Suspension Packages for Improved Handling

[kinchy]

Considering modifications to the suspension to improve handling. Lots of twisites where we live. Does Toyota or any specific aftermarket/tuner company offer packages? Specifically sway bars, springs, shocks, lowering kits etc?

Not looking to radically change things simply want to improve cornering and road feel. My ride came with Dunlop Grandtreks AT20s..they don't exactly inspire confidence.

I welcome any and all advice regarding my improved handling initiative

Wayne

 

[RedRacer]

Considering modifications to the suspension to improve handling. Lots of twisites where we live. Does Toyota or any specific aftermarket/tuner company offer packages? Specifically sway bars, springs, shocks, lowering kits etc?

Not looking to radically change things simply want to improve cornering and road feel. My ride came with Dunlop Grandtreks AT20s..they don't exactly inspire confidence.

I welcome any and all advice regarding my improved handling initiative

Wayne

Zero replies Has anyone found a way to imporve the on-road handling?

 

[M1911]

I bought my 4Runner for its offroad capability. Onroad handling is not my priority. Lowering the truck would compromise its offroad capability, so that is not something I've looked into.

 

[DaBoostCreep]

I bought my 4Runner for its offroad capability. Onroad handling is not my priority. Lowering the truck would compromise its offroad capability, so that is not something I've looked into.

Yeah this post is useless, but at least it points out how totally useless yours was. Re-re.

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

I would go Addco front and rear sway bars. there a little bit thicker and they also come with poly bushings and as for shocks I would go for the Bilsteins 5100 and keep it factory ride hight. Thats what I'm do to mine anyway hope this helps. I would just use this in Auto X events so I'm sure it'll do what you need:cheers:.

 

[RedRacer]

I would go Addco front and rear sway bars. there a little bit thicker and they also come with poly bushings and as for shocks I would go for the Bilsteins 5100 and keep it factory ride hight. Thats what I'm do to mine anyway hope this helps.

Good to know. Does anyone know exactly what size sway bars a 2006 LTD V8 has?

Are the Bilstein 5100 shocks fine to use at stock ride height or are they only for lifted trucks? Will they definately be firmer than the stock XREAS shocks?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

The following are some thoughts for on-road improvement...

1) Super-cheap and easy is swaybar bushing upgrade. It makes a real difference and it's cheap. Link in my sig. Your V8 has a 30mm front swaybar and a 21mm rear swaybar.
2) IMHO another cheap great upgrade is some used 4wd FJC springs. They are a tiny bit longer and appreciably stiffer than the too soft OE springs. Lift is generally not a good thing when seeking on-road handling gains but the lift is minimal, with a V8 you're looking at .5"/.5" lift.
3) Do you tow the bikes with the T4R? If so a set Airlift 1000 or Firestone bags with separate R&L air fills will help. They'll allow you to level the T4R with tongue weight and when empty they'll help it handle flatter with 10psi or so. They're a hundred bucks for a manual fill setup and work pretty well for the money.
4) To go the next step Addco has a rear swaybar that's a little thicker and a good bit stiffer.
5) Of course some aftermarket shocks would help but not necessary unless you're going for "cost be damned I want the best" kind of upgrades.
6) If you want to go crazy and drop it a bit in search of serious on-road handling a product like this will help Burtman Industries

Mine handles incredibly well. I have non-handling tires and a bit of a spacer lift in the front. Mine feels stable and good in all conditions without being too stiff. I am obviously partial to my budget suspension upgrade. Another member was seeking on-road handling, this is his take on the upgrade: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/360726-post24.html

Let us know how it goes...
:cheers:

 

[audiqtr]

Before modding the suspension, I would first Get Better Tires. You may also decide to go a size wider to increase for surface contact area, which will have a minimum but positive effect on your handling. (But, better rubber is way more important than getting one size up)

Afterwards, you might want to consider adding wheel spacers. Results are debatable since the spacer weight tacks on directly on to the unsprung weight, but it widens your track. You can search on the net to learn about the pros and cons and make your own decision on it. It is not a big investment and there would be plenty of people to buy it from you if you decide against them.

When those two are done, then I would recommend looking into suspension upgrades like sb's, firmer shocks and possible stiffer springs CJ3Flyr suggested.

All this said, not many people decide to go the way you are looking to go, so post up your progress along the way to provide good info for everyone.... good luck

 

[RedRacer]

1) Super-cheap and easy is swaybar bushing upgrade. It makes a real difference and it's cheap. Link in my sig. Your V8 has a 30mm front swaybar and a 21mm rear swaybar.

2) IMHO another cheap great upgrade is some used 4wd FJC springs. they are a tiny bit longer and appreciably stiffer that the too soft OE springs. Lift is generally not a good thing when seeking on-road handling gains but the lift is minimal, with a V8 you're looking at .5"/.5" lift.

4) To go the next step Addco has a rear swaybar that's a little thicker and a good bit stiffer.

5) Of course some aftermarket shocks would help but not necessary unless you're going for "cost be damned I want the best" kind of upgrades.

