another coilover thread

[4Runner8]

Flame all y'all want, I have searched, yet I still want opinions and advice from some of you guys.

My 4runner has been very disappointing as far as on and off road ride quality. It currently has an SS 1.2 lift kit on it that was installed by the previous owner. I believe the kit has somewhere around 30k miles on it currently with the Runner sitting at 253k. I have found out that the front is a combination of bilsteins and tundra trd coils which are progressive rate and only get stiffer when compressed. But that's about all I know and am looking for more information and to get something new up front to give a more plush ride in all conditions.

What I'm dealing with:
The only time I can say that the suspension isn't bad is when i am off road, in 4x4, and going very slow over technical terrain. Nothing crazy, no huge rocks where I live unless I go to an ORV park. However, other then this I hate it.
The roads to my cabin are somewhat washboard and i cant go over 10 mph without absolutely shaking to DEATH (It really is the most terrible thing I have experienced in a vehicle), yet my brother's 2013 silverado with a leveling kit glides over it at more then double the speed. Also the Runner can get bad on the hwy above 60 mph.

Therefore, i am debating getting new front coilovers. Not sure what i want to go with. I just want it to perform better then what's on there now. I have been looking at radflo 2.0 coilovers for around 900$ on Savage's site with 600# coils and also the toytec boss coilovers for 830$ because they are offered with 550# coils. Not sure which coil to go with, or if there are others in similar price range i should be looking at. Also would like something to level out the 4runner as well. Currently on 285's the front ground to fender measurement is 38" and the rear with 7 wraps is 40.5''.

I don't really plan on adding any weight to the front anytime soon. While skids and a hybrid bumper are in the foreseeable future, a winch probably wont happen for a long while, even if I were to get a bumper.

Any opinions, advice, tips, trash talk would be appreciated. Also, my budget max is capped at about a grand. THANKS!

 

[JayRolla]

I'm very surprised your lift combining OEM parts rides bad. That lift has the closest to OEM ride quality. My brother has icon coilovers and in don't think street ride quality is much better than most other setups.

 

[4Runner8]

Imo it is not good. I have passengers complain all the time about it. On older roads that haven't been repaved in a while and have smaller pot holes it's insanely stupid how the 4runner handles. It's terrible

 

[Unner]

I've got the Boss coilovers in my 4Runner with the 600lb springs and I'm very happy with how it handles. It rides better than it did with the new stock replacement KYB struts up front and the original springs. It's not like riding in a new S-class but it rides good for a lifted truck, better than I expected it to. Right now I've got a stock bumper, but I do have a full set of ShrockWorks skid plates installed and an AOR bumper on order.

The 550lb springs might ride a little better, but I think I've also read before that Toytec recommends the 600 lbs springs unless you drive a 4 cylinder truck. It seems to absorb the ripples and washboards in older roads like you were talking about a little better than it did stock. It is still firm though when going over speed bumps or when hitting large potholes.

I'm happy with how it rides, tonight I'll get it out on some kinda rough gravel kinda fire roads so I can give you my opinion on them after that too.

Also, Toytec has a coupon code for 5% off on TacomaWorld. I picked mine up over their black friday sale for 10% off.

 

[JayRolla]

Imo it is not good. I have passengers complain all the time about it. On older roads that haven't been repaved in a while and have smaller pot holes it's insanely stupid how the 4runner handles. It's terrible

If you think OEM rides rough, you wont find anything that rides really good. Toyota has worked so hard to keep passengers happy on the road. Good luck.

 

[JeepKiller]

If you want something that rides like a Cadillac then get a Cadillac. I've got the bilstein/tundra set up and i think it handles extremely well for what it is. The bilstein/tundra is the best combination of comfort and capability so good luck finding better. Newer 4x4s are designed with more advanced suspension systems than what we have and thats why they handle so well, but you dont see any of them rock crawling without modification. Its one of those things where you have to give up comfort for function. The only way youre going to get a soft cushy ride is if you dump 2k into your front end.

 

[snivilous]

I would buy a rebuildable shock, preferably with a resi clicker since you can more easily dial the shock in. Then if the ride is too harsh still you can either dial the clicker around, or rebuild the shocks and revalve. Choose your springs for how much weight you have, don't use them to try and adjust ride quality since that's the backwards way to do it.

 

[cashman]

On older roads that haven't been repaved in a while and have smaller pot holes it's insanely stupid how the 4runner handles. It's terrible

I'm running the Fox 2.0 coilovers and think they do a nice job on washboard and rutted roads. Their 2.5" diameter coilovers would no doubt be much better. But I agree with JayRolla, if you are unhappy with the SS 1.2 lift, you may be unhappy with any lift. You should try driving someone's unlifted runner and see if you prefer the ride. You can still clearance larger tires without a lift.

