Suspension upgrade w/ KDSS but without a lift?

[jlficken]

I'm waiting for my '22 ORP to come in and was thinking that I'd like to upgrade the suspension a little bit for a better ride and even less nosedive than KDSS provides, however, I really don't want a lift.

I need the factory rake as I tow fairly often and plan on staying with the factory tire size.

At most I think I will put on a RSG Skid Plate:
2014 - 2021 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner Front Skid Plate W/ RSG Attached Lo
– RSG METALWORKS

Would this Bilstein 5100 Kit work? If so would I want to set it at the .85 setting for the added weight of the skid plate?
2010-2021 4Runner 4WD Bilstein 5100 Adjustable Leveling Shock Kit 10204RUN4WD

Does anyone sell a 5100 kit with the springs already installed?

 

[honda250xtitan]

I'm waiting for my '22 ORP to come in and was thinking that I'd like to upgrade the suspension a little bit for a better ride and even less nosedive than KDSS provides, however, I really don't want a lift.

I need the factory rake as I tow fairly often and plan on staying with the factory tire size.

At most I think I will put on a RSG Skid Plate:
2014 - 2021 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner Front Skid Plate W/ RSG Attached Lo
– RSG METALWORKS

Would this Bilstein 5100 Kit work? If so would I want to set it at the .85 setting for the added weight of the skid plate?
2010-2021 4Runner 4WD Bilstein 5100 Adjustable Leveling Shock Kit 10204RUN4WD

Does anyone sell a 5100 kit with the springs already installed?

Wheelers and Offroad Warehouse will sell them pre assembled.

 

[fkheath]

The factory TRD skid plate goes higher, almost to the bottom of the front bumper, than the one you are considering.

I find my stock SR5 has a good ride, certainly better than my Jeep Wrangler. Some say it is a bit wallowey, but that is a big blessing when going off road where there are a lot of rocks and holes. I suggest you try your new ORP off road before you change the suspension. You may find that you like it as I did with my SR5.

 

[jlficken]

Wheelers and Offroad Warehouse will sell them pre assembled.

Thanks! I hadn't stumbled across them in my searches.

 

[jlficken]

The factory TRD skid plate goes higher, almost to the bottom of the front bumper, than the one you are considering.

I find my stock SR5 has a good ride, certainly better than my Jeep Wrangler. Some say it is a bit wallowey, but that is a big blessing when going off road where there are a lot of rocks and holes. I suggest you try your new ORP off road before you change the suspension. You may find that you like it as I did with my SR5.

Yeah I had a '16 SR5 until about 2 weeks ago when I sold it to CarMax for a crazy price. I didn't dislike the ride, however, I didn't care for the nosedive.

I know KDSS is supposed to help with that but I kind of want to try a new basic suspension as well just because. I never did anything to the '16 so I want to tinker just a small bit.

I also just want a skid plate that allows me to change the oil without taking it off.

 

[Sundy]

With a slight lift / upgraded coils (you could look at Dobinsons with a 1" front lift and 0-0.5" rear lift, or similar from someone else), you'll get less squat when towing as the coil rates are higher than the OEM coils.

The 5100's will work just fine, if you're looking for a slight level. Another combo is 5100's and aftermarket coils, but that does void the 5100 warranty.

I've got KDSS with 3" up front, 2.3" in the rear. RSG skid. The skid is great, has room for a diff drop if needed, with minimal clearance loss. I can load 400+ lbs in the rear of the truck and get about 0.5" squat (similar for tongue weight I'd assume). Drivability doesn't change with that weight in the rear.

If you're really towing a lot, I would look at adding airbags for towing needs to minimize squat.

 

[sn_85]

Check out the Eibach Pro Truck lifts. Very similar to Bilstein 5100's and the the stage 1 comes with coils too I think. I've heard good things from them and availability is much better than Bilsteins. You can probably get the Eibachs within a few weeks where the wait time on Bilsteins is probably months.

 

[jlficken]

Check out the Eibach Pro Truck lifts. Very similar to Bilstein 5100's and the the stage 1 comes with coils too I think. I've heard good things from them and availability is much better than Bilsteins. You can probably get the Eibachs within a few weeks where the wait time on Bilsteins is probably months.

I took a look at this kit - PRO-TRUCK LIFT SYSTEM (Stage 1) - TOYOTA 4Runner Base

From what I'm seeing though according to this PDF (https://eibach.com/us/pdf/327952) the lowest lift with the Eibach coils in that kit is 2.75" so wouldn't I actually skip the coils and use the OEM ones instead according to this PDF (https://eibach.com/us/pdf/327954)?

 

[BlueRidge77]

I took a look at this kit - PRO-TRUCK LIFT SYSTEM (Stage 1) - TOYOTA 4Runner Base

From what I'm seeing though according to this PDF (https://eibach.com/us/pdf/327952) the lowest lift with the Eibach coils in that kit is 2.75" so wouldn't I actually skip the coils and use the OEM ones instead according to this PDF (https://eibach.com/us/pdf/327954)?

Based on your original post, drive the new 4Runner for a while before you do anything. KDSS 4Runners definitely have different driving characteristics. They still have nose dive but not quite as bad but they handle better for sure. If nose dive bothers you, a simple shock upgrade is all you need and looks like all you want. The Eibachs I’ve read on some threads indicate they may have a slightly softer ride than the 5100 which may be a good fit for you? I have neither so I don’t know.

Definitely measure your stock hub to fender measurement to see where it’s at. My 16 Trail with KDSS has alway had more rake than most. 2.5” hub to fender difference rear to front. I don’t know if KDSS affects that or not…?

Here is the Eibach front shock only. In stock…

PRO-TRUCK SPORT SHOCK (Ride Height Adjustable Single Front) - TOYOTA 4Runner Base

Rears. Not in stock but you’re waiting anyway…

PRO-TRUCK SPORT SHOCK (Single Rear for Lifted Suspensions 0-1") - TOYOTA 4Runner Base

 

[jlficken]

Based on your original post, drive the new 4Runner for a while before you do anything. KDSS 4Runners definitely have different driving characteristics. They still have nose dive but not quite as bad but they handle better for sure. If nose dive bothers you, a simple shock upgrade is all you need and looks like all you want. The Eibachs I’ve read on some threads indicate they may have a slightly softer ride than the 5100 which may be a good fit for you? I have neither so I don’t know.

Definitely measure your stock hub to fender measurement to see where it’s at. My 16 Trail with KDSS has alway had more rake than most. 2.5” hub to fender difference rear to front. I don’t know if KDSS affects that or not…?

Here is the Eibach front shock only. In stock…

PRO-TRUCK SPORT SHOCK (Ride Height Adjustable Single Front) - TOYOTA 4Runner Base

Rears. Not in stock but you’re waiting anyway…

PRO-TRUCK SPORT SHOCK (Single Rear for Lifted Suspensions 0-1") - TOYOTA 4Runner Base

Good to know...thanks!

 

[jlficken]

Has anyone used these before? I kind of like the idea of being able to adjust for towing and then set it back to normal when not towing.

Falcon Shocks Suspension Lift Kit for 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner - Overview

ETA: Falcon says no KDSS with the above kit just an FYI.