RRC Classic vs. 2004 D2 Suspension

Swedjen2

Well-known member
Sep 12, 2018
594
127
California
Why does my 1990 RRC with at least 20 y.o. HD OME springs and whatever shocks OME sold at the time ride smoother than my 2004 D2 with new MD OME springs and new OME sport shocks? Noticeably more boat-like.
The D2 has 1" spacer in front. I have mostly orange bushing in the RR. The Disco has the stock rubber bushes.
They both have about the same milage at 175K-ish.
 

Howski

Well-known member
Oct 19, 2009
1,483
209
Alabama
There are some differences in suspension geometry but those 20 year old springs have had a lot of time to soften up. If the D2 has 18” wheels with lower profile tires that hurts ride quality too
 

Tugela

Well-known member
May 21, 2007
4,754
562
Seattle
On the rear axle the RRC uses an A-arm pivot and the D2 uses a Watts linkage, so not only different suspension geometry but different design. There are many potential contributing factors in your case, as mentioned. If you put the same size wheels/tires and same age/type of spring+shock on them, then you'd narrow control for suspension design. I've gone on a number of drives in my RRC where my truck flowed over the terrain more smoothly than did a D2 on HD springs, but again, several variations in components so hard to say which was responsible for how much difference.
 

ERover82

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2011
3,899
450
Darien Gap
Tire and shock differences seem most likely. IIRC those OME sport shocks are valved for increased load carrying.
 

Swedjen2

Well-known member
Sep 12, 2018
594
127
California
I've got 6.5X16 Wolfs with 235/85-16 Cooper STT Pro's on the RRC. On the D2 it's 8X16 TF's with General 265/75-16.

Thanks for the comments.