My TRD off road Premium rides like a boat :(

[spartacus]

Stiffer suspension, bilstein ome with digressive shocks will make for a more controlled ride, less body roll, less nose dive but'also a'stiffer ride. To get a smoother ride without the stiffness you'll have to go with progressive shocks like kings.

 

[CMTAZ]

Had the same experience when i got my 2018. The more i drove it, the more i hated it. I installed the Eibach Pro kit and it it made a world of difference.

Eibach Pro-truck lift

I would think a better shock like the Bilstiens would help counter the stock springs. This was my first option, but went with the lift to make it less of a station wagon and never doubted my choice.

Look at the Eibach kit. Firmer shocks AND springs. Tightens up the ride without making it too firm.

 

[leowiz]

Thanks all for the comments and suggestions. I did drive a couple of 2019 SR5s and hated the way it drove but my wife had no issues with it. And this is her car, or at least she is the one who really wanted this for her "mid-life-crisis" as she put it. I figured that the car I like and want is probably still a year out so this will do and so far from what I see, the resale value is pretty good on these. I actually just drive a kia Telluride and it blew my expectations. I would have bought that instead except that there is an 8k markup on them.

As for body on frame, I owned a range rover classic LWB for a while which is a BOF. It did drive like a truck but it was also 20 years old.

I am going to see how it goes. It only has 300 miles on it right now but we are driving to Yellowstone and beyond in 3 weeks so will have more time with it.

As for off-roading, we do a few camping trips here in Oregon where we drive on forest service roads and our Subaru Outback has done great but there are places I haven't dared to go; but will now. I feel like I need to go off road to start appreciating this rig otherwise I will keep hating it. Just need to find something close-by soon so I can test it.

I will look into these shocks. Even though I have done this myself 15 years ago, how much are we taking for a set of Eibachs or Kings installed? 1k I am guessing is just the price of the shocks.

 

[Drobs]

Another vote for the full Eibach Pro Truck Lift. The full kit with springs and shocks sells for $748, most places have free shipping.

Direct:
PRO-TRUCK LIFT SYSTEM (Stage 1) - TOYOTA 4Runner Base

Free Shipping:
Eibach E80-82-071-01-22 | THMotorsports

My local lift shop in Springfield, MO installed the Eibach Kit that I supplied for $450.

I had the same exact feelings on the handling of my non-KDSS Off Road as I drove home from dealer. Tons of body sway and tons of nose dive on braking.

I test drove the 4Runner twice and didn't notice the horrible handling characteristics till the drive home. I really debated taking it back to the dealer. It was awful in the hills and curves here in the Ozarks.

The full Eibach kit solved that. Now I can take curves at speed. Nose dive is significantly reduced. 100% better handling on and off road.

 

[00Sebby]

Wait until you need to slow down quickly and hit the brakes medium hard. The brakes will grab and start to squeal the tires when all you wanted to do was slow down quickly but not lock them up. Not only that you will get a severe nose dive. Very dangerous. A 4Runner flaw.

That happened a lot on my '10 TE when I first got it and I found it to be a flaw in the gas pedal design. I mean, I know brake assist was a poorly executed concept on the 4Runners overall, but I fixed it on my Trail and it behaved more like a normal vehicle. Sure, in a true panic stop, the brake assist still worked but it no longer happened in stupid situations like a light changes and I had to stop a little quicker, or someone starts to back out of a parking spot and I have to jump to the brake pedal just in case. Before I fixed it, it surprised and embarrassed me on a regular basis.

In my '20 ORP, I have tried to replicate that and even in what would've been considered an urgent, if not true panic, stop with fast and heavy brake pressure, it did not enable the brake assist. So hopefully on the new ones that has been fixed. Or if the same pedal design it will probably start happening at about 30-50k miles and I will have to fix it again.

 

[00Sebby]

As for the wallowing and boat-like ride, I too can vouch for the Bilstein struts and shocks as a cheaper and easy way to fix this. It definitely made my '10 TE more enjoyable and I plan on doing the same for my '20 ORP.

