bigshot82

I live in North; where potholes and seams are common on the roads. How can I make my TL'05 more smooth and "floating"; like a Toyota Avalon or Ford Grand Vic? Maybe aftermarket shock absorbers?

Rock2534

I don't think the car was designed to "float", rather to have a more connected feel. I think a big part of the soft ride on those other cars you mentioned are the higher profile tires. I suppose you could always get a smaller size wheel, and a higher profile tire.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

Get some soft tires, e.g. Michelin Exalto H rated.

happyboy

Wow! Maybe trade it for an Avalon or Crown Vic? Old Buicks have an awesome ride, too!

CaliWowie

put some bags on it yo...vip looks sweet on the ThugLuv

or get some damping shocks or coilovers...n put em on a low setting..ull be a lil lower then stock if you do that

jsonkimz

iTrader: (1)

And get them in a 245/45-17. Gives you a smidge more sidewall.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

That would always be my suggestion, but they don't make the Pilot Exalto A/S in 245/45-17. I have these on the daughter's Maxima (H rated) and our 2008 knock around car (V rated), and they're a great all around and will afford many miles, but I'm certain that there are other tires that are "soft", just got to take a look.

emeka206

Buy my stock springs/shocks, only 40K miles for cheap
It feels like you're floating Which is Why i changed it to something a bit stiffer

jsonkimz

iTrader: (1)

^ His springs and shocks would be the same as yours.

bigshot82

I get the concept of "sport-tuned suspension". But in my case, it is annoying, and down right uncomfortable at times. Maybe it's my Yokohama tires. I can't imagine anyone having "fun" driving in such condition.

emeka206

Do I really have to make that first little sentence red for you to detect the humor?
My ride on springs and shocks def felt like they were floating like an avalon or caddy.

jwr0ng626

iTrader: (1)

I dnt get the humor either..

OP will be on same suspension. Prob changing tires would be ur best bet. what is ur current size?

csmeance

tires can make a huge difference in ride comfort. If you want something with a VERY soft sidewall, take a look at the Continental DWS tires!

However if you want to get as soft as a ride you can you can do the following things:

Get 16" wheels which will allow for a larger sidewall for the car so it's a bit more comfortable.
Look for grand Touring Tires

408acura

New tires w/diff ratings would have some affect but not enough to get a TL to ride like a Buick or Cadillac...

408acura

Buicks & Cadillacs have that boat float feel, but look at the majority of the drivers, grandma & grandpa unless its a CTS-V

leedogg

Werd. I was surprised at how much softer my ride is now with the DWS's. My 19's feel softer than my 17's

jsonkimz

iTrader: (1)

.... That's what it's for... This is the internet, afterall.

Thanks.




OP - I had Yokohama's on my TL when I first bought it and hated them. I would guess this is a large part of what you're experiencing. When I switched to the Conti DWS's it was a world of difference.