New info on the "freeway bounce"

[tommarbru]

Had a long talk with my Toyota service manager (who is an off-road racer as well) about the freeway hop we experience here in So. Cal on the concrete freeways with the expansion joints. He has been in contact with the engineers at Toyota and stated that that they are aware of the problem and that a few months ago they were testing some kind of "stabilizing" system that would dampen the rocking motion. However, it proved to be too expensive as a retrofit, and it was decided that no further cures were forthcoming from the factory. They also stated that the Tundra was a 1/2 ton truck that was really designed to compete with the other 3/4 ton trucks in regard to load capacity, hence the stiff rear springs. So I guess we are "screwed" and have no hope for a factory cure. I have also tried adding 150lbs. to the rear bed as well as lowering air pressure but the ride is still unacceptable at least for me. What I am going to attempt next is to talk to the "experts" at a company here in San Diego called National Spring who custom fabricate suspension components for the Baja off-road crowd. Perhaps they could suggest if cutting or replacing one of the springs or fabricating a totally new set of softer springs would solve the problem. Will let you know what transpires and what they suggest, if anything.

[Deznutjob]

Originally Posted by tommarbru

Had a long talk with my Toyota service manager (who is an off-road racer as well) about the freeway hop we experience here in So. Cal on the concrete freeways with the expansion joints. He has been in contact with the engineers at Toyota and stated that that they are aware of the problem and that a few months ago they were testing some kind of "stabilizing" system that would dampen the rocking motion. However, it proved to be too expensive as a retrofit, and it was decided that no further cures were forthcoming from the factory. They also stated that the Tundra was a 1/2 ton truck that was really designed to compete with the other 3/4 ton trucks in regard to load capacity, hence the stiff rear springs. So I guess we are "screwed" and have no hope for a factory cure. I have also tried adding 150lbs. to the rear bed as well as lowering air pressure but the ride is still unacceptable at least for me. What I am going to attempt next is to talk to the "experts" at a company here in San Diego called National Spring who custom fabricate suspension components for the Baja off-road crowd. Perhaps they could suggest if cutting or replacing one of the springs or fabricating a totally new set of softer springs would solve the problem. Will let you know what transpires and what they suggest, if anything.

I would call these guys first, they're just about the best!Deaver Suspension

[jtruck618]

So first Toyota builds a Tundra a bit smaller than a true half ton; now they build a Tundra which is a half ton, but more suited toward a 3/4 ton. Toyota should just build a 1/2 ton and be done with it. This would exclude the ride which you guys explain on here. If I wanted/needed a 3/4 ton I would get one and live with the ride. If I wanted something smaller than a 1/2 ton I would get a Tacoma hands down. My Chevy is junk, Fords dont impress me and Dodge's are lacking too......Whats a brotha supposed to do!!! Maybe I will look closer at the Tacoma.

[Deznutjob]

Originally Posted by jtruck618

So first Toyota builds a Tundra a bit smaller than a true half ton; now they build a Tundra which is a half ton, but more suited toward a 3/4 ton. Toyota should just build a 1/2 ton and be done with it. This would exclude the ride which you guys explain on here. If I wanted/needed a 3/4 ton I would get one and live with the ride. If I wanted something smaller than a 1/2 ton I would get a Tacoma hands down. My Chevy is junk, Fords dont impress me and Dodge's are lacking too......Whats a brotha supposed to do!!! Maybe I will look closer at the Tacoma.

I would first look closer at the roads you frequent, you may never experience this problem if your local roads and highways are smooth and not built like Los Angeles crap freeways! Ya never know bro!

[SRT8TUNDRA]

Originally Posted by Deznutjob

I would first look closer at the roads you frequent, you may never experience this problem if your local roads and highways are smooth and not built like Los Angeles crap freeways! Ya never know bro!

I agree.

I almost never experience the bed bounce on the roads that I frequently drive. I'm very impressed with the overall ride of my DC. It's a hell of a lot better than my 2005 Ram was!

When I have experienced "the bounce" it was very minimal and only lasted maybe a second or two. No Big Deal! No other pickup built today can compare to the Tundra, IMO.

[08CMAX]

Originally Posted by SRT8TUNDRA

I agree.

I almost never experience the bed bounce on the roads that I frequently drive. I'm very impressed with the overall ride of my DC. It's a hell of a lot better than my 2005 Ram was!

When I have experienced "the bounce" it was very minimal and only lasted maybe a second or two. No Big Deal! No other pickup built today can compare to the Tundra, IMO.

True Dat!!!!!!!!

