Making The Smoothest Riding Street VX - Tire & Shock Advice...

[TheGanzman]

O.K. guys, finally scored me a mint 58K highway mile '01 Proton garage queen. It's stone stock, except for a set of BF Goodrich Long Trails in 265/60/18. No, I ain't gonna be lifting it or taking it to Moab; it's gonna be my daily driver - freeway runs up to L.A. once per week, and schlepping my trail bicycle to and from my bike trails. Here's my questions:

I'm leaning towards a set of General Grabbers in 265/60/18; they're getting great reviews all around as a good all-season SUV road tire. In the opinion of the more learned members of the group, will the slightly larger profile of the 265 ride more smoothly than the stock 245?

For those with experience with the Rancho RS9000XL's who have replaced the stock shocks that were in DECENT condition, was there a noticeable improvement in ride quality? How "low did you go" on the dial settings for highway use? Do they ride better than the equivalent Bilsteins?

I've already read a PILE of threads on shocks and tires, but have yet to see the definitive thread on THE best choice for highway shocks and tires. I realize that we're talking about a stoutly-sprung, short wheelbase SUV; I'm not expecting a Coupe de Ville - just trying to get the max. comfort out of the limited constraints that we're working with...

BTW, I SURE do like that I'm NOT driving a Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, BMW M3, Infinity EX35, VW Tiguan, Mercedes GLK, Lexus RX, Land Rover LR2, Subaru Forester, or Acura RDX! I researched the sh*te outta ALL of 'em; couldda bought ANY of 'em - and I'd rather own my "new" VX than the best of the above!

[Thmstec]

Smooth riding VX ?

Sarcasm aside, I don't have any experience with new shocks or tires. But understanding the physics behind it, the bigger tires will ride smoother, assuming that the side-walls aren't dramatically stiffer...

As an additional thought though, I notice you got an '01, and those have the 18inch rims. Moving to some smaller [16inch] rims would improve the ride quality a bit. Especially if you do some large 265 tires which would require none to minimal trimming of the cladding. Just as a note though, my '99 VX (16 inch rims) came with 255 all-terrains (stock 245), stock shocks, and I would say it rides pretty rough. Especially when the tires are pumped up properly.

Some softer shocks would probably make the most difference in "ride quality." Just keep in mind that your VX will dip/dive/lean more, which will take away a bit from the "sports car" feel. From what I've read, almost nothing is as firm as the stock shocks except for a select set of bilsteins

[pbkid]

Smooth riding VX ?

Sarcasm aside, I don't have any experience with new shocks or tires. But understanding the physics behind it, the bigger tires will ride smoother, assuming that the side-walls aren't dramatically stiffer...

As an additional thought though, I notice you got an '01, and those have the 18inch rims. Moving to some smaller [16inch] rims would improve the ride quality a bit. Especially if you do some large 265 tires which would require none to minimal trimming of the cladding. Just as a note though, my '99 VX (16 inch rims) came with 255 all-terrains (stock 245), stock shocks, and I would say it rides pretty rough. Especially when the tires are pumped up properly.

Some softer shocks would probably make the most difference in "ride quality." Just keep in mind that your VX will dip/dive/lean more, which will take away a bit from the "sports car" feel. From what I've read, almost nothing is as firm as the stock shocks except for a select set of bilsteins

thats what i was thinking.... the VX is kinda heavy in the front and so (at least mine) has a tendency to dip when braking and lean in the front when cornering (yes my shocks need a little replacing, but they definately arent blown)....so in my experience, if you replace them with something softer your going to end up with something that handles like a cadalac (sp)....

i would take thmstec's advice and go with a smaller rim...which will give you more sidewall which will in turn give you a softer ride, but still have good response...

so, i would stay stiff with the shocks and get a bigger sidewall...

[Gussie2000]

I'll deffinetly go with smaller rims,also remember that the tire's speed rating is important along with the index load.

An set up of highway/all season should be just perfect.If you need more info check out tirerack.com.

You can gather all the info to make the right choice

[pbkid]

I'll deffinetly go with smaller rims,also remember that the tire's speed rating is important along with the index load.

An set up of highway/all season should be just perfect.If you need more info check out tirerack.com.

You can gather all the info to make the right choice

personally i LOVE the bfg all terrain's...but i drive 8 hours a week solid in the snow....so i need something that kicks arse...

[rowhard]

The Rancho 9000's will soften the ride over the OEM's, but being a short wheelbase, it will still and always be an uncomfortable ride compared to a long wheel base vehicle. I found with 9000's, when run soft, had a lot of nose dive under braking.