 

[pointman]

Thanks all for the comments and suggestions. I did drive a couple of 2019 SR5s and hated the way it drove but my wife had no issues with it. And this is her car, or at least she is the one who really wanted this for her "mid-life-crisis" as she put it. I figured that the car I like and want is probably still a year out so this will do and so far from what I see, the resale value is pretty good on these. I actually just drive a kia Telluride and it blew my expectations. I would have bought that instead except that there is an 8k markup on them.

As for body on frame, I owned a range rover classic LWB for a while which is a BOF. It did drive like a truck but it was also 20 years old.

I am going to see how it goes. It only has 300 miles on it right now but we are driving to Yellowstone and beyond in 3 weeks so will have more time with it.

As for off-roading, we do a few camping trips here in Oregon where we drive on forest service roads and our Subaru Outback has done great but there are places I haven't dared to go; but will now. I feel like I need to go off road to start appreciating this rig otherwise I will keep hating it. Just need to find something close-by soon so I can test it.

I will look into these shocks. Even though I have done this myself 15 years ago, how much are we taking for a set of Eibachs or Kings installed? 1k I am guessing is just the price of the shocks.

Kia for over sticker? Sounds insane.

I am surprised that coming from an old school Rover that the 5th gen 4Runner is causing you driving pains. I have owned many Rovers, and the 5th gen 4Runner is by far a much more compliant on road performer than anything Land Rover that isn't relatively new. The Defender 90 was like like rolling the dice at anything over 40 mph.

 

[85GT-79FJ40]

When I bought mine I wasn't thrilled with the handling either. Being short on cash the first thing I did was swap out all the sway bar bushings for urethane. This was I recall like a 50-60 dollar investment and maybe an hour of work. Made a huge difference in the way it tracked and a lot less wallowing in corners. I don't know your wife but I know my girlfriend and my ex wife would be pissed if I lifted their vehicle. But regular Bilstein HD's are an excellent addition. I did this on my ex wife's 3rd gen and it was amazing how much a difference it made. My current one is now lifted with eibachs, 5100's, jba arms, spacers in the rear, 285's.... It can snowball pretty quick. I would try the bushings. It really helps a lot.

 

[IslandJim]

Thanks all for the comments and suggestions.

As for off-roading, we do a few camping trips here in Oregon where we drive on forest service roads and our Subaru Outback has done great but there are places I haven't dared to go; but will now. I feel like I need to go off road to start appreciating this rig otherwise I will keep hating it. Just need to find something close-by soon so I can test it.

Before doing a lot of mods to your 4R, you should test ride a Lexus GX460. It will ride more like a jet ski than a boat. You can still do some off-roading too.

Good Luck...Jim

 

[shaun]

I will look into these shocks. Even though I have done this myself 15 years ago, how much are we taking for a set of Eibachs or Kings installed? 1k I am guessing is just the price of the shocks.

I just bought a set of dobinsons for my 19 SR5. Total price was 1100 shipped and included the spring already installed on the shock. Took about 3 hours to install, not hard at all if you have the tools.

Drives like a different truck, so much better. There is a thread here for Dobinsons suspension through Exit Off road and Mike will answer any of your questions and help you out.
Dobinsons 5th Gen T4R Suspension options - lots of choices

 

[02SE]

As for off-roading, we do a few camping trips here in Oregon where we drive on forest service roads and our Subaru Outback has done great but there are places I haven't dared to go; but will now. I feel like I need to go off road to start appreciating this rig otherwise I will keep hating it. Just need to find something close-by soon so I can test it.

Just be aware that the OEM P-rated tires were selected for their low rolling resistance, and soft ride. If you take some rocky trails, you are likely to get a puncture(s) sooner or later. The very first thing I did was swap out the OEM tires, for more trail-capable tires.

 

[JerseyDevil]

The ride quality was why I decided to go with the Limited. I know I’m sacrificing some level of off road prowess, but sitting here just past middle age, with 5 herniated discs, I felt like the 4Runner that thinks it’s a Lexus was the best way to get this awesome vehicle and not wince every time I drive it. Where I live (NJ Pinelands) it’s all sand roads anyway. If my old F150 FX4 could make it, the T4R LTD will have no trouble.


