How does your 4R handle in high winds?

[nacho]

The reason I ask this is because we have pretty high winds here on the Oregon coast and when going 55-80 mph the high gusts of wind from the sides rock the 4R pretty good. It's not like I feel like I'm going to get blown off the road, but it makes you pay attention pretty good and it seems like I've never experienced this in any other vehicle I've driven before. My front shocks are pretty tight (bils). Would softer shocks help more or make it worse? Nothing special mounted on the rig besides the stock roof rack, wheel flares and the hood guard. None of that should make any diff I would think. Tires are solid 265/75R16 Good Year tracker 2's almost new and filled to specs. Just curious if this is a common problem with all 3rd gen 4R's??

 

[SRSRunner]

I'm not sure how much changing the shocks would change things as mine are stock. I have the same issue though, I'm running the stock tire size with 33-35 psi in them high winds push me all over the place. I've been reading up on lift kits etc- supposedly the one OME makes really changes the handeling for the better.

 

[steezemcqueen]

Its pretty common since most SUV's have the aerodynamic properties similar to that of a brick wall

 

[JohnsD90]

Every SUV ive driven moves about the road in wind like steeze said its the wind pushing a big flat surface, what do you think will happen?

 

[Nelsonmd]

To answer your question... Like a boat.

Especially with my steering wobble, I have noticed the wind WAY more than with my old grand am.

 

[NickF]

Try driving an empyty box truck like that

 

[steezemcqueen]

2 words. surface area.

 

[Nelsonmd]

2 words. surface area.

How about "attempted flux"?

 

[Avarice]

Well, compared to my old s2000, it definitely feels like a big wobbly brick, but compared to other SUV's I've driven, and my Tundra, it's not that bad. It definitely catches the wind, but it doesn't seem to jar the steering as much as I expected, and it's fairly correctable compared to the mushy dead steering of the Tundra. It's no worse than my buddies Honda Oddysey which is about the same surface area, but definitely more aerodynamic and lower to the ground. Plus I've got a Yakima MegaWarrior Rack on the top of mine.

The fact the thing weighs 4600+ pounds helps a lot. Many light econo/city cars I've driven(including my old 94 civic) are almost as bad even though they are smaller and more aerodynamic. For example, I have a Suzuki GSXR-750 and Suzuki Hayabusa, both 08s and thus very very aerodynamic, but they weigh nothing, and thus, if hit with a big blast of wind, can get pushed from one side of the lane to the other without me moving the handlebars whatsoever.

Essentially, what I'd say is this -

If you're gonna own an SUV or Truck, the 4runner isn't going to be any worse in the wind than an equivalent model from another manufacturer, possibly even better in my experience.

I can't think of anything short of lowering(lord have mercy) your 4runner to make it better in the wind.

 

[Satter]

You definately don't want to use it during a hurricane.

 

[SkidPalace]

It's pretty normal considering it's an SUV. It's just something you'll have to get used to.

 

[Pikeman]

I move around a bit but so far no unexpected lane changes. I drive in an area of So Cal that when the Santa Ana winds hit you see big rigs on their side. As mentioned above it is about having a lot of surface area for the wind to push against. This is also why I don't recommend pulling big enclosed trailers with our trucks but have no problem pulling an overweight flat trailer.

 

[nacho]

I had an 85 Toyota long bed 4 cyl. truck with a camper shell for years. I know it wasn't nearly as heavy as this 4R and just as boxy with that alum. camper shell, but it handled the high winds a lot better by far. That's why I was kind of amazed that this heavier 4R jumps around so much. I totally understand the 'box or brick' thing and wind dynamics. I've driven all kinds of vehicles in my 55 yrs, but this 2000 4R doesn't deal with the wind like I thought it would. I still love it and wouldn't trade it for any suv in it's class.
I just wanted to verify that I'm not the only one experiencing the wind thing.
Thanks

 

[00Spork]

Mine handles like crap. Its gotten to the point where I'm afraid of getting blown OVER. Not off the road, but on my side. BUT, I don't have sways

 

[TFJ-4runner]

You want to have some fun draft a semi on the interstate/highway and gradually get closer. Especially if your lifted...