 

[TCMach]

In my opinion the tundra bilstein combination was the worst front suspension combo I've ran. Never was really happy with it. Swapped the tundra coils to toytec eibachs and it was much better, but still wasn't as good. Finally now I'm running King 2.5 coilovers and I am finally happy with the front of the truck. Even with slightly stiffer 700lb coils at about 15mph washboard roads are buttery smooth. At sixty they're even better :cheers:

 

[Wildlander]

I've got the Boss coilovers in my 4Runner with the 600lb springs and I'm very happy with how it handles. It rides better than it did with the new stock replacement KYB struts up front and the original springs. It's not like riding in a new S-class but it rides good for a lifted truck, better than I expected it to. Right now I've got a stock bumper, but I do have a full set of ShrockWorks skid plates installed and an AOR bumper on order.

The 550lb springs might ride a little better, but I think I've also read before that Toytec recommends the 600 lbs springs unless you drive a 4 cylinder truck. It seems to absorb the ripples and washboards in older roads like you were talking about a little better than it did stock. It is still firm though when going over speed bumps or when hitting large potholes.

I'm happy with how it rides, tonight I'll get it out on some kinda rough gravel kinda fire roads so I can give you my opinion on them after that too.

Also, Toytec has a coupon code for 5% off on TacomaWorld. I picked mine up over their black friday sale for 10% off.

Front suspension on my 1998 with 422K on it is fine, have replaced all the bushings and am running new B 5100s. But the rear, yup I gotta agree. I work in the ass end of nowhere most of the time on rough roads and terrain and when I have crew members riding along...I get a lot of whining and complaints of kidney damage. LOL!! My dogs even complain. Am new to this forum (WAY thankful it is here), and am looking for info on rear shocks and the coils...thinking about putting in those GoodYear inner overload coil airbags. Anybody have any experience with that product?

 

[2nd3rdGen]

Interesting, you dont really hear to many complaints about your current setup as far as ride goes...

I am wondering if maybe you have a spacer stuffed in there too, and also the spring perch you are set at could possibly be messing with the ride quality?

What about tire pressure and load ratings on those 17's you are running? Tires can also make a huge difference in ride based on my experience..

 

[SamSter0077]

if it is a ss1.2, there is an adjustment on the Shocks that would make them softer/lower the ride height. I have the SS1.2, with Bumper and skids and have the setting in the second position and it rides great. What position is yours in?

get up under them with a flashlilght, and count the lines on the shock tube under the sprint mount on the bottom.

 

[4Runner8]

I've got the Boss coilovers in my 4Runner with the 600lb springs and I'm very happy with how it handles. It rides better than it did with the new stock replacement KYB struts up front and the original springs. It's not like riding in a new S-class but it rides good for a lifted truck, better than I expected it to. Right now I've got a stock bumper, but I do have a full set of ShrockWorks skid plates installed and an AOR bumper on order.

The 550lb springs might ride a little better, but I think I've also read before that Toytec recommends the 600 lbs springs unless you drive a 4 cylinder truck. It seems to absorb the ripples and washboards in older roads like you were talking about a little better than it did stock. It is still firm though when going over speed bumps or when hitting large potholes.

I'm happy with how it rides, tonight I'll get it out on some kinda rough gravel kinda fire roads so I can give you my opinion on them after that too.

Also, Toytec has a coupon code for 5% off on TacomaWorld. I picked mine up over their black friday sale for 10% off.

It's the 500 lb coils that they say are only for 4 cyl reg cab tacos, but im highly debating the boss'. But thanks, would really appreciate a report on the gravel fire road!

If you think OEM rides rough, you wont find anything that rides really good. Toyota has worked so hard to keep passengers happy on the road. Good luck.

Well it's a bilstein with the tundra coils so not necessarily stock. Remember, the tundra coils are designed for a tundra. But thanks

If you want something that rides like a Cadillac then get a Cadillac. I've got the bilstein/tundra set up and i think it handles extremely well for what it is. The bilstein/tundra is the best combination of comfort and capability so good luck finding better. Newer 4x4s are designed with more advanced suspension systems than what we have and thats why they handle so well, but you dont see any of them rock crawling without modification. Its one of those things where you have to give up comfort for function. The only way youre going to get a soft cushy ride is if you dump 2k into your front end.

Nothing special about a 2010 silverado's front suspension. same setup actually. But I've heard mixed reviews, some like you like the ss 1.2 and some do not like myself. thanks

I would buy a rebuildable shock, preferably with a resi clicker since you can more easily dial the shock in. Then if the ride is too harsh still you can either dial the clicker around, or rebuild the shocks and revalve. Choose your springs for how much weight you have, don't use them to try and adjust ride quality since that's the backwards way to do it.

I'm running the Fox 2.0 coilovers and think they do a nice job on washboard and rutted roads. Their 2.5" diameter coilovers would no doubt be much better. But I agree with JayRolla, if you are unhappy with the SS 1.2 lift, you may be unhappy with any lift. You should try driving someone's unlifted runner and see if you prefer the ride. You can still clearance larger tires without a lift.

