at a specific frequency. The only thing you can do is alter your speed. You can have a minor impact on the harmonic by playing with tire pressures and weight. But be ready for a long road of tooth filling rattle.

Washboard roads are very common in Iowa on the gravel (unpaved) roads, worst in the Spring.

 

40 miles of washboards sounds horrible. There would have to be a serious booty call at the other end for me to even think of driving that. If you insist on going just remember that traction on washboards is considerably less. It's real easy to loose it on corners and slide right off the road. Stay safe.

 

Saline Valley Road as you head out towards 190, some years are worse then others. Its the main way in n out, so its hard to bypass without adding a lot of miles.