Improving the ride on 3rd gen

[shokelah]

Has anyone had any experience in improving the ride on their 3rd generation 4 Runner? Mine is a 2000 SR5 V6 and I was wondering if purchasing Bilstein shocks would help. I am also looking at anti sway bars from Addco. Any input would be appreciated

 

[ebelen1]

Has anyone had any experience in improving the ride on their 3rd generation 4 Runner? Mine is a 2000 SR5 V6 and I was wondering if purchasing Bilstein shocks would help. I am also looking at anti sway bars from Addco. Any input would be appreciated

What do you mean by "improving" the ride? If you mean better handling, then yes, Bilsteins and Addcos will help. If you mean softer, smoother, then no. Bilsteins will stiffen up your ride.

 

[shokelah]

Yeah, I mean making it softer over bumps but better handling around corners. So the Bilsteins will make it much firmer? Does anyone have any other experiences with other shocks?

 

[harper223]

I actually just had a set of Bils put on my 01 and have the sway bars sitting in the garage, with an appointment to have them put on next week. I didnt really notice a stiffening of the ride with these shocks like many claim may happen BUT, 4Runners are just rough riders. I suggest to improve your ride, go after the pitch and roll with the sway bars because I have heard from many, they really improve handling on turns, which is where all SUV's are miserable. Your driving a truck- so it will stay bumpy. Maybe new springs? Check out performanceproducts.com I will let you know how the sway bars turn out.

 

[shokelah]

Thanks. Yes, I would love to find out how the sway bars help. I had a ride in my brother in laws 4th Generation 4Runner and the difference is day and night. But I love my 3rd generation so I guess that I will have to put up with the rough ride.

 

[harper223]

I had the bars put on yesterday. Firestone charged me 140.00 for the install, which I thought was pretty good. Right off the bat you can tell a difference. Now this isnt jaw-dropping, but roll and pitch are considerably reduced around corners and wouldnt you know it, in front of the mall yesterday, someone pulled out in front of me. I was going about 45mph and to avoid hitting this obliviot, I swerved to the left and oh man!, what a difference. I got way more control back and didnt have that feeling like she was going to roll. Thats it.