Bump Stops

[CrnCnn]

I just got a response.

I have the "long" version.

[JAMAS]

I have not received a response yet from my e-mail to Independent4x. Luckily, they were installed on Friday without any issue. I also have the "Long" installed.

I feel like I went from chopsticks to a broom handle. Those tie rods are HUGE!

[samneil2000]

Not to TJ here, but this post seemed like the place. I want to order the OME 3 inch springs and bump stops from I4X but I can't find the rear bump stops on their website. Do they have them on the web? Do they carry them at all? Will I need to order them from someone else?
Will the springs give 3 inches of lift in the back or should I get spacers too? I don't want to lift the back more than I will be able to in the front with just torsion bars and no diff-drop. I also don't want to it to ride on the front stops.
Also, should I order the low pro front stops, or just sawzall mine in half?

[samneil2000]

Ugh, now I know what Todd Adams meant about getting burned out answering these questions - it's constant. Do a search for "VX lift wiki", part numbers and descriptions are included.

I did I did, I promise. I have a shortcut saved directly to the "lift wiki" page for easy use. I spent 2 weeks lurking, searching, and learning before I piped up with this question. But when I go to the I4X site, I can't find the bump stops, even if I search for them by part number. That's why I'm asking if they still carry them, and if not, where else might I get them. I have read tons of lifting posts on here, believe me.

[Ascinder]

Just do an internet search on either energy suspension or prothane. You ought to be using smaller bumpstops up front and bigger in the rear. I think energy suspensions has low profile and ultra low profile for the fronts. You probably only need low profile for 0"-3" of lift IMHO. The rears you should be able to get away with 9.9104B or 9.9104R which just means either black or red. I am using these in the rear of mine, plus a piece of 2-1/2" square tubing as a n additional spacer. I am at 4-1/2" of lift. So you ought to be fine.

[ZEUS]

I did I did, I promise. I have a shortcut saved directly to the "lift wiki" page for easy use. I spent 2 weeks lurking, searching, and learning before I piped up with this question. But when I go to the I4X site, I can't find the bump stops, even if I search for them by part number. That's why I'm asking if they still carry them, and if not, where else might I get them. I have read tons of lifting posts on here, believe me.

Alright, sorry... The Energy' bump stops were just an improvisional choice I made when I needed to replace my factory bump stops and some other people have followed that lead cuz it is simple. I4x doesn't offer anything for rear bump stops as far as I know. You can find your own bump stops to use though. I jumped a railroad crossing the other day at 50 mph and the extra stiffness of the poly bumpers caused the VX to land/bounce a little funny. And they also have a tendency to "spring back" a little heavy on speed bumps as well. That is the annoying part of using these bumpers. If you can locate some rubber bump stops or lower your factory ones using a fabbed spacer you may be better off. There, that's a better answer for you...

[VX KAT]

When Tim Parker did my windows, he noticed I'm pretty much riding on the rear bump stops and that explains the really rough ride on dirt road, etc..

My goal, I just want a smoother ride on dirt, gravel roads.

I searched & read some threads about bump stops and cranking on the torsion adjustment bolts. JAMAS mentioned he was going to cut his stops in half. Did you ever do that? How'd it come out? What about getting the low profile or ultra low profile stops?

Would cutting the rears in half do much? Spacing on my 4Runner's rear stops are like 8"....so wasn't sure an inch or so would make much difference on VX, & read where LDub says stock is around 1/4" space. I can't do a lift of any kind because it would make it too hard for me to get into car (long story).

Taking it to a shop next week for tranny & transf case flush & alignment, & they could work on this, but I wanted some advice from you VX'ers.

Any suggestions?? Thanks.

Here's pics of both front & rear.

[deermagnet]

I still say the stock shocks are your biggest problem. You gotta get rid of them. You checked the front end and it's like a rock. Get the 9-way adjustable Rancho shocks. Either the old school non-gas charged, if ya can find 'em, or the new XL gas charged. You can dial in the ride you want and the difference will be dramatic on your bumpy road.

Is that four paws I see in the last photo? You got some kinda desert critter walkin' 'round the garage?

Get the front and rear diffy fluids changed also as long as that shop is under there. Then you get all four fluids changed at the same time in the future.

Mark

[VX KAT]

Is that four paws I see in the last photo? You got some kinda desert critter walkin' 'round the garage?

Yeah, that's Bandi our desert dog (mutt)....she's black (with tan paws) yet only takes like 4 tablespoons of water on a hot day sometimes, very weird......

[VX KAT]

OK, thanks deermagnet, just ordered the Rancho RX9000XL's....I'm tired of complaining about the ride....just gave the ole' MasterCard a little workout. Buy 3, get 1 free, & free shipping deal, so that helped, PLUS they have a 90 day ride guarantee.....they'll refund price + $50/axle labor costs if I don't like them.

I'll post my OEM stock KYB shocks FOR SALE after we see what condition they're in. Been told x2 no leaks, looked good.

Since I'm going to Moab, if somebody also attending wants to buy them I'll bring them, save big on shipping.

[VX KAT]

OK, gettin the Rancho RS9000XL's installed Thursday. Checked rear bumb stops today and they're virtually touching, so I'm going to have shop cut them in half like suggested on previous threads.

Question 1- If the Rear bump stops are touching, then the suspension isn't really getting to do it's job, right??? By cutting them down, I'll gain about 1" - 1 1/2" clearance ...is that going to make much difference by ITSELF or how does that work with the new Ranchos?? LDub, you said you thought the stock clearance in rear was about 1/4" or so....how could that make any sense? These great OEM shocks, but then only a super small distance for the suspension to travel...seems like the shocks wouldn't get to do much on the compression side of the function??

Question 2- What about the front bump stops?? So far, can only see the stop on the lower part, seems like it has at least 1/2" clearance (pic above). With the new Ranchos installed, should I still get an low or ultra low profile stop to replace the lower ones?

Question 3 - I tried reading all the threads about adjusting the torsion bars and how that could help, but I just don't have any understanding of all that. Should the shop do anything to the torsion bars while they're puttin' in the Ranchos to give the bump stops more clearance??

Thanks for being patient on this subject that I've definitely driven into the ground! It should be over soon! Sorry!!

[deermagnet]

Okay, all this talk about bump stops got me curious. In over nine years I've never looked for them or noticed them while under there. So, I just went out to take a look at mine for the first time. Both rear stops have about 3/8" clearance. Both lower front stops are missing the rubber pieces. They may have fallen out years ago. There's just empty shells with about 1.5" of clearance. I think I would know if I had any metal on metal contact there. I'm not sure but I really don't think the bump stops play a big role in how the VX rides on rough roads. My VX rides great on the old school Rancho RS9000X shocks (soon to be replaced with the XL's). It always has and I really like the ride with those shocks and my bump stops as they are now.

I'll probably try to remove the remains of the front stops and get some Energy Suspension bump stops.

Kat, you're looking at a fraction of an inch difference on the rear stops from some of us. Maybe you should hold off on messing with the bump stops until you see how it rides with the new shocks. The bump stops may be a non-issue for you. But it's your VX and your call.

Mark Griffin (a VX lifer)