Oh I know stock rides way better, but i bought a runner so I could go places a lot of vehicles cant and that requires non stock haha. Where'd you get your fox's from? how much lift do they provide? 0-2'' or 0-3''? I've seen some that are only adjustable to 2". I'm looking to get up to 3". thanks

In my opinion the tundra bilstein combination was the worst front suspension combo I've ran. Never was really happy with it. Swapped the tundra coils to toytec eibachs and it was much better, but still wasn't as good. Finally now I'm running King 2.5 coilovers and I am finally happy with the front of the truck. Even with slightly stiffer 700lb coils at about 15mph washboard roads are buttery smooth. At sixty they're even better :cheers:

Same question as above, where did you purchase your king's? I am having trouble finding a reputable looking vendor that sells them with a clear application descriptiong. thanks

Interesting, you dont really hear to many complaints about your current setup as far as ride goes...

I am wondering if maybe you have a spacer stuffed in there too, and also the spring perch you are set at could possibly be messing with the ride quality?

What about tire pressure and load ratings on those 17's you are running? Tires can also make a huge difference in ride based on my experience..

No spacer tucked in, just the billy and the tundra coils with necessary hardware. my tires are E load but have been balanced recently. I run around 32 psi when daily driving. thanks

if it is a ss1.2, there is an adjustment on the Shocks that would make them softer/lower the ride height. I have the SS1.2, with Bumper and skids and have the setting in the second position and it rides great. What position is yours in?

get up under them with a flashlilght, and count the lines on the shock tube under the sprint mount on the bottom.

They are on the 2nd perch of 4. There are 4 total right? I Have stock skids, no sliders and stock bumper. i don't want to drop a perch because I am already sitting with a 2'' rake that is favoring the rear. thanks

 

[D Farms]

check and replace all your bushings with poly.

 

[1985taylor1925]

King, Fox, and ICON are your choices for adjustability with shocks. Or Rancho 9000s, which have 9 settings. I certainly wouldnt go over 550lb spring rate if you are as stock weight.

I have wrestled with the ride dynamics of my 3rd gen since I bought it. Same thing on washboards. I can go about about 10-15mph and by the time I get off the washboards I have epilepsy. My dads 09 Tundra handles ten time better, even with the leaf springs and light rear end. Ive have 5 different set-ups total, and now Im almost back to stock because everything Ive tried has been too stiff. But I havent tried any of the expensive coilovers, and I have no added weight.

Unless you are adding weight, or plan on doing some serious rock crawling, you might want to just go stock 99 coils with Taco bilsteins or stock tokicos, with maybe 1" spacers all around, and add a 1" body lift if necessary. That will give you the softer ride of stock, and still have plenty of clearance and off road capability. The stock 99 coils are the tallest and softest of all 3rd gen coils. I calculated them at around 515lbs. Though I think [MENTION=100116]D Farms[/MENTION] calculated them to be even softer.

 

[Tuxedo Runner]

I just went from stock suspension to King coilovers. I left them at the factory setting and I gained 3 inches of lift. Although I think my struts were pretty worn out. I have an a AOR plate bumper and also a winch. With this set up my truck rides like magic. It's far better than stock. Just to be clear the Kings come with 600 pound Springs and are a 2.5 inch shock. I paid $1070 for the coil overs which I priced at filthy motor sports. And purchased from four wheel parts because they were in town and they match the price. That way I didn't have to pay for shipping. I rode in a friends truck that had the icon stage 2 setup and it road much stiffer than the Kings.

King Shocks | King Off-Road Racing Shocks, King Coilovers, King Bypass Shocks, and King Bump Stops

 

[maclean216]

Try airing down. It helps....a lot.

 

[jgilbreath]

I would recommend Wheelers or Downsouth motorsports to check out Kings. My plan is to save up until next black Friday and buy a pair of front kings, debating on rear shocks (fox vs. toytec boss). I think they are more expensive but you might also ask about ADS shocks if you talk to Downsouth motorsports, I have heard good reviews.

 

[Unner]

It's the 500 lb coils that they say are only for 4 cyl reg cab tacos, but im highly debating the boss'. But thanks, would really appreciate a report on the gravel fire road!

Gotcha, it wasn't bad on the gravel roads. They weren't as rough as I was expecting. They must have gone out there and leveled the roads since I was last there. I also couldn't go very far since they close the road for hunting season. It was insanely foggy last night so I wasn't paying as much attention as to how the suspension handled. You still felt the potholes and such obviously, but it wasn't as jarring as it used to be on the stock suspension I think. If you don't plan on running any weight then I would say the 550 lb coils are right for you.

 

[Bijan]

If you think OEM rides rough, you wont find anything that rides really good. Toyota has worked so hard to keep passengers happy on the road. Good luck.

Lexus bra..!