Originally Posted by westdiablo

I spent a lot of time researching getting a smooth riding daily driver. Occasional fire road camping trips.

I tried Tacoma springs and shocks like some suggest. Bounced all over the place. Couldn't handle the weight.

I talked to guys from several of the big offroad retailers, and to guys directly at Fox and King.

The honest advice summary that I got from those experts ...ALL of the offroad-targeted suspension upgrades, lifted or not, will ride more harsh than stock. They're valved for a much more rugged environment.

I put Bilstein 2wd 4600s on my 4wd truck. Front rides like stock over rough pavement, with better stability in curves. Less float.

As somebody said...these things don't weigh enough to ever ride very smooth given the suspension geometry. Similar weight SUVs ride smoother largely due to less leverage in the front suspension (and use Macpherson struts) and IRS in the back. Unibody has its advantages.

We have a suspension geometry that can scale up to a far bigger truck. But we only weigh 4000 lbs.

Put 250lbs in your cargo area and a heavy front bumper on the runner. Rides like a Highlander!




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Originally Posted by Rockdawg84

an area to consider as you are thinking about putting some money into suspension, is to replace all your link bushings, front and rear as well as panhard. After 20 years of driving they are worn out. The Runner will track better and be quieter and smoother.


Then pick your springs and shocks. 99 tall coils or for just a little lift go with FJ cruiser springs. As others have said if you want to go all out, get Icon or King. I have two Runners now and one is on a budget suspension (5100 Billies) and the other is on kings all around and yes the difference is night and day on or off road. But the cost is also night and day.

I would also mention that a well set up runner will still never ride like a GX. 3rd gens just don't weigh enough to get that plush kind of ride. But we can still get pretty good and even if you spend 3k on suspension you will not be in debt like a '15 GX will put you. Just my .02 cents.

Originally Posted by AL B.

Same but I went with 906’s and Tundra 5100’s. Should have gone with 890’s though. May try and trade the 906’s here real soon.