Highway Driving 'Wallow'

[Tim Mathews]

New Member here. We purchased a 2012 SR5 4 Runner for my wife. This is her third 4Runner.

I want to 'stiffen' up the 'wallow' (feels like a rolling boat sometimes) because she mainly does city and highway driving.

Does anybody have any suggestions on how I can do this?

Thanks,

 

[Jeremy556]

Easiest and cheapest way would be to get a set of Bilstein 5100 shocks installed. Probably set the fronts to the .85 setting to preload the front springs a bit.

 

[4RBob]

yup, the Bilstein's help, stiffer LT tires (load range C, D, E) help. key word is help. load range E are pretty stiff, I did notice a difference with load range C tires though.

after that you are looking at stiffer springs (so you will be at least mildly lifting) or beefier sway bars (I am personally waiting for this to become available).

easiest, most expensive option - trade in SR5 for a Trail with KDSS option or any Limited.

 

[philsey]

I had the same issues, exactly. Here's what I did:

- 4 Bilstein 5100s. Set the fronts at .85 to level the truck (this is just aesthetic).
- Upgrade tires. I went to P-rated Continentals, inflated to 34-35#.
- Have a good alignment shop set the caster to 4 degrees.

Voila.

 

[Jtraskell]

Like Philsey and you, had the same problem. I simply got better tires. See my signature block below for a description. MUCH better now. For my use, no need for the new shocks. (not to say I will not get some in the future). But for now, nice smooth ride with what I have. You might also look into changing the caster in your alignment as close to 4.0 positive as you can get. Makes the steering much more steady. (Gives the steering some needed resistance) Be Safe.

 

[philsey]

Jtraskell makes a good point. The tires and caster setting are likely the most responsible for improving the steering wander.
I did not like the soft ride and wanted that firmed up as well, and the 5100s were a perfect fit for me.

 

[lbrunner]

I have a 12 te without kdss and also hate the seesaw ride. Looking at the bilstens with front set at .85 but aren't the stock shocks bilstens anyway? Also I think the non kdss te and sr5 have same suspension no?

 

[Jeremy556]

I have a 12 te without kdss and also hate the seesaw ride. Looking at the bilstens with front set at .85 but aren't the stock shocks bilstens anyway? Also I think the non kdss te and sr5 have same suspension no?

No. Yes.

 

[Qjake]

Trade it for a Limited :thumb3:

Or do as mentioned above :bigok:

 

[36bound]

I upgraded to Bilsteins on my '07 Wrangler 4-door. I also upgraded from the OEM P-metric tires on the Wrangler to LT C-rated tires and as stated above, this helped to minimize, but not eliminate the "boat-like" rolling feeling.

I now have about 2,500 miles on my '12 KDSS equipped Trail Edition. I test drove several SR5s and a couple Limiteds before deciding on the TE. The KDSS system makes the 4R handle curves wonderfully. No joke!