Does it really make all the difference ?

[curtis_hofmann]

Hey guys!! On my second runner and I’m thinking about putting on a new suspension (its stock from 99). My first 4runner had top plate spacers, 99talls in the back, and Bilstein shocks.. and I kinda hated the ride. So I don’t wanna repeat my mistakes there. Looking for your advice on what I should go with!! Any recommendations would be huge.

Wheeling : minimal.
once a month? Dirt roads.. driving on the beach... it’s Florida. It’s mostly mudding for wheeling. And that’s not for me. Still want it capable though. Trips up north and all. Camping etc.


Main concern : comfortability and I could use a little clearance (minor rubbing)

Budget : to be honest... I don’t care. I’d love to keep my runner and put some money into it and drive it for another 10-15 years. (I just hit 140k)
But I drove a 15’ gx the other day and it got me thinking a bit.. and I get it, rightfully so.

But I’m asking because I’d love to keep 4runner and debt free status .. just wondering if putting some money into a new suspension really makes all the difference ? And if so... what’s the set up I should go with?

Thanks guys

 

[307Vintage]

I just did the Bilstein 6112 front coil/shock pair and the Bilstein 5100 with OME 890’s on the rear. This was on my 98. I absolutely love it so far. Sat it up 2.5 inches. Looks great and so far I like the ride.

 

[repo]

I also have the 6112 and really like it. It makes a huge difference on F'd up dirt roads around here. I have Tundra 5100 and 890s in the back too but I just blew one of the shocks so I have FJ Cruiser 5160s on the way which hopefully I can fit the reservoirs because they are upside down compared to the 5100. Somehow I got close to 3" lift out of the 6112, not even on the top setting. Was going for more like 2" but whatever... now I can fit 285s. I loosened the UCAs when I installed them maybe thats why. And 3.5" in the back with 10mm OME trim packers. The 6112 were a majot hassle to assemble because the body is so fat most spring compressors wont fit on it. I'd buy them from Wheelers or someplace that can assemble them for you with the top hat and everything you need.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I know it's not all that popular but if you want a smooth on-road ride, go full OEM. They are as plush as they get. You are right in saying that spacers make the ride kinda harsh since they compress the springs a little. Makes you feel everything.

It's hard to have a 2"+ lift and have a nice smooth ride. Not impossible but you'll be dropping some serious coin. Most shocks and coils are made for off-road performance though and will be a bit jarring on-road.

 

[curtis_hofmann]

I just did the Bilstein 6112 front coil/shock pair and the Bilstein 5100 with OME 890’s on the rear. This was on my 98. I absolutely love it so far. Sat it up 2.5 inches. Looks great and so far I like the ride.

Thanks for the info! Seems like you and [MENTION=9502]repo[/MENTION] are both running something very similar. How would compare to OEM set up when you made the change?



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[curtis_hofmann]

I know it's not all that popular but if you want a smooth on-road ride, go full OEM. They are as plush as they get. You are right in saying that spacers make the ride kinda harsh since they compress the springs a little. Makes you feel everything.

It's hard to have a 2"+ lift and have a nice smooth ride. Not impossible but you'll be dropping some serious coin. Most shocks and coils are made for off-road performance though and will be a bit jarring on-road.

Yea, I hear ya. I was told that like the ICON stage 2 or the BOSS kit from Toytec was far better than OEM in terms of comfort on road as well. Are you running any lift on your rig?


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[CaboRunner]

I know it's not all that popular but if you want a smooth on-road ride, go full OEM. They are as plush as they get. You are right in saying that spacers make the ride kinda harsh since they compress the springs a little. Makes you feel everything.

It's hard to have a 2"+ lift and have a nice smooth ride. Not impossible but you'll be dropping some serious coin. Most shocks and coils are made for off-road performance though and will be a bit jarring on-road.

I couldn’t agree more. OEM will be the best ride for what you are using your rig for. Unless you spend big money for King, Icon, or fox the ride is very harsh with most aftermarket shocks. I’ve tried a few different setups including 5100s for tundra and 4Runner and both were the worst performing ever. My blow out stock shocks felt better.

 

[3bears]

I don't do serious stuff, so 99 talls at all corners works well for me

 

[307Vintage]

Thanks for the info! Seems like you and [MENTION=9502]repo[/MENTION] are both running something very similar. How would compare to OEM set up when you made the change?



