4runner 2004 v8 limited - bumpy ride

Hello,
Just got my 4runner recently (2004 v8 limited, 133k miles).
I used to drive 4runner in the past (mostly V6), in West Africa where the roads / maintenance are really bad, but I didn't notice anything weird.
With my current 4runner, the ride is really bumpy on bad asphalt.
The rear part is jumping to the point I feel like the rear part of the vehicle is disconnected from the front.
Again, the vehicle is 16 years old with 133k miles, I'm not expecting to have a smooth ride, but I thought the feeling will be more solid (like a small tank!).
Is that normal? Anything to do with the rear air suspensions (not sure if I have one)?
Thanks in advance.

 

No telling what the previous owner did to the suspension. Do a visual inspection, or take some pictures and post them here. We would at least be able to tell if you have air bags or not.

If it's not airbags, then:

It's possible the previous owner put some heavy duty coils on there.

Or maybe your shocks are blown and you've lost all your dampening.

If everything looks normal with a visual inspection, I'd start with replacing the shocks. Probably the cheapest way to go.

If that doesn't work, I'd then replace the coils.

 

Welcome to the forum!

^^^^this. @nimby nailed it here.

Shocks and springs could just be worn out. The vehicle has low mileage and isn't super old, so it should ride nice if it's maintained.

 

Thanks!
If shocks / springs should be replaced, are we talking on the rears only?
I live in Guatemala, the roads are pretty bad and I'm not looking to spend a lot on this car, seeking for the most economic solution (I'm not gonna stay here for a while..)

 

You could start with rear shocks and see how it is. Then front. It's tough to diagnose without experiencing it first hand

 

Thanks for answering.
I changed the rear shocks (

$46 KYB 344410 Excel-G Gas Shock

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EQ8GXS/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_W-u5Eb5SJVNRT).
The ride improved just in a bit. I still getting those shaking / bumping in the rear part of the car over bad roads. In addition, can hear some buzzing from the rear part, not sure if it's coming from tbe wheels or the rear window (he's not functional and not completely sealed).
Any suggestions?
Again. I'm repeating the same thing because in my memory, 4runners built like tanks, shouldn't be so excited over bad roads. And of course, no sounds should be coming from the bottom rear part constantly.
Thanks again.

 

Have you checked the balance of your wheels/tires?

 

Sort of. I live in Guatemala, majority of shops are so so. The car was on the lift, they checked for balance and according to them everything looks good (based on 2004 vehicle).
My tires about 65%, this can be a major player?
Thanks.

 

The tires could be a problem.

If your issue is only at the rear of the vehicle, the easiest way to check if it's wheel/tire related is to rotate the rear tires to the front and see if your front end now has the shakes and the rear smoothes out.