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[IslandJim]

There you go, test ride the Limited then the Lexus 460. Trade in and get the drive you want, truck people like the 4Runner and its ride.

 

[AZ Craig]

Kia for over sticker? Sounds insane.

I am surprised that coming from an old school Rover that the 5th gen 4Runner is causing you driving pains. I have owned many Rovers, and the 5th gen 4Runner is by far a much more compliant on road performer than anything Land Rover that isn't relatively new. The Defender 90 was like like rolling the dice at anything over 40 mph.

The Telluride has been an absolute hit for Kia and is generally considered one of the best 3 row cross overs sold in the US now.

That being said, you get to deal with the miserable Kia dealership experience and network and pay markup on...a Kia.

I'm amazed at the amount of people willing to pay MSRP or higher on those things to be honest, especially since you're pushing well into the $50K range on a loaded one with markup. I see them around in Arizona constantly though (along with their less attractive Palisade cousin).

Comparing a 4Runner to a Telluride is like an apple and an orange though...

 

[tyler2019]

Before I was even considering getting a 4runner I took a 2 door Wrangler on a a test drive down a rough city road near my house. I couldn't believe how much the thing bounced around - did not like. I actually like the boat like ride quality of the 4Runner very much.

I got mine in October 2019 and it has KDSS which I think does help with medium to high speed corners. You definitely still get the light suspension feel with acceleration and braking so I would say don't bother getting another model.

I'd go with the advice above. The affordable suspension swap I've seen many people rave about on here. More importantly get out and adventure with the 4runner or even just driver over some curbs around town this will help you see why you bought it. My personal recommendation is to drive around with all 5 windows and the sunroof down - the best. Oh also it really give is some more character if you switch out the tires.

 

[4Runner2020ORP]

I have a 2020 4Runner ORP with KDSS. I also felt that the vehicle road like a boat in-spite of having KDSS. I upgraded front suspension with Bilstein 6112 and rear with Bilstein 5160. I went with 1.4” lift in the front and no lift in the back. I love the stance and also the quality of the ride. 4Runner TRD PRO does not have KDSS it has better suspension (fox shocks). I did not change upper control arms, because my lift is not above 3”.

KDSS does not really help when riding on straight roads. KDSS helps when taking turns and off-road.

So I would not worry about KDSS, I would upgrade the suspension and be happy.

Btw Bilstein 6112/5160 is very similar to suspension on 2018 4Runner TRD PRO.

 

[EmmanuelMV]

I have a 2020 4Runner ORP with KDSS. I also felt that the vehicle road like a boat in-spite of having KDSS. I upgraded front suspension with Bilstein 6112 and rear with Bilstein 5160. I went with 1.4” lift in the front and no lift in the back. I love the stance and also the quality of the ride. 4Runner TRD PRO does not have KDSS it has better suspension (fox shocks). I did not change upper control arms, because my lift is not above 3”.

KDSS does not really help when riding on straight roads. KDSS helps when taking turns and off-road.

So I would not worry about KDSS, I would upgrade the suspension and be happy.

Btw Bilstein 6112/5160 is very similar to suspension on 2018 4Runner TRD PRO.

Upper controls arms only needed for 3 inch lift or more?


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[knappster007]

Just be aware that the OEM P-rated tires were selected for their low rolling resistance, and soft ride. If you take some rocky trails, you are likely to get a puncture(s) sooner or later. The very first thing I did was swap out the OEM tires, for more trail-capable tires.

For me the change from oem tires to Falken Wildpeak 275/70 R17 C rated at 39 psi firmed up the ride quite a bit. To me, a great upgrade in ride quality. But I’m coming from twenty years of small sports cars so a firm ride is just fine.

 

[cabbymiami]

Subd

 

[4Runner2020ORP]

Upper controls arms only needed for 3 inch lift or more?


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That is correct. After market Upper Control Arms help with alignment and shock travel once the lift is 3” or above.

My 4Runner is a daily driver.