Dumb suspension question

[Barry H]

I know this is beginner-level stuff, but I'm unclear on what the springs on a FSJ do compared to the shocks.

I have almost new Monroe shocks on my truck, and have a VERY stiff ride - especially at the rear. Would the springs affect this? Is it all the shocks? What are the symptoms of bad springs, other than "saggin' wagon"?

Thanks for the information.

Barry

[Floodsie]

Springs are USUALLY what contributes the most to a stiff ride.... short of a shock that has frozen up, shocks are there to dampen (smooth out) the natural oscillations of the springs and though they may help stiff springs feel a bit stiffer, they can't do it by themselves... I would doubt your Monroe's are the problem.... maybe the PO did a spring switch or add-a-leaf??? It maystill sag even after doing a switch... 'Bad' springs sag and then break!!! BTW - There are no dumb questions!!!

[Veepster]

here is an easy check....remove the lower mounting bolts of the shock.....climb on the bumper and jump up and down..it should be a very smooth motion....have someone look at the springs as you jump to see if anything looks out of the ordinary......reinstall shocks and jump again...note differences and decide what to do next!