Improve Ride Handling?

[mklttdv]

Hi all,

I have an '03 4runner and i notice that it's a little stiff when going over speed bum and such. I am also plan on doing some mild off-roading. Would something that improve ride handing on road compromise my 4runner off-roading capabilities?

I've been searching around on the forum and it seem that a coil over set up would give me the best of both world, is that true?

For the most part I just want a really smooth ride without compromising the off-road capability.Anybody care to chime in their experience?

 

[BlairB]

The problem you will face is when you improve your off-road capabilities via OME or a Coilover setup you also stiffen it up a bit, which will do the opposite of what you are looking for.

Smooth ride and increased off road performance usually do not go together too well unfortunately.

 

[HB 4X4]

The problem you will face is when you improve your off-road capabilities via OME or a Coilover setup you also stiffen it up a bit, which will do the opposite of what you are looking for.

Smooth ride and increased off road performance usually do not go together too well unfortunately.

X2

Also, do you currently have everything in your suspension stock still? If so, why would you want to soften that up even more? Stock 4runners ride like they have marshmallows under them.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

How many miles? I would suspect the '03 might be getting a little tired...

Look here at the light duty kit.

OME 883 or 884 (because you have the V8) with the 139/140 shock combo should give a sweet ride and actually be an improvement over your worn, aged stock. I have only been been on one, short OME equipped drive in a T4R, it wasn't bad at all. (884/895 with 140 shocks in front, don't know about rear.)

I agree with Josh & Blair that the heavier setups geared toward more hardcore off-roading will stiffen it a bit. I think this kit might be the exact answer.

If you don't offroad much and want to retain/gain some roll control in the turns click on my swaybar bushing upgrade link in my sig.

Good luck!

:cheers:

 

[riverider]

Maybe it's time to buy a newer street type 4Runner. :bigok:

 

[Nuke]

X2

...Stock 4runners ride like they have marshmallows under them.

OMG, so true. I DESPISE how soft my '08 Sport rides. My '00 has Bilsteins and is stiff but she handles through tight turns as if she was on rails. I'll take a stiff ride that performs over the "soccer mom" suspension any day. I'll be looking at replacement suspension options for the '08 when the weather turns warmer.

 

[riverider]

OMG, so true. I DESPISE how soft my '08 Sport rides. My '00 has Bilsteins and is stiff but she handles through tight turns as if she was on rails. I'll take a stiff ride that performs over the "soccer mom" suspension any day. I'll be looking at replacement suspension options for the '08 when the weather turns warmer.

Since most on the driving I do in my new 08 4Runner is in the City streets or County roads, I really like the 08s ride. When I really need to go into the rough I take my trusty 82 Ford full sized Bronco.

 

[mklttdv]

Thanks for the replies guys,

Smooth ride and increased off road performance usually do not go together too well unfortunately.

That's what I fear. I just want some confirmation with the expert . Still a noob...

Also, do you currently have everything in your suspension stock still? If so, why would you want to soften that up even more? Stock 4runners ride like they have marshmallows under them.

Yes, I believe so. I have a certified used. So I am not 100% sure.

How many miles?

Around 80K. Again I am not sure of whether the shock has been replaced or not because it's a certified used.

Regarding the soft ride, let me take a drive of another 4runner to see if it's really softer. I notice one of you have an 07 another 08 so I don't know if it's smoother than an 03. So I guess I'll have to check them out.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Lower your tire presure off road, the harshness goes away and you have more traction. Makes a world of difference.