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My suspension was stock with the exception of Bilstein 5100's on the rear. That being said, it was so wore out and soft that anything was an upgrade. I went with what I went with because I do use this a lot on rough forest service and old logging roads to get to our fishing spots, and i'm on our local Search and Rescue. I wanted to have something capable for that and I wanted to lift it a bit. My wife's 97 is a OEM setup and hers is a slightly cushier ride. But i'm fine with my setup because I know the pay off it will have on the dirt side of things.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Yea, I hear ya. I was told that like the ICON stage 2 or the BOSS kit from Toytec was far better than OEM in terms of comfort on road as well. Are you running any lift on your rig?


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I would be shocked (get it???) if any lifted vehicle drove smoother than a brand new OEM suspension. However, I have only heard good things about the BOSS and ICON kits, but like I said they cost some serious coin that I can't justify spending on a vehicle worth 5k. Not as much about the Toytec though, there's some on here that love it and some that don't.

I am riding stock height, no lift here. I do have springs that are slightly stiffer than stock though because I do haul heavy loads and tow from time to time.

Another thing to consider when trying to smooth out your ride is tire choice and pressure. The best suspension in the world won't feel all that great if you've got tires that ride harsh. I have P rated tires on right now and playing with tire pressure. 5 PSI is the difference between feeling every crack in the road and enjoying a smoother ride. My tires have a max pressure rating of 51 PSI, I've tried 45, 40, and 35 PSI. 35 is too low and causes the tires to wear, 45 is too stiff, but 40 has been working well so far.

 

[Rockdawg84]

an area to consider as you are thinking about putting some money into suspension, is to replace all your link bushings, front and rear as well as panhard. After 20 years of driving they are worn out. The Runner will track better and be quieter and smoother.


Then pick your springs and shocks. 99 tall coils or for just a little lift go with FJ cruiser springs. As others have said if you want to go all out, get Icon or King. I have two Runners now and one is on a budget suspension (5100 Billies) and the other is on kings all around and yes the difference is night and day on or off road. But the cost is also night and day.

I would also mention that a well set up runner will still never ride like a GX. 3rd gens just don't weigh enough to get that plush kind of ride. But we can still get pretty good and even if you spend 3k on suspension you will not be in debt like a '15 GX will put you. Just my .02 cents.

 

[westdiablo]

I spent a lot of time researching getting a smooth riding daily driver. Occasional fire road camping trips.

I tried Tacoma springs and shocks like some suggest. Bounced all over the place. Couldn't handle the weight.

I talked to guys from several of the big offroad retailers, and to guys directly at Fox and King.

The honest advice summary that I got from those experts ...ALL of the offroad-targeted suspension upgrades, lifted or not, will ride more harsh than stock. They're valved for a much more rugged environment.

I put Bilstein 2wd 4600s on my 4wd truck. Front rides like stock over rough pavement, with better stability in curves. Less float.

As somebody said...these things don't weigh enough to ever ride very smooth given the suspension geometry. Similar weight SUVs ride smoother largely due to less leverage in the front suspension (and use Macpherson struts) and IRS in the back. Unibody has its advantages.

We have a suspension geometry that can scale up to a far bigger truck. But we only weigh 4000 lbs.

Put 250lbs in your cargo area and a heavy front bumper on the runner. Rides like a Highlander!




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[WeakSauz]

I am in the same boat as you. No serious wheeling trips, but mainly camping and fishing, etc.

Here is a SOLID kit for a little extra clearance, and near-OEM like ride quality:

Pro-Truck-Lift Stage 1 Lift System for 1996-2002 4Runner (E80-82-005-01-22)


For a street truck, the kit is awesome. Bolt on and go, no extra supporting mods needed

 

[AL B.]

I just did the Bilstein 6112 front coil/shock pair and the Bilstein 5100 with OME 890’s on the rear. This was on my 98. I absolutely love it so far. Sat it up 2.5 inches. Looks great and so far I like the ride.

Same but I went with 906’s and Tundra 5100’s. Should have gone with 890’s though. May try and trade the 906’s here real soon.