Thanks for the reply.

The Addco front bar is 28mm and the rear is 22mm. Not much to be gained here

Does anyone know the actual spring rates of the FJ vs V8 4Runner?

Cost isn't my main concern. Are the Bilstein 5100s the best shocks?

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

Good to know. Does anyone know exactly what size sway bars a 2006 LTD V8 has?

Are the Bilstein 5100 shocks fine to use at stock ride height or are they only for lifted trucks? Will they definately be firmer than the stock XREAS shocks?

I was told that the 5100 can be for stock trucks but are adjustable to give a 2 inch lift. umm tires are another big thing but can be expensive. I bought higher speed rated Bridgestones and I love them (I can hug my friends evo in corners) but there around $200-$300 EACH. depends on where you get them and if you got a hook up. also put your truck on a diet. take the tools out, the spare really anything you dont need take it out and it will handle a little bit better.

 

[BROOKLYN]

what will be the better option in general the addico rear bar or the stab. bushing upgrade.
also how come no one talks about the trd shocks as a option.

 

[MikesToy]

Cough up the money and put these Radflo's on.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Thanks for the reply.

The Addco front bar is 28mm and the rear is 22mm. Not much to be gained here

Does anyone know the actual spring rates of the FJ vs V8 4Runner?

Cost isn't my main concern. Are the Bilstein 5100s the best shocks?

Swaybars can be misleading. Alloy and whether the bar is solid or hollow makes a huge difference. I am not not saying the Addcos are the greatest thing ever but I wouldn't write them off until you learn more.

As to the exact spring rate of the FJC coils: I don't know. I've been watching this a while and never found an exact value. Stock ones are 580lb/in for the front and 180lb/in for the rear. OME coils are 590front and 260rear. I know that doesn't help much but based on subjective opinions of the FJC guys I'd say the FJC coils are probably very similar for the front and they split the difference in the rear. The data here was put together by AlexJet. The FJC specs are my contribution. Your stock V8 front springs are 345mm length and the FJC's are about 350mm and thicker.

My thoughts on shocks are it's so easy to go too stiff for DD use. Be careful. Most really like the Bilsteins and there don't seem to be comments about "too stiff".

:cheers:

 

[CJ3Flyr]

what will be the better option in general the addico rear bar or the stab. bushing upgrade. The Addco will have the upgraded bushings with it. The Addco will handle better than stock bars, period. Just the bushing upgrade will get you to the middle: better than stock but not quite Addco. IMHO it comes down to money. The T4R with a bushing upgrade does pretty well. Is it worth to you to go for the that last few % of on-road handling? Only you can decide.
also how come no one talks about the trd shocks as a option. Great point, especially if you find some FJC takeoffs as a complete set. The couple of posts that I recall with people switching to the TRD shocks seemed to be happy stories. Not too stiff but good control...

:thumb3:

 

[aeathb]

First off, I apologize if this is thread jacking. I was wanting the same thing, increased performance, but didn't understand if the polyurethane bushings help so much, why wouldn't Toyota put them on in the first place. Would just bushings actually make a noticeable difference?? Once again, I apologize kinchy.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

First off, I apologize if this is thread jacking. I was wanting the same thing, increased performance, but didn't understand if the polyurethane bushings help so much, why wouldn't Toyota put them on in the first place. Everything in life is a compromise. Poly bushings need periodic greasing to remain squeak free. Also at low speeds the ride will feel a bit more taught especially if one wheel drops off into a hole. Poly bushings cost more. Finally the poly bushings reduce the suspensions willingness to articulate fully in off-road situations. Toyota had their design target established and poly swaybar bushings weren't part of the target. IMHO it's like CAI and aftermarket exhaust, for some OE is the only way to to go and others can't stand driving with a stock intake/exhaust. It boils down to preference. Would just bushings actually make a noticeable difference?? They really do... Is it huge? Does the 4Runner magically transform into a 3series BMW? No. It will handle a little flatter. It'll be appreciably more composed during quick right/left transitions (like during an evasive, swerve, maneuver). I think it's the improvement in the transitions that's most noticeable and makes the upgrade worthwhile. Once again, I apologize kinchy.

:thumb3: and x2 on the hijack thing but this is all relevant stuff

 

[BROOKLYN]

CJ3Flyr when it comes to suspension yor da man. I learned so much shit from
you.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I've got the basics. Blair, Josh, the T120 crowd and others here know the coilover 4th gen stuff really well...

 

[Teqeeler]

Cough up the money and put these Radflo's on.

Little pricey, i think he would be better off with the toytec ultimate lift for much less and still great quality that will improve the ride

 

[BlairB]

Little pricey, i think he would be better off with the toytec ultimate lift for much less and still great quality that will improve the ride

Both are great quality, but are ultimately very different products. Since he doesn't wheel, it does not really matter, but the Rad Flo uses 2.5 diameter shocks, compared to the Toytec 2.0, and the Rad Flo are rebuildable/revalvable, while the Toytec are not. Also, the Rad Flos have been specifically designed for 4Runners, which is always nice.