How can I modify to give me better On Road comfort and handling??

[lablack]

I'm one of the older TLC owners at 80 years old. I have a 2024 250 and would like to consider modifications to give me a better ride and handling. At my age, I doubt I will want to go off-road.

I know there are many on this forum with better knowledge than I and would like any input on changing shocks, suspension, tires, etc.

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[t3lcfe]

I'm one of the older TLC owners at 80 years old. I have a 2024 250 and would like to consider modifications to give me a better ride and handling. At my age, I doubt I will want to go off-road.

I know there are many on this forum with better knowledge than I and would like any input on changing shocks, suspension, tires, etc.

Thanks in advance for any input.

The stock LC250 doesn’t give the comfort and solid handling? Can you explain what you don’t like about driving your LC?

You know that LC is a truck so it runs like a truck…
Even though you are not taking your LC to off-road, the upgraded shocks will give you better ride and comfort ( smoother, more stable,…)
I had great experiences of on-road and off-road with Kings shocks for LC and Fox shock for Gwagon.
There are many other good brands out there for your options too…so if you have $$$ to throw on them…go for it

 

[Alpha Puppy]

I think you need to be more specific as to what you are looking for, or think is currently lacking in the handling of the truck in order to get useful suggestions.
I for one happen to think the truck drives as well as expected on-road for a platform that is meant to have extensive off-road capabilities. Perhaps you bought the wrong vehicle if you are solely on-road focused?.... Personally, if I was not interested in off-road capabilities and wanted sports car like on-road handling, I would have bought a European sedan, or a car disguised as an SUV, most likely a Porsche (Cayenne) or a BMW (X5/X7), perhaps a Mercedes (GLE/GLS).
But anyway, maybe be more specific as to what exactly you want to "improve" because comfort and handing don't usually go together...
Also, as I get older, I will be looking for more sophisticated driving aids for safety to make up for reduced vision, reaction times, etc. At least that is what I'm suggesting to Mom which is your age and per my understanding Mercedes has demonstrably the best performing driver assist features at the moment. Food for thought...

 

[Phillyfisher]

First thing I think about with ride and handling is rims and tires. What model do you have? What are the size of the rims and model are the tires? My next question would be, have you checked the tire pressures?

Many of us here had dealers that didn’t properly prep the car and neglected to air down the tires from transit. If your tires are at 50 psi instead of the 33 psi specified inside the drivers door, you will notice a harsh ride.

Handling is greatly affected by tires as well, perhaps just some different tires will help as well. I would look at those items first before suspension/shock changes.

I can tell you that coming from a Honda Pilot, I find that the LC with stock 20” rims and the Geolanders is quieter, handles better and is more comfortable than my old Pilot. I can also tell you there was a big change airing the tires down from 50 psi to the current 36 psi. I’ll air them down a bit further to see if there is any perceptible change, but at this point I doubt it.

Welcome to the forum! By the way, there are a few of us here who will be keeping our LC’s stock and enjoying them mostly on the road. Don’t be put off by the enthusiasts here who may question your choice. They are passionate about their LC’s and want everyone to experience their capabilities- the fact that you came here looking for some answers means you’ll fit right in, no matter where you actually end up taking your LC!

 

[EOD Guy]

Welcome to the Jungle!

It might be possible to dramatically improve the LC's on-road handling with new shocks, springs, sway bars and tires, specifically tuned to the LC and what you are looking to attain.

A new suspension package would be costly as it shouldn't be "pieced" together by different companies but rather a single company that specializes in suspension systems. as an example......... just about every shock company would sell you a very expensive shock and would claim that would fix your problem, but the old springs might work against the valving on the new shocks, no problem they say "our shocks are adjustable" but what setting would you adjust them to? The same would hold true for each part of the suspension system. IMO it would be much, much better to hire someone who specializes in overall handling and since not many people specialize in improving handling and ride characteristics of a rolling brick, it would be expensive.

At the end of the day, the juice might not be worth the squeeze.

 

[ultane]

I'm one of the older TLC owners at 80 years old. I have a 2024 250 and would like to consider modifications to give me a better ride and handling. At my age, I doubt I will want to go off-road.

I know there are many on this forum with better knowledge than I and would like any input on changing shocks, suspension, tires, etc.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Welcome to the asylum lablack.

 

[Area 51]

Michelin Defender LTX, stock size, inflated to the door pressure s/b 33lbs.
4 ply,, load rating D or C, you do not want the higher ply ratings and dont need them.

 

[TakaraLC]

Swapping 18 rims for 20 and increasing tire pressure would probably be the easiest and cheapest option to improve on road handling.

 

[Area 51]

Swapping 18 rims for 20 and increasing tire pressure would probably be the easiest and cheapest option to improve on road handling.

That will be a harsher ride, i have both.
He wants a nicer ride. Maybe better handling, it would be both if he takes the correct path. Not cheep but very very good results.

 

[Lainford Express]

Michelin Defender LTX, stock size, inflated to the door pressure s/b 33lbs.
4 ply,, load rating D or C, you do not want the higher ply ratings and dont need them.

This is the way. There's basically not a single aspect of vehicle performance that isn't improved by just buying what Michelin makes for your vehicle and use case and installing on your vehicle inflated to the proper pressure.

When it comes to tires, there are a lot of good options, but no matter how good any other company is, they still aren't Michelin.

 

[Area 51]

When we tested tires in the middle east, hottest summer days, tarmac at easily 140F, Michiliins and Perellis were the only tires that did not frag, the only tires. When i was driving which was often i still think the Michlins held up better longer and performed better. These are high speed runs easily 100mph +, oh my.
Keeping in mind Michelin has owned Perelli for some time now.
Carry on,,,,

 

[kevins950]

1. If you have the Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM), it has the 33.5 mm stabilizer bar. This might detract from the comfort and road handling feel you're looking for. I have the non SDM with a 36.5 mm stabilizer bar and it drives and handles with aplomb. In other words, the drive feels lithe and agile. The road handling is comfortable and precise.

2. As others have recommended, 18" wheels with premium right sized tires inflated to 33 psi should help.

Good luck.

 

[Rumbleandsway]

At the risk of repeating what others have said, I think the 250’s ride and handling is a triumph for a body on frame vehicle.

Compared to a Willys or Jimny the ride is awesome. Compared to a BMW5/7 or S-Class it’s laughable.

If on-Road comfort/ride is a priority get a Defender. If you can’t stand the prospect of perpetual warranty claims for steering, suspension, brakes, air con, engine…. Anything, ANYTHING!! Other than a JLR product.

 

[BlueCruiser]

Well, if the tire and suspension mods dont help, perhaps you could try this hot tub feature.

Takes messaging seats to a whole new level. but does suffer from noticable body roll.