Brand New to the 4Runner Game --- Suspension Question for us Noobies

hmcox3

hmcox3

New member
I bought a brand new 2018 TRD Off-Road Premium last month.

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I've put nearly 1000 miles on it so far and I am absolutely loving the SUV experience.

I've come across a couple of observations, however. My stock suspension (no KDSS) has a ton of nose dive, irregardless of how much brake pressure I use. After asking around in a facebook forum, it became apparent that nose-dive is totally normal in stock 5th Gens.

I'm going to be building out a moderate overland rig. Within a few months, I'll be ready to complete a full suspension upgrade to suit some ew wheels and bigger tires.

HERES MY ACTUAL QUESTION:

What are the dangers of piecing together a suspension package from multiple different brands, rather than buying a full kit from someone like Icon or Fox?
 
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suspension question

I have a similar question. I just became aware that my '00 limited is sitting on the bump stops in the rear and am now looking at suspension options. I'm thinking of getting the Bilstein 5100's and Moog coil springs. First off, will this setup work fine together? Also, is it imperative that I get the front struts as well? I haven't noticed any nose diving or anything similar.
 
There is benefit to sourcing like-branded items when considering suspension components because most manufacturers tune their products to work together as best as possible but it doesn't always lend itself to meeting the best interests of each consumer.

Sticking with quality parts from well known manufacturers should be a priority if you start mixing and matching stuff.

Hope this helps.
 
JKLNHYD said:
There is benefit to sourcing like-branded items when considering suspension components because most manufacturers tune their products to work together as best as possible but it doesn't always lend itself to meeting the best interests of each consumer.

Sticking with quality parts from well known manufacturers should be a priority if you start mixing and matching stuff.

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

like JKLNHD said.
if you buy quality parts that are known to be compatible (more than a few good threads on here somewhere on the topic of suspensions systems and parts) im sure you wont have any major issues as long as you don't scrimp on something important just to buy another major part when you need a consistent level of quality across the board for major upgrades like your suspension.
 
JKLNHYD said:
There is benefit to sourcing like-branded items when considering suspension components because most manufacturers tune their products to work together as best as possible but it doesn't always lend itself to meeting the best interests of each consumer.

Sticking with quality parts from well known manufacturers should be a priority if you start mixing and matching stuff.

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

Thanks man. That helps.
 
klimur said:
I have a similar question. I just became aware that my '00 limited is sitting on the bump stops in the rear and am now looking at suspension options. I'm thinking of getting the Bilstein 5100's and Moog coil springs. First off, will this setup work fine together? Also, is it imperative that I get the front struts as well? I haven't noticed any nose diving or anything similar.
Click to expand...

klimur,

i had a 3rd gen '00 Limited, and i was going to do a 2" lift using Bilstein 6112 fronts, and 5100 rears, with OME rear coils (906).
it was going to be enough to be something, but not too much to overdo it.

i have it for sale if you're interested in upgrading.

As for piecing a kit together, I'd recommend sticking with the same brand when it comes to struts, because of valving and things. As for springs, UCAs, etc. you can do whatever you want when it comes to brands.
 
griesj81 said:
As for piecing a kit together, I'd recommend sticking with the same brand when it comes to struts, because of valving and things. As for springs, UCAs, etc. you can do whatever you want when it comes to brands.
Click to expand...

I'll second this. I know lots of guys who run different brand of rear springs/leaf springs in their 4Rs/Tacomas as compared to their struts/shocks, and have no issues.

FWIW, my impression is that sourcing springs from a different manufacturer opens up lots of options (spring rates, load ratings, travel) that might not be available from the company that built the shocks/struts.
 
Looking forward to seeing your overland build. Good luck. I had the same question. Thanks for asking.
 
Hello, glad your liking your 4runner!
Reguarding your question there should be no worries with your suspension being a part together. As long as the springs are super spring with a super soft shock or something in that regard. Do research and see what the specs of the parts are and if they seem to be relatively similar there should be no problems.
 
Couple of questions....

What parts from what companies do you want to mix and match?

Why do you want to mix and match?

If it is to save money, I would ask, how much do you expect to save? Is it worth it when you can just go with someone's kit as they have probably done all the research to get things to work well together. No guess work.

If you have specific needs that none of the two dozen kits on the market address, well, that's a different story.
 
Wondering Same Thing

I'm new to 4Runners after getting out of CJ's. I want to buy a package suspension with Bilstien shocks and new shocks/struts. I want 1-1.5" lift and restore to better that new ride and dependability.

Regards,

CaneCreek
 
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