 

[GangsterOfLove]

Hey guys!! On my second runner and I’m thinking about putting on a new suspension (its stock from 99). My first 4runner had top plate spacers, 99talls in the back, and Bilstein shocks.. and I kinda hated the ride. So I don’t wanna repeat my mistakes there. Looking for your advice on what I should go with!! Any recommendations would be huge.

Wheeling : minimal.
once a month? Dirt roads.. driving on the beach... it’s Florida. It’s mostly mudding for wheeling. And that’s not for me. Still want it capable though. Trips up north and all. Camping etc.


Main concern : comfortability and I could use a little clearance (minor rubbing)

Budget : to be honest... I don’t care. I’d love to keep my runner and put some money into it and drive it for another 10-15 years. (I just hit 140k)
But I drove a 15’ gx the other day and it got me thinking a bit.. and I get it, rightfully so.

But I’m asking because I’d love to keep 4runner and debt free status .. just wondering if putting some money into a new suspension really makes all the difference ? And if so... what’s the set up I should go with?

Thanks guys

I just replaced the worn out components with new stock components. Not super expensive and I’m very satisfied.

Rides like new.

 

[curtis_hofmann]

I spent a lot of time researching getting a smooth riding daily driver. Occasional fire road camping trips.

I tried Tacoma springs and shocks like some suggest. Bounced all over the place. Couldn't handle the weight.

I talked to guys from several of the big offroad retailers, and to guys directly at Fox and King.

The honest advice summary that I got from those experts ...ALL of the offroad-targeted suspension upgrades, lifted or not, will ride more harsh than stock. They're valved for a much more rugged environment.

I put Bilstein 2wd 4600s on my 4wd truck. Front rides like stock over rough pavement, with better stability in curves. Less float.

As somebody said...these things don't weigh enough to ever ride very smooth given the suspension geometry. Similar weight SUVs ride smoother largely due to less leverage in the front suspension (and use Macpherson struts) and IRS in the back. Unibody has its advantages.

We have a suspension geometry that can scale up to a far bigger truck. But we only weigh 4000 lbs.

Put 250lbs in your cargo area and a heavy front bumper on the runner. Rides like a Highlander!




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This is great info. Thank you! As I read on I might pull the trigger on a gx. Seems like it might be more of what I’m looking for.


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[curtis_hofmann]

an area to consider as you are thinking about putting some money into suspension, is to replace all your link bushings, front and rear as well as panhard. After 20 years of driving they are worn out. The Runner will track better and be quieter and smoother.


Then pick your springs and shocks. 99 tall coils or for just a little lift go with FJ cruiser springs. As others have said if you want to go all out, get Icon or King. I have two Runners now and one is on a budget suspension (5100 Billies) and the other is on kings all around and yes the difference is night and day on or off road. But the cost is also night and day.

I would also mention that a well set up runner will still never ride like a GX. 3rd gens just don't weigh enough to get that plush kind of ride. But we can still get pretty good and even if you spend 3k on suspension you will not be in debt like a '15 GX will put you. Just my .02 cents.

Looking at an 07 gx instead! Low miles and seems like I might get away without a payment and I’d just need to add some wheels and tires !![emoji1360]


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[BamaDrewski]

I have a stock 2000 T4R LTD 4WD and I just got done refurbishing a few things associated with the ride.

1. I replaced the rear upper and lower control arm bushings with Whiteline poly.
2. Replaced the panhard bushings with Whiteline poly.
3. Replaced the rear sway bar bushings with Energy Suspension poly (only kit I could find)
4. Replaced the Airlift 1000 inner coil airbags, lines, schrader valve and splurged on the metal snapfit "T" - run them at 18 pounds.

I have to say, the ride has never been better for me. Like you, I do not do "mudding" but occassional camping trips and hunting trails. I also have Bilstein BE5-2451 Heavy-Duty Gas Shock Absorbers in the rear and Bilstein BE5-F332-H1 front struts. Only thing left to do is replace the upper and lower control arm bushings across the front.

 

[repo]

Same but I went with 906’s and Tundra 5100’s. Should have gone with 890’s though. May try and trade the 906’s here real soon.

I just switched to 890s because my 906 started to sag badly (I abused them pretty bad tbh). I like the 890 better I think for going over big bumps and slow mo stuff, but now I have more sway and rear end wobbly it feels like. I got the EIMKeith PCK but haven't installed it yet.