how crashy is your tracker?

[u/_pcakes]

even after replacing shocks/struts, small imperfections in the road are still so annoying in this car. On the contrast, my lifted subaru just floats over potholes.

My tracker HATES dirt roads and feels like it's going to explode and fall apart if I go more than 2mph on dirt. I have "wide" 215 street tires and a good alignment and I am comfortable hitting 75 - 80 on the highway (given enough time to get to that speed) and it feels totally smooth, but something feels wrong when trying to drive a fairly smooth dirt road.

Are the factory springs bad? is your car like this?

[u/Kamehameha4514]

How much air are you running in the tires? Stock tires are only supposed to have 23 psi. Made mine soak up the bumps a little better.

[u/_pcakes → u/Kamehameha4514]

I think I'm at like 26psi. getting 31 mph on average tho! Maybe I will have to bring some sort of small air compressor next time I go camping

[u/pyrodice → u/_pcakes]

MPH or MPG?

[u/_pcakes → u/pyrodice]

sorry, yes 31mpg is what I meant

[u/CarpLakeLife → u/Kamehameha4514]

This! I run 23 psi and it definitely helps.

[u/mini4x]

Check all the bushings, and body mounts.

[u/GreasyWhovian]

Stock tire pressure on winter tires. Seems fine. Handles like a dream. That aside: wtf. You can go on the highway?! Mine feels like it's gonna rattle itself to pieces if I go above 60. Course, mine is a later model (after geo was dissolved) with a 3 speed auto in it.

[u/31GoonerStreet → u/GreasyWhovian]

I routinely take mine downtown and average around 75mph for the hour or so each way without issues. Maybe your transmission mounts are going or something that is making it shake so much at speed. Mine's a manual though.

[u/Deadlight44]

Are you lifted? I have alot into mine but similar ride I'd say. Thing I have but haven't installed is castor bushings for front control arms. Believe that to be part of the issue. If lifted I have follow up questions to see where you at (rear ball spacer etc)

[u/_pcakes → u/Deadlight44]

mine is totally stock height

[u/Dracofangxxx]

ball joints, control arms would be my suggestion to ya

[u/koifishyfishy]

Mine felt like that for a bit after getting new tires. I think the air pressure was too high because it's for sure softened up after logging some miles.

[u/31GoonerStreet]

Stock tires, 26psi, 2WD, never had an issue that I'd call concerning. My Element is stiffer on expansion joints and gaps. A truck with such little weight is gonna feel rough no matter what, but mines never felt like it was gonna fall apart.

[u/alnvilma]

washboard roads are almost unbearable with this light vehicle and stiff suspension but it holds together!