I ended up replacing the Coopers with Michelin Defender LTX MS2’s and now the ride transformation is complete. The Coopers were definitely harsh and loud compared to the Michelin’s, but that’s not a very fair comparison as they’re two different categories of tire. I think the Wranglers that come with the Timberline are intentionally on the softer side to improve ride quality. The downside to those tires is that they lose quite a bit of grip in the wet as they wear.
The new tires definitely neuter the overall look of the Timberline, but the ride quality paired with the Bilsteins is what I was hoping for. Maybe a bit in the stiffer side, but it’s a massive improvement and I can now stop thinking about getting a new vehicle. Overall, I spent just over $2600 for the Bilsteins and Michelins. The shocks wereand installed by some very knowledgeable fellas at an off-road store here in Cincinnati (Total Off-road). I ended up going to Costco for the tires as we were there shopping and I found out they could get it done same day. I figured I might as well go for it.
Anyway, if you start to feel your Timberline suspension going, then I think you can do yourself a huge favor by replacing the Shocks and Tires. I think the OEM shocks and Tires would have been just as good a choice as the setup I chose as it would achieve a similar result and also keep the tough look of the Timberline.
I’ll be towing a boat up and back from MI next week and am hoping that experience is vastly improved.
Thanks again for all of the thoughts/advice