Shocks that can replicate the GX 460 Ride? Need Advice.

[MICA4R]

I was almost the new owner of a 4Runner 5th Gen. When the sales rep opened his mouth and said the GX is the same vehicle but has a much smoother ride. :wtf:

Now wife wants a smoother ride.
Husband does not want to make payments for a GX for the next 30 years.
Husband wants to be be happy.
So wife must be happy.
So I need your help:

Are there shocks out there that I can swap out for the 2012 SR5 that will give it a "smooth" lexus like ride (on-road)?

KDDS? is it really worth it for (on-road)?

 

[ClockWork]

The entire suspension and all components are different in the Lexus. Higher quality bushings, better motor mounts, a smoother engine, the optional air-ride, and more sound insulation all make the Lexus have a smoother ride.

Replicating that with 4 shocks will be hard.

KDSS is absolutely awesome on road.

 

[DEKA3]

Dont think its possible, smart-money wise. But Im still interested to see what others says...

I was almost the new owner of a 4Runner 5th Gen. When the sales rep opened his mouth and said the GX is the same vehicle but has a much smoother ride. :wtf:

Now wife wants a smoother ride.
Husband does not want to make payments for a GX for the next 30 years.
Husband wants to be be happy.
So wife must be happy.
So I need your help:

Are there shocks out there that I can swap out for the 2012 SR5 that will give it a "smooth" lexus like ride (on-road)?

KDDS? is it really worth it for (on-road)?

 

[1engineer]

Everyone has a different perception of ride quality. Some people like a "stiffer ride" like a sports car and some like a "soft" ride like the old school cadillacs and lincolns.

That said, not wanting to get the GX because of price, here is what I would do:

1. Buy the 4Runner limited as a base for 40K.
2. Immediately take it to a stereo install shop and have them dynamat the doors and floor. Price- IDK probably $500.00 or so for a good job.
3. Buy some nice 17" rims for 1.2K
4. Buy some 17" 265-65-17 top of the line Michelin alll season tires for 1K.

Total spent: less than 43K

The Limited will give you a good on road suspension with the XREAS. Swapping out the 20" wheels for 17" wheels will allow you to put tires on with a taller sidewall that really absorb many of the high speed bumps like expansion joints on the interstate while the XREAS will help in the cornering and handling department. The Dynamat will do two things: It will add a little weight to the body panels and it will really quiet down any road noise. Will also give the doors a substantial feel when closing. And last, the tires. Tires are one of the most important items in ride quality. A great all season tire like the Michelins are quiet, handle the road well and absorb the bumps. Good luck! BTW, this is the route I would go if I had to. Fortunately my wife likes the ride of the SR5.

Now, will this replicate the GX? No, but I think it will give you the best possible ride for the dollars spent.

 

[KCcarguy]

What about XREAS? Did you drive a limited? Add some 17's or 18's on passenger tires and I bet you'd have a pretty nice ride.

 

[MICA4R]

Thanks for the info, I will definitely look into it.

I'll have to try out the KDDS

Question, can you get XREAS & KDDS together?

 

[KCcarguy]

XREAS=Limited

KDSS=Trail (optional)

 

[harper7]

Thanks for the info, I will definitely look into it.

I'll have to try out the KDDS

Question, can you get XREAS & KDDS together?

Good Luck on even finding a TE with KDSS to try out living in Texas unless you find someone who already has one. They are rare and havn't had one for months in the whole Gulf States 5 state region. People have had to travel or have them shipped in from different regions.

 

[RandyMon]

I made the mistake of test driving the Lexus GX just before I bought my T4R LTD. The GX ride was amazing and I almost changed my decision. Ultimately I could not bring myself to pay the extra 20K.

I still love my 4R but it has one of the harshest rides I have experienced on any vehicle and I have had cars with sport suspension. I've never stopped wondering what I could do to improve the ride quality.

 

[KCcarguy]

I made the mistake of test driving the Lexus GX just before I bought my T4R LTD. The GX ride was amazing and I almost changed my decision. Ultimately I could not bring myself to pay the extra 20K.

I still love my 4R but it has one of the harshest rides I have experienced on any vehicle and I have had cars with sport suspension. I've never stopped wondering what I could do to improve the ride quality.

Ditch the 20s.

 

[1engineer]

I made the mistake of test driving the Lexus GX just before I bought my T4R LTD. The GX ride was amazing and I almost changed my decision. Ultimately I could not bring myself to pay the extra 20K.

I still love my 4R but it has one of the harshest rides I have experienced on any vehicle and I have had cars with sport suspension. I've never stopped wondering what I could do to improve the ride quality.

Do what my above post tells you to do. Just changing the 20" to 17" will make a world of difference. Get some good tires too.

 

[seahaul]

I made the mistake of test driving the Lexus GX just before I bought my T4R LTD. The GX ride was amazing and I almost changed my decision. Ultimately I could not bring myself to pay the extra 20K.

I still love my 4R but it has one of the harshest rides I have experienced on any vehicle and I have had cars with sport suspension. I've never stopped wondering what I could do to improve the ride quality.

Like a moron I did this very same thing....As much as I love the 4Runner the GX has a ride that is just totally amazing, i would image there are similar rides but driving the GX was plush, peacfull, quiet, and serene. I would challenge anyone to find a body on frame that is as good. Just buy a 4Runner and be happy, do not drive the GX or you willbe ruined like me...lol

 

[ClockWork]

like a moron i did this very same thing....as much as i love the 4runner the gx has a ride that is just totally amazing, i would image there are similar rides but driving the gx was plush, peacfull, quiet, and serene. I would challenge anyone to find a body on frame that is as good. Just buy a 4runner and be happy, do not drive the gx or you willbe ruined like me...lol

LX and LC.