Smoothest riding aftermarket suspension?

[paddlenbike]

I have the original Sonoran Steel 7.1 lift on my 2000 4Runner, that I bought way back in 2005 (holy crap, 21 years ago)! The original kit came with Tokico shocks, which I still have on the rear, but I upgraded to the front to Bilstein 5100s circa 2013. Front coils are Tundra TRD progressives and rear are OME 890s.

I'm guessing suspension has come a long ways in that time, so what's the best riding setup now? If I spent the money for the Dobinsons, would I notice a marked improvement in ride quality over my SS lift? Anything else I should consider? I'm not interested in coilovers that require frequent rebuilding.

Thanks!
Ken

 

[GhostRing]

I have the exact same springs as you on Dobinson's IMS 3rd Gen Fts & outboard 4th Gen Rrs.
No front sway bar, OEM rear with longer links. Coastal bumpers f&r with 10K winch.
285 BFG AT KO3s @ 35-ish PSI on LTD 16" wheels and 1.25" wheel spacers.

The ride is...ok. Firm is a word I would use that doesn't make it seem like it is rough.
I do appreciate the control on road, and slow technical wheeling is very compliant -
but that is also due to many poly bushings, SPC Arms and Johnny Joints.

If I had to do it over, I may have invested in their adjustable shocks.
(I know mine can be revalved, but downtime is a bit of a hassle to me.)
I may just be stupid, but I can't quite tell if I'm over-damped, or over-sprung,
so I would also like to know what their intended springs would do for my ride quality.

Dobinsons strikes me as well thought-out product, but kind of aimed toward
supporting heavier touring rigs and less for our cushier daily drivers.

 

[calimobber]

Ive only had 5100 and now my current kings. The Kings are much smoother feeling and bumps are way less harsh feeling but kings dont come cheap:lmao:

 

[paddlenbike]

Dobinsons strikes me as well thought-out product, but kind of aimed toward
supporting heavier touring rigs and less for our cushier daily drivers.

I appreciate the feedback. My 4Runner is on the lighter side and I'd like something a little softer than what I have but can rally when needed.

 

[fourwd1]

Old Man Emu is known for a moderate (3" or so) lift and great ride and handling.
I've driven friends trucks that have OME suspensions and it's true.

 

[Endlessblockades]

If you don't want the super high-end stuff (understandably), check out Shock Surplus buyers guide or one of the other resellers for a ton of comparison videos covering options from basic to more extreme. There are still a lot of options out there for our platform.

 

[Jungoes]

I installed some KYB gas adjust on my daily driven 4runner and it's been very a smooth ride , not so much with my 245 75 lt tires.. but with the summer 265 75s the ride is really nice. I will switch these out eventually for some bilstiens.

 

[rdruss]

I've had both Bilstein 4600 and now Dobinson IMS on my 4th gen and the IMS definitely give a softer ride. I've run FJ springs with both.

 

[JZiggy]

Dobs revised their IMS valving a couple years back and it softened the ride a good deal. I’ve been happy with mine both on and off road.

 

[paddlenbike]

Dobs revised their IMS valving a couple years back and it softened the ride a good deal. I’ve been happy with mine both on and off road.

That's good to know. Initial reports seemed like they were pretty stiff.

I'm not sure I'm hearing enough to warrant spending time and money upgrading from my Sonoran Steel setup. I'm still open to hearing any further opinions.

 

[phattyduck]

Things got a lot more comfortable when I refreshed all the suspension bushings. Most comfortable would be all new stock bushings - though even stiffer poly all around increased comfort and control. Otherwise, tire choice has a big effect too - but if you want flat resistance off road, you'll be stuck with an off-road focused tire that won't be as comfortable day-to-day.

-Charlie