Rear bump stops -- optional or necessary?

[Triathlete]

My VX is lifted so the stops do not come into play on bumps or when cornering. I also have so rear sway bar. I do not notice much more body roll than I did when stock.

[blacksambo]

Lots of vehicles have these types of travel limiters. Unless I see a link to something showing Isuzu really considered this an "active" part if the suspension, I think you're stretching to make the assumptions you're making.

I totally agree with your assessment on analysis though!

All you have to do is look at the cut-away drawings on the VX JDM brochure to see that the spring helper basically rides on the rear axel to know it had to be an active part of the suspension that was intended curbed body roll.

[Leon R]

Has anyone ever checked into Trooper sway bar or springs to see if they are stiffer than XV parts (I am assuming that it is the same general rear end design)?

[89Vette]

All you have to do is look at the cut-away drawings on the VX JDM brochure to see that the spring helper basically rides on the rear axel to know it had to be an active part of the suspension that was intended curbed body roll.

Is there an online link? In the "Rear Suspension" diagram of this link we don't even see the stops pictured. That tells me they're not considered an active part of the suspension.

[blacksambo]

Is there an online link? In the "Rear Suspension" diagram of this link we don't even see the stops pictured. That tells me they're not considered an active part of the suspension.

Thank you for your request. VT Maverick recently posted the entire JDM brochure on the board, which depicted the cut away reveal of the rear helpers' close proximity to the rear axel.

[vt_maverick]

Here's what sambo is talking about. If you zoom in on the rear tire you can see the stops (it's much clearer in the actual brochure, this is a pretty poor scan). What's difficult to discern is how far they're sitting above the axle; the cutaway superimposes the rotor so you don't get a clear idea of where the top of the axle shaft really is positioned relative to the stop.



On the other hand, this page is in the section of the brochure where Isuzu highlights all the cutting edge technology used in the VX. Note that the stops do not appear in this diagram of the suspension set-up, although it could be argued that they were purposefully removed to more clearly show the sway bar attachment points.



Let the debate continue...

[Leon R]

Well, of course they aren't highlighting it!

1. It is a piss poor way to execute stiffer suspension. Not something you would brag about!
2. It was probably an afterthought, that was likely added AFTER marketing material was created.

But, to me, this was clearly an active (be it passive? ) part of the rear suspension.

[Maddawg]

Got in here a bit late on this discussion but I cut mine in half shortly after purchasing my VX, the jarring ride was tooooo much. Even so I was still experiencing a noticable stiffness in down travel. I put some grease on the contact point of the axle, took it out for a street test ride thru some mild dips and pot holes. Came home to see if there was grease now on the bottom of the rubber bump stops. There was. I removed them completely. BIG difference in the suspension travel, but let me mention I still had the stock wheels and tires so no problem with making contact with the clad. Further, there was absolutely no noticeable difference in cornering even at high speed. Now with my oversize tires and wheels with the 0 offset it was necessary to reinstall the bump stops. I had to use the cut off portions as well by mounting them on top of the bump stops with longer screws, it does the job quite well. So, if you have a stock suspension setup on the rear and not happy with the ride, take them completely off. But,save them, you can reuse them later on if you decide to go to over size tires and wheels.

The front had a harsh ride too. I took off the front sway bar, it was tooo stiff also. Big improvement in ride, no noticeable difference in cornering at all, I still have the rear sway bars. So before you poo-poo this tip, try it.

[blacksambo]

Well, of course they aren't highlighting it!

1. It is a piss poor way to execute stiffer suspension. Not something you would brag about!
2. It was probably an afterthought, that was likely added AFTER marketing material was created.

But, to me, this was clearly an active (be it passive? ) part of the rear suspension.

Let me second your comments.

If you study the cut-away view you can indeed see the axel and helper in very close proximity. Anecdotally, on our two '99's the axel to helper gap is less than a half-an-inch. Also, once the VX moves foraward, at any major speed, this gap would naturally close shut, so you are always riding on the helper.

[Maddawg]

Note that the stops do not appear in this diagram of the suspension set-up, although it could be argued that they were purposefully removed to more clearly show the sway bar attachment points.



Let the debate continue...

Most likely not shown because their not part of the axle assembly. They belong to the frame assembly.

[vt_maverick]

And springs are?

[Ldub]

Are springs are?

Sorry Mav..., when I see it, I have no control...

[Vendetta]

Religion, politics, and bump stops. I'm sorry, "spring helpers." Wait, scratch that, "suspension dampers."

-V

[blacksambo]

Religion, politics, and bump stops. I'm sorry, "spring helpers." Wait, scratch that, "suspension dampers."

-V

Very creative!

[89Vette]

Another benefit....

Passengers that ride in the back now say it's more comfortable back there. Bumps are less severe -- like they should be. Yes, the springs/shocks are getting to do their job instead of rubber mounts.

I'm more convinced it was the right move for a stock height VX.


BTW....How about "Frame grommets!" LOL Also, why wouldn't springs be part of the axle assembly? When you pull a car backwards, SOMETHING's gotta wind up to make it shoot forward! All my toy trucks do that anyway! <sheep-eating-grin>