Rides rough over bumps on the road

So... for a few years now the 96 rivs been riding rough over bumps... like you can feel and hear everything on the road. It just seems to get worse over time especially after all of the patched potholes NYC has left me with this winter. I have done several things to try and stop this or bring it back to the way it was when I first got her. Here is a list of what i have changed so far:

All 4 tires from goodyears to Goodrich Traction TA's
KYB stuts in the front
Monroe shocks in the back with factory Air leveling
subframe bushing
tranny mount
both axles
tie rods
Steering Rack

Just a thought, could it be that I torqued the subframe a bit to tight? I had that impact gun on those bolts pretty good... anybody have a torque spec for there?

The KYB struts are firmer than stock and they improve control, handling and braking over stock. They also communicate more of the road surface to the car. I blew out a strut mount (it was misinstalled) on that stretch under the Broadway El near Van Cortland park, the stock struts would not have pushed on the frame so hard.

I am not sure how to 'make it the way you got her' because the stock struts are not available any more. Even the replacement delcos are stiffer than the old GM OEs I am told. The Monroe-Matic struts for the front are not as stiff as the KYBs.

Thanks for the quick reply!

I blew the strut mount on Queens blvd a few months back as well. You have KYBs on your riv do you have the same feel? The KYBs were listed under the original ride quality. are you familiar with any mods to increase dampening?

what is your tire pressure set too?

What kind of wheels do you have?

I have the stock rims and tire sizes and the pressure is set at 35psi. I could be the KYB's but it was riding the same with the other struts.

I noticed the KYBs seemed to make mine ride more solid, but this was compared to the aged OEM struts, which allowed the car to porpoise over bumps. They felt soft, but sloppy. It could also be the tires you're using. The Traction TAs are a firm-wall performance tire. Switch to a touring type tire designed for comfort - might be just the thing you're looking for.

Thanks! What tires do you have? hows the ride?

Dunlop Direzza DZ101, 45 profiles - super firm performance summer tires, I do not think they are what you are looking for!

Lol Nope! Thanks for all the help. I'm gonna look into an additional set of tires. Since we are on that subject, anyone have any leads on a set of chrome Riv rims?

Michilen Pilot All Season Touring for a nice quiet ride. I just don't think you can beat 'em.

darinus wrote:

I have the stock rims and tire sizes and the pressure is set at 35psi. I could be the KYB's but it was riding the same with the other struts.

the tire placard says 30 psi in all 4 tires. Try that, it will make a big difference.

darinus wrote:

Lol Nope! Thanks for all the help. I'm gonna look into an additional set of tires. Since we are on that subject, anyone have any leads on a set of chrome Riv rims?

They are working on a new web sire but try these folks

http://www.wilbertsinc.com/contact.html

I got a set of Riv alloys, with center caps, from them a few years ago, as-is(but no pits on bead sealing surfaces) and repainted them myself. IIRC ~50 each. They will have them refurbished for you for a little extra $$ if you want or sell them to you as is. You will have to call to see what they have. RockAuto.com sells refurbs (usually without centers, the center caps are around $75-100 each now from GM dealers, sometimes NOS ones come up on eBay for less.

[quote="ghpcnm"]Michilen Pilot All Season Touring for a nice quiet ride. I just don't think you can beat 'em.

[/quote

The only exception would be the Michilen Destiny. They are a Touring tire, ride very quiet and smooth. Price is not bad either with a 70 dollar rebate if you buy 4