A truck will ride harsher with "high end" off road shocks. As mentioned, the valving is different in HD shocks than in factory shocks. This is so that the HD shocks can control the heavier use of an off road vehicle. Different brands will have different behaviors. Shocks designed for a heavier truck will be harsher than ones designed for a lighter truck, on the same truck. Likewise, standard duty, medium duty, and heavy duty shocks will ride progressively harsher. As you add weight - gear, bumpers, winches, racks, jacks, etc. the ride will soften in response to the added weight.

 

I took the standard height (and duty) Terrafirmas.

Maybe throwing a bullbar on the front will make it more comfortable, eh?

And load it up in the back

 

I installed the Terra Firma + 2 shocks and springs three years ago , Yes , my kidneys burst . But , I discovered that with new tires , the ride was more soft . Off roading is going to hurt your organs . Maybe lower tire pressure .

 

Cheapest way to fix this is lower tire pressure. Not sure the specs for your tire but keep safety in mind, a coffin is cushier but you don't want to be in one. I had medium duty on my old D2 and it was quite a bit harsher, but evened out pretty quickly. I did take it through Death Valley and at least 50 miles of harsh washboards so that probably did it. Putting extra weight will soften it, but bumpers can be pricy and adding weight does affect stopping power depending on your brakes and other added weight. Food for thought.

 

Update: I borrowed a Nanocom and raised my rear by around 20-30mm and the ride quality has improved. Now it rides better over speed bumps and small potholes.

Not perfect, but definitely better. It was around 480mm from center hub to wheel arch plastic before, and is around 510mm now when parked.

I wonder why? I read everywhere that raising the car this way will lead to a harsher ride, but maybe the shocks respond differently at different extensions?

When I changed my front coils, I got around a 30mm lift at the front compared to the 20-year-old factory coils (probably had sagged). So maybe balancing that out is what did it?

The front looked higher on the front before, but now looks level:




I still need to lower the tyre pressure as you guys suggested, I think it's at around 40 now if I'm not mistaken.

Thanks mate, good shout! Will that reduce my MPG though? Gas isn't cheap here in Australia

Thanks! Yeah good echo. What tyres are you running? What tyre pressure?

Thanks mate!

I have the standard Terrafirma shocks tho, not HD...

 

Lowering tire pressure will reduce mpg. More rolling resistance. Tire size and choice is also a big factor when it comes to fuel consumption. Bigger tires = larger diameter + more weight your drivetrain has to move. I run 32" KM3s and on the street I run 35-40 PSI. I can't accurately measure mpg or compare due to weight, tire, and possible motor differences.

A short list (not even close to all the factors) of what does affect mpg:
Weight, tires, added air resistance (roof rack + outside gear, etc), and most importantly, driving habits! The best way to get better mpg in these trucks is reduce your speed! I generally drive 55-60mph (2,500 rpm in 4th gear) but I have a lot of added weight, gear, and 32" tires so my gearing and air resistance is different.

This next bit is just my speculation: I don't know the exact efficiency curve of these V8s, but I keep it in the peak torque range for the 4.6 (~2,500 rpm) which from my observations seems to net me the best mpg at a decent pace. Again all speculation. I do want to do some tests one day and see the exact speed and or rpm range will net the best efficiency for these vehicles.

 

I once read that you will get best fuel efficiency at peak torque, but I’ve never seen that verified. Im sure it’s not quite as straightforward as that.

 

Thats the logic I was using. When I drive the LR3, I find that i somehow get better mpg at 70mph instead of 65 or 55mph. No evidence or data beyond just my observation while actively driving on long trips.

 

All the mpg saving tips are great! I drive with a light foot (unless I wanna have some fun)

You reckon it'll be noticeable? Compared to other stuff I could do

 

Over time yes. Use the tire's recommended psi, as over/underinflating will affect wear patterns. I'm not sure if over inflating your tire will decrease friction and reduce rolling resistance, but it will affect how the tire will handle.