More highway stability please
- Thread starter jibaro
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doberman_baby
New member
I noticed this also, especially when there is wind. If no wind, no floating from side to side even at 70, 80mph. I assume that it's the height of the truck causing this. FYI, I also noticed this when I had my 3rd gen.
Hope someone in the forum has a suggestion.
fxoffroad
New member
Earlier this month, I took a 1200 mile road trip... on the interstate through the Colorado Mountains (I-70) at 75-90 miles per hour - the truck was very stable and sure-footed.
If there's wind (like with every other high profile vehicle)- slowing down for those conditions is definitely necessary.
If there's wind (like with every other high profile vehicle)- slowing down for those conditions is definitely necessary.
SeattleMike
New member
There is no way to make a 6' tall, 3-ton truck handle like a 4'8" tall car that weighs *half* as much. There are tires and suspension parts you can swap out that will make it handle better, but no matter how much money you spend the 4Runner is not going to handle like a sports car. It's a truck, expect it to handle like one.
chimyz
New member
I hate to mention it again, but....
Icon coilovers. Problem solved.
My father rented a SR5 earlier this year on a trip to AZ. Before I had mine I asked him about the ride and he said it was horrible on the hwy, wandering everywhere and not stable at all.
Me being used to trucks didn't worry too much, knowing I was going to modify this thing as soon as I got it. Last week him and I did a 700 mile trip to Pittsburgh. I asked what he thought and his reply was:
"this isn't anything like the truck we rented. It is so much more stable and nice to drive at speed"
the ride is truly night and day at speed.
Icon coilovers. Problem solved.
My father rented a SR5 earlier this year on a trip to AZ. Before I had mine I asked him about the ride and he said it was horrible on the hwy, wandering everywhere and not stable at all.
Me being used to trucks didn't worry too much, knowing I was going to modify this thing as soon as I got it. Last week him and I did a 700 mile trip to Pittsburgh. I asked what he thought and his reply was:
"this isn't anything like the truck we rented. It is so much more stable and nice to drive at speed"
the ride is truly night and day at speed.
My TE did this as well, like skating on glass.
I put on some Pro Comp 17 x 8 wheels and some wider than stock Toyo Open Country A/T's problem solved. Rock solid handling with no floating across the highway crap anymore.
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westwind77
New member
I have an SR5, do daily highway driving, and I love it. Compared to my last SUV the steering is very tight (move the wheel just a hair and the 4R moves along with it). If you hold the wheel straight so goes the 4R, well mine at least.
I really have to wonder about all these complaints though, did none of you test drive the 4R's??? I took mine on the highway, back roads, etc. I hit the brakes hard, swerved back and forth at highway speeds all the way to slow speeds. I wanted to know exactly how the 4R would handle in most situation before I bought it, and I was very happy, but by doing so I knew exactly what I was getting into. It just amazes me how people come on here and complain about things they should have noticed or tested during the 'test drive'.
To me it is like buying a house, then complaining about the kitchen.....that you never looked at before you bought the house.
All that said, as you can see there are fixes for these so called 'problems'. Did anyone look into the suspension differences between the SR5 and the LE before purchasing? You would have seen how in their descriptions and youtube videos it specifically goes into how the LE will perform and handle better on-road. Personally I do not think most people do enough research before major purchases these days leading to buyers remorse and false negative reviews, but hey, that is JMO.
I really have to wonder about all these complaints though, did none of you test drive the 4R's??? I took mine on the highway, back roads, etc. I hit the brakes hard, swerved back and forth at highway speeds all the way to slow speeds. I wanted to know exactly how the 4R would handle in most situation before I bought it, and I was very happy, but by doing so I knew exactly what I was getting into. It just amazes me how people come on here and complain about things they should have noticed or tested during the 'test drive'.
To me it is like buying a house, then complaining about the kitchen.....that you never looked at before you bought the house.
All that said, as you can see there are fixes for these so called 'problems'. Did anyone look into the suspension differences between the SR5 and the LE before purchasing? You would have seen how in their descriptions and youtube videos it specifically goes into how the LE will perform and handle better on-road. Personally I do not think most people do enough research before major purchases these days leading to buyers remorse and false negative reviews, but hey, that is JMO.
offshorebear
New member
How is the ride from Pittsburgh to Ontario? I've been thinking of doing that as a vacation. My 04' with BFG's is just fine on the highway, except for a jerk to the left when braking that isn't a tire issue.
The suspension on my TE with KDSS is stock, I just changed the wheels and tires (e.g. as I do with every new rig I buy). Made a BIG difference.
If you do decide to do the suspension as well it should help give you even more stability from side to side and front to back. One note: IMHO I would not do a suspension upgrade without adding a better set of wheels (e.g. 8" or wider) and tires (275 or wider).
I'm not at all happy with the highway handling on my SR5. I find the steering way too light. The slightest wind makes me feel like I'm going to blow over. I keep wondering if the front end is out of alignment, but I think it's just the light steering. I don't like it and it doesn't feel safe.
My last truck was much larger and taller than the SR5, so I know what wind should feel like.
This certainly wouldn't be my first choice of vehicle if I had the money to get something else, but I couldn't find anything else I could afford that I liked any better. I like the visibility and high sitting position. That's about all I like about my new T4R.
My last truck was much larger and taller than the SR5, so I know what wind should feel like.
