Rollover modifications?

[frederickson]

Hey guys, I'm in the market to buy a 99-01 4Runner Limited. Really like the combination of reliability, performance, solid crash scores, etc. that I'm sure all of you are very familiar with.

The one thing that concerns me though, and I know it comes with the SUV territory to some extent, is the roll-over issue. I know the newest generation 4 Runners, Explorers, etc. have taken measures to prevent it somewhat (better static stability). But are there any kind of tires, add-ons, etc. that can reduce the tendency of the earlier models from rolling over? I like the looks of the previous generation 4Runner, plus I can't afford to shell out 30+ for one of the 2003 and on models! Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Good Times]

1. drive slower
2. don't drive like you're driving a sports car.

outside of that, no. you can add a better swaybar system if available (not sure).

although the newer vehicles may have better preventative components to prevent unnecessary rollovers, if you drive 100mph and then do a hard right/left, it'll roll... the higher the COG the great the rollover risk. It's pure physics.

Just drive carefully and know that you're driving a vehicle with a higher COG compared to a sedan and you'll be fine.

good luck

 

[Thai]

You may want to look at '01-02 4runners because these have VSC (stabillity control), 4-channel ABS system, and Brake Assist. VSC helps to prevent oversteer and understeer...thus, rollovers and lost of control can be prevented.

All 4runners (2wd and 4wd) from 2001 and up have these enhanced safety systems.

 

[<<<<]

Do not attempt drifting...

 

[ToolmanJohn]

I would also add...

1. drive slower
2. don't drive like you're driving a sports car.

3. Keep your tires at the correct pressures. And don't overload the truck.

Low tire pressures are a big cause in the rollover facter. All it takes is an offset load in the rear cargo area, and one squishy tire on an off camber turn in sand. It's not hard to imagine.

 

[Gryphon]

OOH! My FAVOURITE Question!!!

Every time I see this question, I can't help but remember Consumer Reports putting outriggers on Isuzu Troopers in the late 80's. Shortly thereafter, 4Wheeler Magazine took several Troopers and Amigos over the Rubicon trail.

Guess what?

None of the Troopers rolled.

If you are going to roll over, I would think it would be in a severe off-camber situation off road before you would do it on pavement...unless you are doing something unwise. No, I have never rolled anything, yes I drive a bit aggressively (ok, a LOT sometimes!) BUT, as mentioned before: I use my VW Jetta for the tight twisties and my T4R for the off road stuff.

Survived situations by the posting individual: 130 mph in a lifted '79 Ford F150, 90+ mph in a lifted 79 Ford Bronco, climbing a gravel pile so steep it took considerable digging to get the rear bumper to clear so I could come back down (read "nuthin' but hood and sky!") 60 mph around the corner on a normal city block in an '85 VW Jetta, 80 MHP around an "s" curve rated 25 mph in a Saab, '90 T4R at a rather severe off camber on a washed out logging trail, nose down on a downhill that lifted the rear tires enough to be a bit discomforting...and NEVER ROLLED.

(yeah, I gotta settle down AND start carrying my camera more often!)

Kinda like the Explorers rolling with tire failures: They put passenger car tires on an SUV and expect the sidewalls to live up to the dynamics. (I also think there had to be a pilot error...I can easily see a lot of folks reacting to a tread seperation by a quick jerk reaction looking to the rear of the rig, jerking the steering wheel on a short, narrow SUV, going "Huh? Whazzat noise?"...resulting steering jerk creates a reaction of simple physics...and away they roll!)

My $.02