Please Help !!!

[amorg7777]

I have a 2002 Toyota 4Runner SR-5 and I just love it. Unfortunately, I am recovering from "major" lower back surgery and L3- thru L5 disc replacement. According to my surgeon, my Toyota 4Runner will not be my vehicle of choice, because of the "harsh" road ride. I will not be able to use this vehicle again with my "disc" problem and that I should begin to look for another vehicle - like a "smooth-ride" Honda Pilot, etc.

I do not want to do this, I love my Toyota 4Runner. Are there any
shock absorber/suspension modifications that I can perform on my
4Runner to "smooth out" it's ride ???

Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in
advance. amorg7777

 

[nh00gts]

There should be some shocks available on the aftermarket to give it a more car like ride. I have heard sensatrac from Napa is softer.

 

[toybox]

IMO you need to think about this a little more as the ride is not the only thing that will effect comfort in relation to your back. How bad are the roads that you drive? Do you consider your seats supportive and comfortable? Getting in and out of a 3rd gen can be little more difficult for someone with lumbar problems than some newer models including the 4th gen 4runner, this may be a bigger deal than the actual ride. Would the ride difference be great enough between trucks or would a car like an Avalon be what is needed to make a big enough difference in ride comfort?


All that being said I wouldn't change until you actually drive it after the operation and determine that the ride is not good enough.

 

[jwyshrek]

what about one of those off-road suspension seats...not sure who makes them...but saw something about on an episode of Trucks!.

Basically, it is a type of seat that takes a lot of the shock of off roading felt by the driver/passenger...

found a quick link...

http://www.racing-seats-usa.com/suspension-seats.html

 

[Thai]

Aren't there Tempur-pedic car seats or something?? I thought that i saw one at Sharper Image or Brookstone....

 

[toto]

I think my 06 4Runner rides as smooth as my 04 RX 330 did.
Toybox is right - I don't think the 4Runner's ride will have anything to do with your back. It depends a lot on the road quality, and also how easy you find it getting in and out of the truck.

 

[amorg7777]

Thanks ....

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions and ideas. I really
appreciate everyones "reply" to my post. amorg7777