The VX suspension/ride quality is a very common topic of discussion on this forum. You should take some time and use the search function and some key words about suspension, shocks, jarring, etc...and take some time to read up on it since it's so well documented.
The OEM shocks are unique for a "passenger" car/truck as they have reservoirs to aid cooling.....that's not found on any other production car, at least as of when our VXs were built. It also has a VERY stiff/tight ride dialed in, that's the way it was intended.
If you read up about the VX suspension, and check out some of these pics, you'll better understand why the truck is so jarring and slamming....at least it really helped me understand why the ride was so harsh.
Many owners have bought the "Rancho XLS9000" 9-way adjustable shocks, (including me!). Allows you to set them differently using 9 different settings....obviously from softer to harder...MANY have said that the OEM shocks are still stiffer than the Ranchos on setting 9, the firmest.
I currently keep my Ranchos on 6/4 (F/R)...and with my rear bump stops cut in half, I'm very happy with the ride....it will STILL just about JIGGLE your teeth out on a rocky road...but that's much improved over what it was!
So don't ever expect a sedan or family car ride in a VX...never!
Hope this helps ya!
Here's some threads to get you started:
BUMP STOPS:
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...ight=bump+stop
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...ight=bumpstops
DISCUSSIONS ABOUT SHOCKS, BRANDS:
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...ighlight=bruce
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...62&postcount=6
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...ighlight=bruce
HERE'S A 3/4 VIEW PICTURE OF THE OEM REAR BUMPSTOP. IT'S THE BLACK THING WITH THE BEIGE MUD/DIRT ON THE BOTTOM. IT'S SHAPED LIKE A FIGURE "8", MADE OF SOME DENSE TYPE OF RUBBER.
** NOTICE HOW CLOSE THAT BOTTOM BEIGE PART IS TO THE AXLE...MAYBE 1/8" CLEARANCE...THIS ONE IS VIRTUALLY SITTING ON THE AXLE! EVERYTIME YOU HIT A BUMP, THE AXLE COMES UP AND SLAMS INTO THE HARD BUMPSTOP.
THIS IS A SIDE SHOT PIC AFTER I CUT THE BOTTOM HALF OFF OF THE "8", YOU CAN SEE THE REMAINING RUBBER STOP IS NOW A BLACK "O" SHAPE. IT GIVES AT LEAST 4" MORE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE REAR AXLE AND THE BUMP STOP. THIS GREATLY REDUCES THE SEVERE "SLAMMING" EFFECT YOU HEAR AND FEEL WHEN HITTING A BUMP. IT MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN THE RIDE ON ROUGH/DIRT/ROCKY ROADS, AND ON POTHOLES!
NOTE THE BLACK SHINY SQUARE AREA, THAT'S WHERE THE BUMP STOP ACTUALLY COMES INTO CONTACT WITH THE AXLE.
THIS IS A FRONT BUMP STOP. IT'S DIRECTLY TO THE RIGHT OF THE BRIGHT RED BRAKE LINE. THEY'RE A SQUARE PAD ABOUT 3" x 3", and about 1.5 - 2" thick. YOU CAN SEE THE CLEANER BLACK SPOT ON THE FRONT AXLE WHERE THEY COME INTO CONTACT WITH IT.
THEY'RE NOT AS CLOSE TO THE AXLE AS THE REARS, DON'T KNOW ANY ONE HAS CUT THESE, USUALLY THEY REPLACE THEM WITH SOME PROTHANE ONES.
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