This certainly wouldn't be my first choice of vehicle if I had the money to get something else, but I couldn't find anything else I could afford that I liked any better. I like the visibility and high sitting position. That's about all I like about my new T4R.
jh26
New member
Could be tire balance
I know it sounds crazy, but on my 3rd gen and my 4th gen, this feeling was consistently caused by very slightly out of balance tires on the front end. Not enough out of balance that you could feel any vibration - just a lightness and wandering on the highway. It's always hard to get the tire guys to fix it - you have to find a shop with a road-force balancer and might need them to "index" the tires to the rims.
My guess is that's the reason some people love the highway feel and other hate it. I've had it both ways on the very same vehicles of mine.
I know it sounds crazy, but on my 3rd gen and my 4th gen, this feeling was consistently caused by very slightly out of balance tires on the front end. Not enough out of balance that you could feel any vibration - just a lightness and wandering on the highway. It's always hard to get the tire guys to fix it - you have to find a shop with a road-force balancer and might need them to "index" the tires to the rims.
My guess is that's the reason some people love the highway feel and other hate it. I've had it both ways on the very same vehicles of mine.
With the original Dunlop tires, my 4Runner also felt very loose and floaty. It didn't vibrate, but I was constantly making minor steering adjustments to keep it straight on the road and it was getting tiring to drive. According to the dealer, the alignment and balance was fine and they implied that I was simply experiencing difficulty adjusting from my previous vehicle. I was seriously thinking of trading it in, but instead, I ended up buying Revos and the 4Runner has driven great ever since. I'm not sure how much of the improvement was due to the better tires or the skill of the installer, but the vehicle is now a pleasure to drive.
chimyz
New member
Boring! I've done that drive probably 50 times (or more) in my life. Ontario and Toronto are great. If you wanna spend 5 hrs in the rig, this is a great place to visit.
I am also of the mind it is the tires more then anything else. I have those "soft sided" Dunlaps, and I do not like the ride. To soft and it feels as though the tire will fold under a hard turn. I think Revos or any other tire with a higher load rating (additional plys in the side wall) will help a lot.
Dear allMy TE did this as well, like skating on glass.
I put on some Pro Comp 17 x 8 wheels and some wider than stock Toyo Open Country A/T's problem solved. Rock solid handling with no floating across the highway crap anymore.
First of all, happy new year. I a, from Peru, and i have a '10 4runner SR5 with 20M miles. I just returned from a 1,200 miles road trip in a very windy road with the orginal tires (Dunlop 245 /70 R17) and was a nightmare. It floats a lot esepcially after 60mph..no vibration, but just side to side like loose (like jibaro was some time ago) . I just balanced and align the SUV before the trip. May solve the problem chnaging tires ony? which sizes and brand do you recommend? Have to improve suspension components? Thank you very much for your help
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NuclearN8
New member
As others have eluded to there are some basic, no cost options to ensure you have the designed in stability... properly inflate your tires is probably the easiest and cheapest way (Even slightly over inflating by a pound or two wouldn't hurt and would probably help with mpg). At least with this done (on windless days) you know your rig will feel as intended by the design engineers.
If the designed feel isn't adequate at highway speeds then I'd encourage you to make some inexpensive mods before spending over a thousand(s) dollars on tires and/ or a major suspension overhaul. Probably the best bang for the buck mod to help with stability is switching your sway bar and rear endlink bushings to poly from the oem rubber. This should provide a noticable improvement in handling for $50-60 (prothane or energy make them in universal sizes... I'd recommend the greasable ones which can be bought from jegs or summit usually with free shipping). It may or not help your wandering feeling on the highway but it will definitely help with stability in all turning situations.
If money is no issue, then swap out your tires and suspension for some higher quality stuff. Opinions vary greatly on the best so just do your research before pulling the trigger... Just remember when switching tires or suspension (if lifting) you're likely to lose mpg due to the increased weight (especially unsprung weight gained like with E load rated tires... the sidewalls are thicker/ heavier which means more unsprung weight. average E rated tires weigh in at around 50-55 lbs per tire in stock sizes)
Lastly, if none of this works, remember this is a body on frame TRUCK, not a unibody car or minivan or crossover or suv. If you desire a ford explorer ride in a 4runner, you'll NEVER get it.... so save yourself the heartache and sell you 4runner to me and go buy an explorer or toyota highlander or sienna
If the designed feel isn't adequate at highway speeds then I'd encourage you to make some inexpensive mods before spending over a thousand(s) dollars on tires and/ or a major suspension overhaul. Probably the best bang for the buck mod to help with stability is switching your sway bar and rear endlink bushings to poly from the oem rubber. This should provide a noticable improvement in handling for $50-60 (prothane or energy make them in universal sizes... I'd recommend the greasable ones which can be bought from jegs or summit usually with free shipping). It may or not help your wandering feeling on the highway but it will definitely help with stability in all turning situations.
If money is no issue, then swap out your tires and suspension for some higher quality stuff. Opinions vary greatly on the best so just do your research before pulling the trigger... Just remember when switching tires or suspension (if lifting) you're likely to lose mpg due to the increased weight (especially unsprung weight gained like with E load rated tires... the sidewalls are thicker/ heavier which means more unsprung weight. average E rated tires weigh in at around 50-55 lbs per tire in stock sizes)
Lastly, if none of this works, remember this is a body on frame TRUCK, not a unibody car or minivan or crossover or suv. If you desire a ford explorer ride in a 4runner, you'll NEVER get it.... so save yourself the heartache and sell you 4runner to me and go buy an explorer or toyota highlander or sienna
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