4Runner handling questions

[MCE]

My 98' 4Runner SR5 seems to move around a bit on the highway at road speeds. It's tolerable during normal driving although it takes a certain amount of focus. However, when I tow my 21' boat trailer it becomes more of an issue because of the extra length and width and the concentration required to keep it in the lane when in traffic. I believe the trailer to be well set-up and therefore not contributing to the condition. There isn't really a swaying issue but rather just a sensation of the vehicle being susceptable to wind and road geometry changes that cause it to move around a bit. I have P265/75R15 Kelly Springfield tires that seem to be very good tires in all respects.

Any suggestions on how to cure this condition?

 

[Thai]

Now, there was a recall on 3rd gen 4runners around your year of production regarding the rear suspension under load. Did you do this recall??

How many miles on your 4runner??

Secondly, make sure that your shocks and springs are not worn out. Rearend sag?? If your shocks are gone, then this may cause excessive wind sensitivity.

Consider replacing the shocks first to see if it changes anything. For your purpose, you may want to try the heavier duty shocks, such as Bilsteins.

Good luck.

 

[prlundberg]

:iagree:

Mine doesn't tow all that well either. I think soft factory springs and shocks are to blame.

No problems with wind sensitivity though, I think it does pretty well in that regard for as light as it is (for a truck).

 

[MCE]

Thai,

I did have the spring recall done. And there really isn't but a slight bit of noticable rear end sag which I've been told is normal. Mileage is 83K. As far as the shocks and springs, no other indication that they are worn, but I've been wondering if the factory shocks might possibly contribute to this condition even if they are not worn?

Are Bilsteins the way to go if I want to upgrade to a higher quality shock?

 

[Thai]

Well, yes and no. I had Bilsteins on my 4runner and did not like them. It was too firm.

Here is a link to my review:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=343&highlight=bilstein

HOWEVER, i do not carry a lot of cargo nor do i tow. You seem to do a lot of this. Therefore, Bilsteins may be a better fit for you than me.

 

[khaug]

Your comment that road geometry changes cause the wandering suggest that you may want to have the alignment checked by a competent shop. Wandering over humpy or irregularly cambered pavement is usually caused by misalignment or worn suspension parts.

I towed a 4,000# trailer extensively with my '98 LTD and loved it. I ended up with Air Lift air bags in the rear to level the load and Bilstein shocks all around. I liked the Bilsteins (the rear axle stayed in contact with bumpy roads much better than with the oem shocks) and didn't feel the ride was objectionable.

My '98 was a really nice tow vehicle and tracked well. I still sorta miss it.

 

[MCE]

2nd gen vs 3rd gen suspension changes?

I posted the same question that started this thread on the rv.net towing forum, and had a response from a guy who had a '94 4Runner which apparently felt similar in handling to my '98. He swapped out the factory rubber bushings for polyurethane ones on the panhard rod in the rear and on the front sway bar, along with a slightly larger rear sway bar and taller rear springs of the same capacity. He felt these changes made a noticable difference in handling under both normal driving conditions and while towing.

Anyone know if these types of changes were possibly made to the 3rd generation suspension? Any comments?

Matt

 

[fflan513]

I am new to SUV's, I have a 2004 4 Runner and have noticed the force a hefty (15+ mph)side-wind can generate on this baby. I know I feel the need to hold the steering wheel securely but I figured this was one of the trade offs for the vehicle height. I'll just hold on because I know the runner is in great condition (only 944 miles) and other than in high wind conditions she drives like a dream.