2015 4Runner - Suspension issue

[Robogadget]

Hello fellow 4Runner owners,

This is my first post in a long while. I have tried TRD's website (useless), and various web pages, but haven't had a lot of luck getting good advice for what I'm looking for. We have had a 2015 SR5 since new, and it is not a surprise that the ride is unstable and too soft on the road. I was going to sell it, but realized that if I could tame the ride it would be a lot cheaper than buying something else...

Then I remembered that owners groups could be much better than salesmen at the dealer or parts store...
I have 40K miles on it and I want to firm up the ride, and maybe reduce body roll. I DO NOT want to lift it (garage clearance), and I don't plan to off road it much, but was hoping some of you all can suggest a cost-effective solution.

Anyone in a similar situation?????

 

[rdruss]

Not sure what suspension you currently have, but mine was xreas. I removed it and replaced with Bilstein 4600's and FJ springs all around and am very happy with the ride. Cost was around $700 doing the remove/install myself, which is pretty easy. By the way mine is a 4th gen.

 

[Cymon]

Hello fellow 4Runner owners,

This is my first post in a long while. I have tried TRD's website (useless), and various web pages, but haven't had a lot of luck getting good advice for what I'm looking for. We have had a 2015 SR5 since new, and it is not a surprise that the ride is unstable and too soft on the road. I was going to sell it, but realized that if I could tame the ride it would be a lot cheaper than buying something else...

Then I remembered that owners groups could be much better than salesmen at the dealer or parts store...
I have 40K miles on it and I want to firm up the ride, and maybe reduce body roll. I DO NOT want to lift it (garage clearance), and I don't plan to off road it much, but was hoping some of you all can suggest a cost-effective solution.

Anyone in a similar situation?????

Not a similar situation, but I have a 2015 SR5 with almost 95k on the stock suspension. The best bet for what you are asking for is to get a set of Bilstein 5100's and leave them at the "0" height setting. You could even set the front clip to the 1st notch and get .85" of lift...if you wanted to level it a little bit but not "lift it" to the point of not fitting in the garage. It should provide what you are looking for...or at least the closest the 4runner can get. If it works for you then you just got a "new" vehicle for $450. If not, then you are only out $450 and you can honestly say you tried. Only problem is they seem to be hard to acquire at this time.

FJ4RBILK10 Bilstein Height adjustable front and matching 5100 Rear shocks (10+ 4Runner & FJ Cruiser)

For a little more $ you could also go with Dobinsons for their struts, and either keep the springs you have or go to their 0" height springs, which just are a little stiffer then stock. That would also stiffen it up a little.

Front Strut GS59-700
Rear Shock GS59-705 (Since you don't have extra rear-end weight)
Front Springs C59-238 (will raise front 1", which is the same as TRD Pro and shouldn't affect getting into a garage)
Rear Springs C59-233 (Stock Height)

Dobinsons 5th Gen T4R Suspension options - lots of choices

 

[ahtoxa11]

I think the first thing that we need to define is what exactly you don't like about the suspension. Soft and well-damped isn't the same as stiff but not well damped. Stiffer might feel more in control, but to a point. Usually it shows its ugly side on bad pavement unless the damping is there to keep it in check.

So, when you say "unstable and too soft", are you having issues with how much lean it has in corners, how much rebound control it has after bumps/dips or something else? Does it feel like you're all over the place on series of larger bumps? Do you carry a lot of weight?

Generally speaking, in your case I would not go with a heavier spring if you're not carrying much weight and finding yourself bottoming out and hitting bump stops or even just sagging too much. I think that if you're looking for a controlled, smooth ride on the street you want to stick with spring rates that are stock or as close as possible. The area of focus will likely be shocks. Shocks provide the suspension control over different surfaces. Well-set up shocks allow you a soft spring without bouncing around or rear end 'walking' when you hit a bump or series of bumps.

Like the poster above said, Bilstein 5100s are a great start. It's one of the least expensive quality options that many people like. Also keep in mind that at your mileage your shocks aren't likely to be performing as well as when they were new. Vast majority of people don't replace their shocks until they are truly blown and pogo down the road or they are clearly leaking. But the absence of those symptoms doesn't mean that they are working well, so by replacing them you should see a good improvement in ride quality.

 

[MAST4R]

Hello fellow 4Runner owners,

This is my first post in a long while. I have tried TRD's website (useless), and various web pages, but haven't had a lot of luck getting good advice for what I'm looking for. We have had a 2015 SR5 since new, and it is not a surprise that the ride is unstable and too soft on the road. I was going to sell it, but realized that if I could tame the ride it would be a lot cheaper than buying something else...

Then I remembered that owners groups could be much better than salesmen at the dealer or parts store...
I have 40K miles on it and I want to firm up the ride, and maybe reduce body roll. I DO NOT want to lift it (garage clearance), and I don't plan to off road it much, but was hoping some of you all can suggest a cost-effective solution.

Anyone in a similar situation?????

A set of Bilstein 5100 on stock springs should get the job done. You don't want stiffer springs unless you need them.

If within budget, try 6112 on standard springs ("600" but really 550 at most) and use 5100s in the back on stock springs. That would be fantastic for the intended purpose: the 6112 has exceptional ride quality with standard springs and greatly improved handling (break squat remains).

 

[CMTAZ]

The Eibach ProTruck Kit (shocks & springs, both front & rear) greatly improved the ride, handling & looks of my T4R. Gone is the brake dive and the mushiness, the ride is firm but but hard. Truck has 2.5" lift in front , 1.0" lift in rear.

 

[Kamalani Mahie]

+1 for Bilstein 5100