Bouncy Suspension Options - Toyota 4Runner Forum

MyFirstRunner · 07-03-2023, 09:06 PM

Our 2011 Limited, especially after the last couple of years towing a popup, drives like boat and is starting to feel unsafe at highway speeds when it begins bobbing up and down.

All I seem to read about are Bilstein 5100's, Kings and take offs (??) but I'm curious what to expect if I just go to my mechanic and get "new shocks"? Does that work or should I ask for something specific. I worked on my 3rd Gen a lot and would tackle anything myself but not in a place right now to do this work in the driveway.

I appreciate any thoughts.

Deuxdiesel · 07-04-2023, 06:43 AM

As you already know, the shocks only dampen the springs from oscillating over and over, so if your 4Runner is truly doing that, then just try 5100's. They are affordable and easy to install. Even new, my 4R was floaty on the highway and in crosswinds. I replaced the springs and shocks with slightly stiffer springs and 5100's and it helps, but it doesn't cure the inherent floating of a heavy BOF SUV. Have you looked into your tires? For towing frequently, a higher load index tire with a stiffer sidewall might help as well.

MyFirstRunner · 07-04-2023, 09:38 AM

I’m in my second set of Duelers and will get new tires next summer, was targeting Michelin Defenders.

So are shocks enough? Sounds like the reco is to do new springs also? This is basically an everyday driver and we tow a popup 3 times a year.

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fkheath · 07-04-2023, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyFirstRunner

So are shocks enough? Sounds like the reco is to do new springs also? This is basically an everyday driver and we tow a popup 3 times a year.

Shocks are enough. Modern springs don't wear out or sag as in the old days. But if you carry heavy loads, then stiffer springs will help with that.

As others have said, the 4Runner comes with a softer suspension, but it shouldn't bounce if the shocks are good. I actually like the softer suspension when I off road; much more comfortable than my Jeeps which could be brutal on my body.

Humble Leader · 07-04-2023, 12:54 PM

do you still have the factory xreas on your vehicle? if you do an upgrade to a simpler shock set up will be slightly more work as you need to remove the xreas and hydraulic fluid before installing new shocks

FYI I have michelin defenders M+S and they are great IMO. much better than the duelers

curmudge1 · 07-04-2023, 01:11 PM

+1 on the Michelin LTX Defender M&S, 2nd set on my 2012 TE.

Why 5100 Bilstein, why not the 4600s? If you are happy with factory height & don't want to change anything about that. 4600s are my plan.

MyFirstRunner · 07-04-2023, 01:26 PM

Yes, I still have the factory XREAS.

Grug556 · 07-04-2023, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyFirstRunner

Yes, I still have the factory XREAS.

Your truck is really old. I suggest you get a bucket, a rag and some bolt cutters. This will make removing XREAS really simple. Course you could try your luck on the boosters with a flare wrench and see if you can make it move. When you give up, cut the hard lines with the cutters, drain out the fluid. Cut each shock hard line where it enters, use a rag so no spray. Then remove Red XREAS shocks, taking out the hard lines once your chop them up and the boosters which are half way under rocker panels between front and rear wheels on both sides. Very easy to do this the simple way... theres no real value in old XREAs so dont baby it.. chop it!

Humble Leader · 07-05-2023, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by curmudge1

+1 on the Michelin LTX Defender M&S, 2nd set on my 2012 TE.

Why 5100 Bilstein, why not the 4600s? If you are happy with factory height & don't want to change anything about that. 4600s are my plan.

I think a lot of people sleep on the 4600s but for stock height they are a great value

MyFirstRunner · 07-05-2023, 09:54 AM

I’m happy with the stock height. I put in some Firestone airbags to help with the rear springs when towing but overall happy with stock.

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MyFirstRunner · 07-08-2024, 09:18 PM

Just getting back into this, not sure where the time went.

So, take out the old XREAS stuff, don't need to worry about the lines, etc. So if I do Bilstein's, 5100 or 4600, that's all that would be needed, is that accurate? I can just replace the 4 shocks but don't need to worry about springs? Just want to have my info straight before going to the mechanic. I've used them a bunch and trust them but don't want to take chances getting sold more than I need. I'm usually pretty confident talking to the shop but with shocks I'm not at all.

Thanks for the advice. Would like to get this done then get the tires/alignment.

fkheath · 07-08-2024, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyFirstRunner

Just getting back into this, not sure where the time went.

So, take out the old XREAS stuff, don't need to worry about the lines, etc. So if I do Bilstein's, 5100 or 4600, that's all that would be needed, is that accurate? I can just replace the 4 shocks but don't need to worry about springs? Just want to have my info straight before going to the mechanic. I've used them a bunch and trust them but don't want to take chances getting sold more than I need. I'm usually pretty confident talking to the shop but with shocks I'm not at all.

Thanks for the advice. Would like to get this done then get the tires/alignment.

Shocks wear out. Springs do not wear out.

However, springs can rust or break if stressed too much, so inspect the springs for that.

In the old days (old, old days), springs would sag over time, but modern springs don't sag.

MZ2215 · 07-10-2024, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyFirstRunner

Just getting back into this, not sure where the time went.

So, take out the old XREAS stuff, don't need to worry about the lines, etc. So if I do Bilstein's, 5100 or 4600, that's all that would be needed, is that accurate? I can just replace the 4 shocks but don't need to worry about springs? Just want to have my info straight before going to the mechanic. I've used them a bunch and trust them but don't want to take chances getting sold more than I need. I'm usually pretty confident talking to the shop but with shocks I'm not at all.

Thanks for the advice. Would like to get this done then get the tires/alignment.

Yeah the 5100/4600's would just need to have the front springs switched over from the old shocks to the new. Let them know you have the x-reas since they may charge extra to remove that, if it's ridiculous you can ask them to just cut and clamp the lines as it's only about an hour job to do in the driveway. Other than that the new shocks will be mounted with the same hardware the old ones used. They may also want to install new top hats (~$50) if they're worn or in bad shape.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BdjttFvmV8

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