Any change in the suspension world for 5th gens?
 

I am creeping up on 40k miles on my 2018 Pro. My stock Nittos are getting awfully loud and its almost time to replace them. I really want to go to a 285 and small lift to clear that tire.

3 years ago my research was narrowed down to BP51s but I've recently read about some rust issues with the bearings that has got me rethinking. My second choice was Bilsteins. 6112/5160 is pretty much what is on the older Pros. I am perfectly fine with that as a option. I always like to replace things with better so I started looking at the (announced, but not available when I was researching) 8112.

People also mentioned Dobinsons but I got very overwhelmed with their options.

Anyhow has anything changed? How are the OEM Fox setups holding up over time? I am sure I could find someone modding a near new 4Runner and get his take offs for a decent price.

What are your thoughts?

Little background, I mostly drive paved and gravel fire roads. Although one could argue that my local highway system is much like dessert running with all the pot holes.. Which actually brings me to my point. I have enjoyed the "more compliant" TRD Pro suspension for traveling with my 4Runner. I would like to keep with that capability of sailing "high speed" over massive pot holes and road imperfections. I most certainly don't rock crawl so low speed performance doesn't matter much to me.

The only real off-roading I do is an annual trip to a beach house that requires 5-9 miles of driving on a coastline and slightly inland, but its all beach all the time, Corolla NC.

It sounds like you're looking for a suspension upgrade for your 2018 Pro that will allow you to run a larger tire and provide a small lift, while maintaining the compliant ride you've come to enjoy.

From your research, it seems that you've considered BP51s, Bilsteins, and Dobinsons as options. The BP51s have been known to have rust issues with the bearings, so that's something to keep in mind. The Bilsteins are a solid choice, and the 6112/5160 setup is a popular option for the older Pros. The new 8112, which was announced but not available when you were researching, may also be a good option.

As for the OEM Fox setups, they are known to be durable and perform well, however, it's hard to say how they'll hold up over time as it will vary from vehicle to vehicle. Buying a near new 4Runner and getting the take offs from that vehicle for a decent price might be a good idea.

Dobinsons offer a wide range of suspension options, and it can be overwhelming to choose one. It's recommended to consult with a professional to make sure you get the right setup for your needs and usage.

In your case, you mostly drive on paved and gravel fire roads and highways with pot holes, and also an annual trip to a beach house that requires 5-9 miles of driving on a coastline and slightly inland, but its all beach all the time. In this case, Bilsteins or the 8112 would be a good option as they will give you the lift and tire clearance you need while maintaining the compliant ride you're looking for.

Are bots being tested around here?

As for the question...in Ohio, I would go 6112 on the standard springs for general use. For the rear it depends on what you want but plenty of options.

However, the 6112 on the stiffer springs (so called 650lb) would be a better fit if the vehicle does some type of serious offroading (higher speeds or rocks) even if rare.

In my experience stiffer front rides well with heavy tires; might be less comfy on lighter tires. The 6112 on standard springs was plush in my experience, but too soft for my offroad use.

The 8112 is way overkill for the Midwest and ditto Fox, King.

My thoughts exactly

Thanks for the info. I kind of had something happen that is going to change potential plans. The dreaded trd pro spring crack.

I put a call in to Toyota HQ and filled a official vehicle issue complaint or whatever they call it.
I was strongly urged to have my local dealership do a diagnostic inspection and report their finding to HQ. I am not holding my breath at all but I guess you never know.

The thing I am confused about is I’ve heard from a few vendors that the OEM pro spring is no longer available. So if Toyota decides to repair or replace what will they use?

Anyhow like I mentioned, I am not holding my breath on that and currently working on a backup plan.

I am at 40k on the Billy struts.

Plan A is to get the Dobinson Direct TRD Pro replacement. It is the same spring rate but adds 1” lift (levels?)

Plan B go full crazy and get Dobinson MRRs [emoji2957] buy once cry once.

I guess a Plan C would be The 6120/5160. I feel like that would be equal to stock. And it effectively is.

The important thing is to retain the factory UCA and level the front end. And of course increase ride quality at high speeds over pot holes and bad roads.
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Yeah, I don't think you get better bang for your buck than with 6112. And nothing stops you from pairing that with MRR rear. That was pretty much my Plan B.

I also think that the MRR, on paper, is the best mid-range setup handsdown because of the adjustability. It should also be all that you can realistically use on the 4R unless you move to the areas around here:)

Back before 2020, its price was quite reasonable but I have no idea about the situation today.