Riding Rough

[Maritimer]

First, forgive me for asking a blatantly subjective question.

Anyway, I'm just wondering about how truck-like the 4Runner normally feels to you guys. I find the 4Runner feels rough on intense bumps, and I just want to know it's normal and not a shock or springs problem.

Going over train tracks in town rattles the truck and me, but the truck doesn't feel like it minded it. Doing the same thing in a 2002 CR-V is a lot smoother for me, although I may cringe about the vehicle.

Yesterday I was on a rained on, washboard, potholed gravel road, and I'd be avoiding washboard and large puddles only to end up in a series of potholes. Say I was doing about 30-40mph and occasionally getting the windshield showered with muddy water. It's a pretty jarring ride, although I don't feel it's hurting the truck. Once again, though, I think a CUV would feel softer, although I don't think the vehicle would appreciate it much.

Basically I feel it gets quite rattly, feels bumpy, and feels a little stiff in those rough situations, although it always rides smooth and flat on asphalt. Would like to avoid the cost of new shocks and springs, but if what I'm experiencing is far from normal and bad for the truck, I don't mind shelling out. Generally I enjoy that this SUV feels like a truck, and doesn't feel like the CUV CR-V.

:driving::lookout:

 

[fightman80]

Hey Man,

I'm affraid that it's a bit of a trade off with the 4Runner. When mine was stock, the bounce I'd get from the bumps was pretty bad too. I did find that when I added my lift, things seemed to smooth out, but now, that the springs and shocks have been warn in, they are just as bouncy! I chalk it up to it just being a truck.....an older truck at that....so I don't worry about it. I do have to replace my front schocks and springs though, used the spacer in the front, just to get the lift and tires on, but now the shocks are done.....they are 12 years old!

If you decide to upgrade, maybe even do a lift....I hear that the Bilstein shocks are really smooth.....but I'm don't really know by experience.


Good luck!

 

[Maritimer]

Hey Man,

I'm affraid that it's a bit of a trade off with the 4Runner. When mine was stock, the bounce I'd get from the bumps was pretty bad too. I did find that when I added my lift, things seemed to smooth out, but now, that the springs and shocks have been warn in, they are just as bouncy!

As long as its normal I don't mind. :bluejump: I'm a lanky, clunky slow moving type of guy, and I enjoy how truck-like I feel when I'm in my Runner. It's the truck that has a plush, family friendly interior.

 

[XJeepguy]

Where I live there are like a zillion miles of ( logging ) forestry roads and I travel them all the time going into the lakes up there . If I was to do a write up on the feel of it during my trips I would mirror your post exactly. Man I hate washboards ! I think thats just the way these rigs are man .
I do feel sorry for my boat and trailer behind me though .

First, forgive me for asking a blatantly subjective question.

Anyway, I'm just wondering about how truck-like the 4Runner normally feels to you guys. I find the 4Runner feels rough on intense bumps, and I just want to know it's normal and not a shock or springs problem.

Going over train tracks in town rattles the truck and me, but the truck doesn't feel like it minded it. Doing the same thing in a 2002 CR-V is a lot smoother for me, although I may cringe about the vehicle.

Yesterday I was on a rained on, washboard, potholed gravel road, and I'd be avoiding washboard and large puddles only to end up in a series of potholes. Say I was doing about 30-40mph and occasionally getting the windshield showered with muddy water. It's a pretty jarring ride, although I don't feel it's hurting the truck. Once again, though, I think a CUV would feel softer, although I don't think the vehicle would appreciate it much.

Basically I feel it gets quite rattly, feels bumpy, and feels a little stiff in those rough situations, although it always rides smooth and flat on asphalt. Would like to avoid the cost of new shocks and springs, but if what I'm experiencing is far from normal and bad for the truck, I don't mind shelling out. Generally I enjoy that this SUV feels like a truck, and doesn't feel like the CUV CR-V.

:driving::lookout:

 

[TeamAllen]

I noticed a big difference in our 01 4Runner. I replaced the shocks and struts. Then I replaced the sway bar bushings (front/rear) and lower/upper ball joints. I had the tires aligned and the difference was amazing. I just wrote the rough ride off as truck like. It is now more like a car. My wife even noticed the improved ride.

 

[Maritimer]

I noticed a big difference in our 01 4Runner. I replaced the shocks and struts. Then I replaced the sway bar bushings (front/rear) and lower/upper ball joints. I had the tires aligned and the difference was amazing. I just wrote the rough ride off as truck like. It is now more like a car. My wife even noticed the improved ride.

How much did it run you to do all that? Currently my budget is skyrocketing on this thing with a full fluid change next week, an evaporation system problem and the need to get a Rust Check treatment done before it snows.

When you did it was it much needed or just much appreciated?

 

[XJeepguy]

What part brands did you use ? Toyota or some other brand of shocks ? And ya I'm curious about cost too


Thanks

I noticed a big difference in our 01 4Runner. I replaced the shocks and struts. Then I replaced the sway bar bushings (front/rear) and lower/upper ball joints. I had the tires aligned and the difference was amazing. I just wrote the rough ride off as truck like. It is now more like a car. My wife even noticed the improved ride.

 

[TeamAllen]

I will look up what the parts cost. I used Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks with Old Man Emu springs. The suspension parts weren't from the dealer. I think they were moog? I"ll check it out and get back to you.

It wasn't anticipated at all. The CV Axle boots were leaking. While my son and I were getting into that we just thought while we were in there we might as well take care of business. I didn't expect any difference in the ride quality, but were pleasantly surprised. It is stock height.