4runner to GX?

[Spiggie]

This is a (confused) shot in the dark, but are there ways to make the ride quality of the 4runner just like a more luxury car (GX for example since they are most similar) I had a rental car last week, it was a new volvo and it turned and rode soooo smooth over everything. If you replace some parts on the 4runner with the GX (or different brand) parts would I get a more luxurious feel? What would one replace/change? And if this is not possible, please completely ignore!
Much thanks! eace:

 

[Acidmeld]

GX doesnt actually ride much smoother...

 

[Mark86]

Have both in the driveway and the GX does not ride much smoother. At times, I kind of think that my 4Runner rides smoother. The major difference between the two vehicles is a ride selector near the gear shifter. You could set it to comfort (which causes you float over bumps), sport (you feel every imperfection in the road) and two modes between the extremes. Not worth it...

 

[Dougtoms01]

Some people have good results with replacing stock shocks with Bilstein 5100 all the way around.
I replaced the rear and can tell some difference. I have yet to put on the fronts because it's too cold out. It's definitely a better built shock.

Additionally, when I asked similar question people recommended FJ coil springs combined with 5100's.

When purchasing our 08, I drove another SR5 that floated over bumps. I don't know if they had Xreas or better shocks/tires? Hoping the 5100's with new tires will get me there.

 

[M1911]

The 4Runner is a body on frame truck with a solid rear axle. It isn't ever going to ride like a unibody luxury car with independent rear suspension.

 

[thirstyturtle]

Well she may not ride like a luxury car but my 4Runner is WAY more comfortable than my wife's 1994 Celica...I hate that car.

 

[M1911]

Well she may not ride like a luxury car but my 4Runner is WAY more comfortable than my wife's 1994 Celica...I hate that car.

My wife has a Mercedes C300. Every time I drive her car, I am reminded how badly my 4Runner rides and handles. The 4Runner is a truck and it feels like one. For a truck, it rides and handles pretty well. But it is still a top-heavy, ~4600 lbs, solid-rear-axle truck.

 

[dpayne11]

I just came from a jeep Cherokee. My 4runner rides like it on air compared to that truck. i actually kinda want a stiffer ride.( thats what she said). Anyway yea i'd look to changing springs and shocks. Good luck

 

[ClockWork]

The 4Runner is a body on frame truck with a solid rear axle. It isn't ever going to ride like a unibody luxury car with independent rear suspension.

Ugh, the GX is pretty much identical to that of the 4Runner underneath.

 

[M1911]

Ugh, the GX is pretty much identical to that of the 4Runner underneath.

Except that the GX is heavier and taller, with an even higher center of gravity.

 

[ClockWork]

Except that the GX is heavier and taller, with an even higher center of gravity.

Except that the person I was quoting was implying the GX was a unibody crossover with IRS. FWIW, the GX feels more planted than the 4R and the Cruiser trumps them both in on, and off road sure-footedness.

 

[Koz]

There is a big difference between the first and second gen GX. The first gen can be had with KDSS and airsprings which makes for a better ride then the 4th gen 4Runner (W/airsprings and XREAS). The 4th gen SR5 and non KDSS 1st gen GX have a closer ride. The second gen GX base model comes with KDSS standard and the premium model comes with AVS (adaptive variable susp), KDSS and rear air springs, both of which ride better then the 4th or 5th gen 4Runner. Also the 2nd gen GX is approx 500 lbs heavier then the 5th gen 4Runner and 800 lbs heavier then the 4th gen, which feels more planted.

Koz