2010 SR5 4runner Body Roll

[rearro]

So, I'm new to the 4runners and We recently purchased a Certified Used one for my wife, And I notice that there is a Ton of body roll. I'm temped to take it back to the dealership, But I'm hesitant because I don't want to look like a dumbass. I went to the dealer today to see if I could test drive one and was told they didn't have any 2010-2011 in. So My question to the 2010 owners is Do you folks notice body roll when making normal speed turns, 10-20 mph. I even notice it when I see my wife drives off from our driveway and turns onto the main street.

We are coming from a BMW X5 and I know I can't expect the same type of handling, But It just seems excessive to me.

I thank you in advance and any comments are welcomed.

 

[Jtraskell]

So, I'm new to the 4runners and We recently purchased a Certified Used one for my wife, And I notice that there is a Ton of body roll. I'm temped to take it back to the dealership, But I'm hesitant because I don't want to look like a dumbass. I went to the dealer today to see if I could test drive one and was told they didn't have any 2010-2011 in. So My question to the 2010 owners is Do you folks notice body roll when making normal speed turns, 10-20 mph. I even notice it when I see my wife drives off from our driveway and turns onto the main street.

We are coming from a BMW X5 and I know I can't expect the same type of handling, But It just seems excessive to me.

I thank you in advance and any comments are welcomed.

If you have those dam OEM tires, that is a lot of it. In addition, others are putting on stiffer shocks. Once I replaced the 4 ply passenger car tires that came with the 5th 4r, almost all my worries went away. I got 8 ply Light Truck tires, stiffer side walls. (That was a bit overkill, 6 ply will do you fine). Then, if your steering is a bit "touchy", get the caster changed. Go to as close to 4.0 positive caster as you can. You will be amazed at the difference in steering. Much moe stable. Good luck and be safe.

 

[rearro]

Thanks Jt. Any suggestions on shocks?

 

[Jtraskell]

Thanks Jt. Any suggestions on shocks?

Most all on this fourm are going with Bilsteins. Do a search, many threads will show up.

 

[Gasdoc]

My wife drives an X5 diesel and I drive a SUV/truck. There is no comparison. The X5 will take a 90 turn at 40 mph and corner like it is on rails. Since you had one I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. Try that with a 4 runner or any truck based SUV and you will roll. The X5 is basically a sports car in a SUV body. The 4 runner is a truck in a SUV body.

I've driven truck based SUVs for the past 15+ years and never have come close to rolling. Just know the limitations of your vehicle and drive accordingly. Now, when I'm in the X5 I drive as if I was in a sports car If I didn't need a vehicle for off road applications I would buy one for myself in a heartbeat.

If you need off road capability you can get used to the 4 runner. Just drive carefully. If you don't need to go off road, I suggest you look at the X5d. It has the horsepower of a V8 and the efficiency of a 4 banger. My wife and I love hers and we've been averaging 25mpg with mixed driving. Blows away the 4 runner in performance, comfort, luxary, etc. in every way except for off road capability and likely reliability.

Good luck.

 

[rearro]

:thanks:

 

[Arterisk]

Blows away the 4 runner in .....

$$$$$$

On a more serious note, the Bilstein 5100 seems the way to go for SR5 owner. Search the forum about it.

 

[robotkiller]

FWIW, my 4runner handles pretty damn good - haven't noticed any abnormal roll so far and I'm coming from driving nothing but sports cars for five years. I wouldn't advise driving slalom, but I've been pleasantly surprised with it.

The best handling SUV that I've driven extensively is the Porsche Cayenne GTS. That one puts most sports sedans to shame.

 

[rearro]

Gasdoc,
You are right the X5 is an amazing machine. I was perfectly happy with it till it started to need some $pendy repairs, it had become unreliable and with a beautiful wife and a small child I couldn't have her stranded where ever the car decided to stop running.....it happened 2 too many times. We opted for the 4runner because it had room for all of our things, I could tow my boat, and Most importantly RELIABILITY! And like I said I know I can't expect the 4runner to Drive like a BMW, But It just seems like the entire cabin rolls no matter how slow of a turn we take. And It simply doesn't seem right!

Maybe the Germans have spoiled me??? That's why I'm asking if others with a 2010 SR5 experience the rolling when making turns.

 

[rearro]

Robotkiller,
I believe the trail edition has a different suspension! I could be wrong but I think I remember the sales guy telling me this! Man... I'm kicking my self for not remembering if the other 4runners that I test drove handled differently. Grrr.:rant:

FWIW, my 4runner handles pretty damn good - haven't noticed any abnormal roll so far and I'm coming from driving nothing but sports cars for five years. I wouldn't advise driving slalom, but I've been pleasantly surprised with it.

The best handling SUV that I've driven extensively is the Porsche Cayenne GTS. That one puts most sports sedans to shame.

 

[robotkiller]

Robotkiller,
I believe the trail edition has a different suspension! I could be wrong but I think I remember the sales guy telling me this! Man... I'm kicking my self for not remembering if the other 4runners that I test drove handled differently. Grrr.:rant:

The Trail has the option of KDSS, which hydraulically disengages the sway bars for better off road articulation. The flip side is that it allows the use of significantly thicker sway bars than stock, which helps on road driving. I'm sure that and the thicker ply tires make a large part of the difference.

I bet Bilsteins and new tires would get you a good bit of the way there.