[Art64]

Originally Posted by tommarbru

Had a long talk with my Toyota service manager (who is an off-road racer as well) about the freeway hop we experience here in So. Cal on the concrete freeways with the expansion joints. He has been in contact with the engineers at Toyota and stated that that they are aware of the problem and that a few months ago they were testing some kind of "stabilizing" system that would dampen the rocking motion. However, it proved to be too expensive as a retrofit, and it was decided that no further cures were forthcoming from the factory. They also stated that the Tundra was a 1/2 ton truck that was really designed to compete with the other 3/4 ton trucks in regard to load capacity, hence the stiff rear springs. So I guess we are "screwed" and have no hope for a factory cure. I have also tried adding 150lbs. to the rear bed as well as lowering air pressure but the ride is still unacceptable at least for me. What I am going to attempt next is to talk to the "experts" at a company here in San Diego called National Spring who custom fabricate suspension components for the Baja off-road crowd. Perhaps they could suggest if cutting or replacing one of the springs or fabricating a totally new set of softer springs would solve the problem. Will let you know what transpires and what they suggest, if anything.

I've read a similar post on the other forum site. The only thing we can do here is to either mod the rear suspension or mod the frame or both. But modifying the frame can be costly and damaging if not done correctly. I have replaced my rear suspension one by one in an affort to lessen the vibes. It worked. My leaf springs are Alcan's, shocks are Rancho 9000XL adjustables, I've installed a heavy duty Class IV/V hitch to stiffen the rear (RCSB w/ SAP), and installed a TRD sway bar. I kept the rear tire pressure to 36-37 PSI. The last thing I need to do is to install Firestone Air Bags so is can carry heavy weights. Adjustables is the way to go in this case. If you're not loaded heavy, there's no need to have a stiff springs and stiff valved shocks. It's a truck but there are products out there to make the ride more enjoyable.

[jtruck618]

The roads in my area vary. Some are asphalt, some are concrete, some oil and chip and more and more are becoming the concrete with expansion joints. The kind that they pour, cut and then it makes the da-dump, da-dump sound....people who live near them, hate them. I will probably go witht he Turndra; just a Tacoma fan and it is proven of many many years.

[TundraLAMX]

Originally Posted by Deznutjob

I would first look closer at the roads you frequent, you may never experience this problem if your local roads and highways are smooth and not built like Los Angeles crap freeways! Ya never know bro!

Yeah dude some of Los Angeles freeways or just plain highways those of you in the east coast. SUCK...funny never really looked at the problems being the trucks fault kinda just knew the roads weren't smooth but had mini whoops. So i just go faster cuz the faster you go the smoother it gets...BBrrrrrraaapp. Or i just start acting like a kids an hummmmmmmm....

[SybErkRimInAL]

This weekend was the first time I drove my tundra anywhere out of the city I live in. I drove out to Riverside to visit a friend. So I finally got to experience this bounce everyone is talking about in my tundra. This happens in all trucks though right?? Before this, I'd driven an H2 Hummer, A lifted ford and a lifted chevy truck and had the same experience in those vehicles. So I dont see how everyone thinks this bounce issue is only on the tundras.

[Phoenix]

We just experienced this east of San Bernardino on I-10. I had forgotten about those repetitive, shallow dips in the LA area freeways.

I don't know why people are trying to modify the suspension on their Tundra's. This occurs with all trucks; we had the same experience with Hal, last year.

I think this is more pronounced with pickups, because of their relatively long wheelbase, which seems to match the harmonic frequency of the dips in the concrete; and because pickup springs and shocks ride more firmly than passenger cars.

Unfortunately, I don't think there is much you can do to a pickup's suspension to improve this situation; unless you turn it into a car, which defeats the whole purpose of buying a truck.

I agree with the other posts -- drive faster, drive slower, or just go "aaahhh -- aaahhh -- aaahhh -- aaahhh" with the kids and enjoy the ride.

[Toxarch]

You could contact General Spring in Kansas City. The owner of the company has an 07 Tundra and I know he was working on a new set of springs for the Tundra to help improve the highway bounce. He sent out test springs to a few Tundra owners on TS, but I never heard what came of that.

Here's his website. I didn't see gen-2 Tundras listed on there.
General Spring offers leaf springs, coil springs, lift kits, leveling kits

[Mickey]

You Cali folks are welcome to head east and stay for awhile.....I'll even have an Ultra for you....

[Deznutjob]

Originally Posted by Mickey

You Cali folks are welcome to head east and stay for awhile.....I'll even have an Ultra for you....

I wouldn't give up Cali for the world!

[jpnca]

Originally Posted by Mickey

You Cali folks are welcome to head east and stay for awhile.....I'll even have an Ultra for you....

Yaaaaaaa loose the humidity and I'll thik about it. maybe