Do I need to change both shocks and struts for a softer ride

[t4fan]

Do I need to change both shocks and struts for a softer ride?

My 04 4Runner has always been rough since I got it a year ago. Talked to Toyota service advisor and he says all 4Runners are like that and it has stock suspension. I read here that I can get softer Monroe Sensa-Trac or Rancho adjustable shocks. My question is, do I need to change both rear shocks and front struts or just one set? I can only find Rancho adjustable for the rear and Monroe for the front strut. Am I looking at the right stuff?

I want it a little softer ride than the factory stuff. On Dallas roads, it's pretty bad.

Thanks for any suggestion.

 

[krupnation]

Hmmm, well, not sure what to tell you there. How many miles on stock suspension? It might be getting a little tired and it might be time for new shocks. I can't say how the Rancho's will act but I know a very popular choice on this forum is to go with Bilstein 5100's. They greatly improve ride quality. I've had Bilsteins on my 3rd Gen runner and on a GTI I owned years ago and can't say enough about the quality. I just purchased some used FJ springs from a guy on the the FJ forum and will be ordering my Billie 5100's next week.

But then again, it is a 4runner dude. Its supposed to have a rougher ride :guitar3:

Maybe you should've gotten a Lexus? :driving:

 

[Overland Warehouse]

As above how many miles?
Also are both front and back rough or just the front?

If the shocks and coils are old new ones can ride much smoother. The front is pretty low and an old suspension it can sag and cause it to bottom out much sooner on rough roads, this degrades the ride quality.

 

[t4fan]

It has 67K miles. The service guys didn't say anything about bad struts and I don't hear any sound of the spring fully collapsing in the front when I go over potholes.
From what I read here, Bilstein 5100 is stiffer than stock. I agree that it's a truck and rides like a truck, is there any way I can make it ride like a GX (or close)? It's SR5, so no XREAS.

Tires are probably part of it. It came with hercules terra trac. I can try the michelines but it's hard to spend 1K wihtout knowing how much better it will be.

One thing I really like about the truck is how quiet the cabin is, compared to many other SUVs I tried, including Pilots. Now if I could make it ride a little smoother...

 

[Overland Warehouse]

What tire pressure are you running?

With 60K miles the shocks may still be OK.

 

[t4fan]

32psi

 

[Whitebeauty]

Hey I can vouch for this. I didn't see if u were 4x4. If not I would try a set of those first. I have a pair of fronts I tried off a 4x4 and they r to soft for my likings. U can have them if u want. From my understanding 4x4 shocks r less aggresive bcuz they have travel for offroading n all..

 

[t4fan]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I got spoiled by the Lexus I drive, so I finally traded the 4Runner in for another Lexus.