Suspension question new 4runner vs 3rd Gen 4runner
- Thread starter jayk2k3
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RandyBobandy
New member
Probably has a lot to do with how old these 3rd gens are, I’m sure if you replaced every suspension bushing and body mount with new oem as well as replacing the suspension with new oem parts it would have a similar ride
UnderFire
New member
Surprisingly little has changed between 1996 and today with regards to suspension and chassis design used on the 4Runner. Some models of the newer 4Runner has the active XREAS suspension, which helps a little, but overall if you do a complete overhaul of the now 18+ year old suspension you'd be surprised how well a 3rd gen rides.
I just did the whole front end of my 275k mile 4runner, along with chipping away at the squeaks and rattles developed over the years and cutting down on road and wind noise as much as possible. Makes for a surprisingly smooth, comfortable and quiet daily when you consider that at the end of the day it's a worn out old 4x4.
Seats make a big difference as well. Basically all of the stock 3rd gen seats are completely shot by now, reforming and rebuilding the seats is starting to become more of a common repair and something I definitely recommend if you're trying to make it more drivable. Main complaint I have about my sister's 5th gen limited is actually the seats, they are absolutely terrible.
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I just did the whole front end of my 275k mile 4runner, along with chipping away at the squeaks and rattles developed over the years and cutting down on road and wind noise as much as possible. Makes for a surprisingly smooth, comfortable and quiet daily when you consider that at the end of the day it's a worn out old 4x4.
Seats make a big difference as well. Basically all of the stock 3rd gen seats are completely shot by now, reforming and rebuilding the seats is starting to become more of a common repair and something I definitely recommend if you're trying to make it more drivable. Main complaint I have about my sister's 5th gen limited is actually the seats, they are absolutely terrible.
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Thebeastlives
New member
You can replace your entire 3rd gen suspension as I have done and yes it will ride better but you are not going to ride in a 3rd gen like you do in a 4th or the 5th gen. I will replace my current 5100 shocks with a custom King suspension setup on the 3rd and yes it will definitely ride even better offroad especially when it gets rough on trails and fire roads but my 5th gen already ride incredibly well absorbs hit after hit offroad. Like my can am x3 max which is longer than the 2 seater x3, length of the wheel base helps improve the hwy and offroad ride significantly. My son 4th gen runs the same 5100 setup and aftermarket springs similar to my 5th gen and his ride is very similar to the 5th gen. We can mob at high speeds on rough trails and fire roads and it handles hits after hit just as smooth. I've ridden in long travel 3rd gens and they handle serious rough terrain better but the on the road ride isn't as smooth. In other words I wouldn't worry so much about trying to get your 3rd to match a 5th gen because it won't but update your springs, bushing, and shocks if they are worn can make it the best a 3rd gen can be.
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spartacus
Senior Member
The 5th Gen is a newer vehicle has more sound proofing and heftier but surprisingly similar to the 3rd gen. Good shocks and springs and suspensions bushings go a long way in improving the ride quality. I vé replaced amost all of my bushings with poly bushings and the truck feels a lot tighter. The down side is you can feel road vibrations and drive train more and have to reçoat them with silicone paste once in a while when they start squeaking. I' would'vé liked to have have gone with oem rubber but it was a bit pricey.
