Washboard, my kryptonite

[JWP58]

What is a good suspension set up to improve the ride quality over washboard hell-like forest service "roads"?

Coilovers? Like Icon's? Or would Bilstein 5100 with OME coils make it better? Or just go 4mph and deal with it?

 

[FJR Colorado]

You're better off going a bit faster over washboard roads

 

[XJINTX]

Can't speak for Toyotas but my Xterra hated washboard roads. switched to Bilsteins and was A LOT better! my jeep is solid axles so it hates them too

 

[1leglance]

Looking forward to the thoughts on this one as Baja washboards are muy malo in my book.

 

[FJR Colorado]

In addition to gaining some speed, consider your tire inflation... around 30psi is probably right...

 

[GhostRing]

Unless your over 30 MPH, keep it under 30 PSI

 

[JWP58]

If I were to have picked up the speed today, I would've been bouncing off the road....literally (or my dash would've fallen in my lap). Minor washboard smooth's out at faster speed, the nasty stuff seems like it gets worse.

 

[GhostRing]

no, I agree (above was kind of tongue in cheek) Some roads are just vicious. What a nasty, annoying phenomenon. PSI is your best suspension complement.
I desperately need to improve my rack mounting situation or I fear I am going to rip the roof metal on my 98 4Runner. Some internal support might be in order.
Prerunner/desert kits are one extremely expensive solution. Otherwise, slow it way down and comfort ourselves that it is faster than walking...

 

[seanpistol]

long travel suspension

 

[JWP58]

Maybe Total Chaos...

 

[Corbet]

What tire pressure are you running? Dropping your pressure will help more than any money you through at your suspension.

I drop mine to 18-22psi for washboard.(35" tire) I'll run any speed at that pressure but you need to remember it in the corners and if you see a large bump. I crawl at 12-14psi and HWY at 38psi for reference.

 

[chmura]

I have ICON coilovers now. I am so impressed with them. I just fly over the washboards over in Death Valley that I do not even care about them anymore. My previous rig was a stock 2001 Tacoma and I HATED washboards. I'm sure the nicer ride of the 4runner helps too as trucks tend to have a harsher ride than SUV's but if I ever bought another off road rig I would put in another set of ICONS. I drop my tire pressure to 20psi.

 

[RogueFab]

What tire pressure are you running? Dropping your pressure will help more than any money you through at your suspension.

I drop mine to 18-22psi for washboard.(35" tire) I'll run any speed at that pressure but you need to remember it in the corners and if you see a large bump. I crawl at 12-14psi and HWY at 38psi for reference.

^Took my angle before I could post it. Lower your tire pressures. Going faster on washboard can make your tires spend less time on the road surface... less time to steer and brake. May not be safe.

Any progressive or multi-rate suspension is your best bet. Like a DUAL rate coilover. Single rate won't help. Or a coilover with internal or external bypass and/or progressive valving. Bilstein 5100s are a huge upgrade over just about any other basic monotube as well, but can't touch the high dollar stuff on performance.

 

[RangeBrover]

Icons with total chaos UCA'S. I'm definately switching to icon over my OME setup.

 

[goodtimes]

If you want the best solution, then skip anything "off the shelf" .

Call a suspension tuner, talk to them about your specific situation. They can tune the shocks to match your needs - not the needs of the "average" buyer.

It's expensive - but it's the only way to truly solve the problem.