02 QX4 suspension questions.

[RastB]

So this thing (new to me) feels really stiff/non-compliant on the roads. It's obviously stock ride height, I bounced the front end and it's really stiff- definitely not bouncing around at all. The rear has Gabriel Ultras on it and the rear does bounce, shocks are worn out. Guess my question is, is this normal... this stiff and bumpy ride? Front struts/springs look new, shiny paint etc. To get better ride/compliance am I pretty much looking at OME springs all around and some Bilsteins or something? Don't care that much about lifting just to lift, just if it makes the suspension work better. I don't wheel too much just for fun, especially rocks. Thanks

[mdmellott]

Guess my question is, is this normal... this stiff and bumpy ride? Front struts/springs look new, shiny paint etc. To get better ride/compliance am I pretty much looking at OME springs all around and some Bilsteins or something? Don't care that much about lifting just to lift, just if it makes the suspension work better. I don't wheel too much just for fun, especially rocks. Thanks

Lots of folks pay extra for that desired stiffness. Original springs, particularly in the rear, are infamously too soft and prone to bottoming out on the suspension bump stops when there is a heavy load in the cargo. The original front end springs are not known for being softies unless you're doing serious off road conditions.

[RastB]

Guess my question is, is this normal... this stiff and bumpy ride? Front struts/springs look new, shiny paint etc. To get better ride/compliance am I pretty much looking at OME springs all around and some Bilsteins or something? Don't care that much about lifting just to lift, just if it makes the suspension work better. I don't wheel too much just for fun, especially rocks. Thanks

Lots of folks pay extra for that desired stiffness. Original springs, particularly in the rear, are infamously too soft and prone to bottoming out on the suspension bump stops when there is a heavy load in the cargo. The original front end springs are not known for being softies unless you're doing serious off road conditions.

I don't mind firm but it's got that feeling like there's not much travel... i wonder what combo was installed up front. From what I've heard the OME's generally improve everything so will probably go that route after all the other more important stuff is done- Thanks