 

[KCcarguy]

A lot of us bought the 4runner for the same reason you did. Unfortunately the SR5 does have some pretty sloppy handling. Both the TE and the Limited handle better.....but it's a little late for that. You'll find lots of threads on this. Like everyone else has said, better tires and Bilstein HD or 5100 shocks will help. I believe HD's are better-suited for stock ride-height because of rebound dampening. 5100's are better if you want to use them to raise the front end to reduce nose-dive or raise the vehicle (front or rear). So far I've bought new tires for mine and it made a big difference.

If you have the option, and can swing the extra $$$, you might want to consider a Limited. They have better handling and full-time 4WD rather than part-time that can only be used on very slippery surfaces.....good safety feature.

 

[Gasdoc]

Gasdoc,
You are right the X5 is an amazing machine. I was perfectly happy with it till it started to need some $pendy repairs, it had become unreliable and with a beautiful wife and a small child I couldn't have her stranded where ever the car decided to stop running.....it happened 2 too many times. We opted for the 4runner because it had room for all of our things, I could tow my boat, and Most importantly RELIABILITY! And like I said I know I can't expect the 4runner to Drive like a BMW, But It just seems like the entire cabin rolls no matter how slow of a turn we take. And It simply doesn't seem right!

Maybe the Germans have spoiled me??? That's why I'm asking if others with a 2010 SR5 experience the rolling when making turns.

I enjoy driving both. They both handle differently and that's OK. You will get used to the truck/SUV feel no problem. If I could only have 1 vehicle, it would be the 4 runner for sure. It's ultra reliable, tough as nails, can get you anywhere and is fun to drive. I think you made a good decision.

My wife's X5 is brand new. We bought extended warrantee and will likely trade it before the 6 years is up. The German Luxury cars are a blast to drive but are essentially toys for grown ups. Once they start having problems they are very expensive to maintain. I've got a friend with 140K miles on his and never had a problem but that is not the norm.

Congrats with your new purchase. One thing you can do it to try to test drive a Limited. It may not be too late to trade for one of those at the dealer since you haven't had the SR5 for long. The Limited handles a little better than the SR5 but still handles like a truck based SUV. I test drove them back to back and couldn't tell much of a difference. I think you and your wife will get used to the handling of the 4 runner and never look back.

Now the fun part begins: the never ending options for mods for your new 4 runner.

 

[4everunner]

Hi,
I have a 2010 t4r and I don't see any problem. Of course I jumped from 2008 pilot to t4r that's maybe why I don't see any problem in the corners, but I can tell for sure my t4r handles corners much better then pilot.

 

[westwind77]

Hi,
I have a 2010 t4r and I don't see any problem.

+1 :thumb3: Then again all I have ever driven is SUV's & P/U's. I have no complaints with the body roll. I seriously have to wonder if they changed shocks as the models went out the door, mind was mid 700's, I highly doubt it but you never know. I whip around corners a lot, streets & on-ramps, never an issue. I have been in some SUV's that would make you wear depends driving the 4R like I do though!

I'm sure someone who came from a Lamborghini would say the 4R is slow as a snail and would want to drop a V12 into it!

 

[KCcarguy]

I don't think it's purely the body on frame design that makes the SR5 handle so bad. My Tacoma handled MUCH better than the 4runner. I'm sure weight is a factor; but I contribute most of it to crappy factory tires/ shocks/ springs. I think toyota thought Americans want a cushy, floaty ride and gave use ultra-soft springs.

 

[scanny]

Actually I kind of like 4Runner soft springs. Comparing my previous vehicles 4Runner feels way much better on uneven unpaved roads.

 

[KCcarguy]

Actually I kind of like 4Runner soft springs. Comparing my previous vehicles 4Runner feels way much better on uneven unpaved roads.

I don't mind it until I load it up with stuff or carry passengers. I had 4 other people in mine+luggage and it rode like crap. It felt like we were hitting the bump-stops over hills/ waves in the pavement and bouncing all over the road. I also hate the massive ass-sag. Just one person in the back seat+3 suitcases made mine lower in the rear. Come on Toyota....this is a utility vehicle.

No joke...The closest thing I've been in to compare the ride of an SR5 to is a Lincoln Continental. Floaty, wanders on the highway, dives forward at stoplights. JUST LIKE my friends old Lincoln. This is not meant to be a compliment.

 

[31GeoEng]

Springs

I may be blowing smoke here but I have complained about my 2011 SRS boat ride for a while - the dealer won't help. I only have 4000mi on mine and can't bring myself to buy new tires yet.

As others say tires will help some, shocks maybe (but shocks are to dampen suspension movement not support the weight of the truck) or stiffer spings.

It would be great if someone had a comparison of various spring rates of the stock SR5, TE, Limited, and aftermarket spiring rates and even compare to FJs and 4th generation. Then the guy looking for a solution to the deplorable handling of the stock suspension would have information to make an informed choice as to the best solution.

BTW - I asked the dealer to check the alignment - he drove it and said no adjustments were needed - it performed as designed; then I took it to a specialty shop -they said the toe in and castor were off spec and they fixed it - no more drifting. Never trust a Toyota dealer. Precsion Toyota in Tucson to be exact.

Cheers

 

[scanny]

Just one person in the back seat+3 suitcases made mine lower in the rear.

Interesting, I carried quite a lot of cargo and sometimes carried it quite far but have never noticed that. It seemed level to me when I loaded 720 lbs worth of laminate floor for basement. I doubt that Canadian T4R has different suspension, could be just my eyes are not sharp enough : )